Best Places for Fall Foliage

Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho As summer gives way to crisp autumn air, Idaho landscapes slowly transform into breathtaking masterpieces of vibrant colors. From forests cut through by rivers to serene lakeshores, this list promises stunning vistas of fall foliage at both day trip and weekend trip distances from Boise!   Eagle Island State Park Located in Eagle, this state park has 545 acres of space around the Boise River. This park contains plenty of mature trees and native shrubs that boast stunning fall colors as temperatures change. Over 5 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails are available for park goers. There is also a disc golf course and a zipline course! Admission is $7 per car.  Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho   Three Island Crossing State Park (Glenns Ferry) An hour's drive from Boise sits this gorgeous and historic state park. Plenty of deciduous trees and shrubs are located here, making this trip worth the time for fall foliage. This site is where 19th-century Oregon trail pioneers crossed the Snake River, and you can learn more about these brave pioneers, early settlers, and Native Americans at the Oregon Trail History and Education Center within the park. Self-guided tours are offered and you can expect a parking fee.  Photo courtesy of Three Island Crossing State Park on Facebook   Ponderosa State Park (McCall) Located two hours outside of Boise in McCall, Ponderosa State Park features trees exploding in fall colors alongside Payette Lake. These views are unbeatable, and this park offers plenty of opportunities to soak it in with hiking, biking, and horseback trails. Overnight accommodations are offered within this park, including campsites and deluxe lakeside cabins. Head to this state park for the weekend or even just the day to experience this beautiful fall foliage! Photo courtesy of Unsplash   Payette River Scenic Byway This route begins in Eagle and follows the Payette River as it winds through the Boise and Payette National Forests. These forests are full of trees changing color alongside the river, giving your car a front-row seat to this stunning display of nature. This byway ends up in McCall, so combine it with Ponderosa State Park for an amazing fall road trip. Photo courtesy of Unsplash   Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway This byway follows the South Fork of the Payette River from Banks to Lowman and eventually meets up with the Payette River Scenic Byway. The Payette River is favored by outdoor enthusiasts for its world-class rafting, so stop at a pull-out and watch the kayakers and rafters battle the white water. The fall foliage on this route is remarkable and a must-see! Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho

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5 Events in Boise & Beyond - September 20th - 22nd

Photo credit to payettebrewing.com   5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Payette Brewing Oktoberfest Where: 733 S Pioneer Street When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Boise Scottish Heritage Festival Where: Expo Idaho When: Friday & Saturday Time: Times Vary  EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Sip Idaho Boise 2024 Where: Riverside Hotel When: Saturday & Sunday Time: Times Vary  EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Potato Days Where: Kleiner Memorial Park When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Idaho Gourd Festival Where: Franz Witte Garden Center When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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How to Float the Boise River

One of Boise’s signature attractions is the Boise River, a 102-mile long tributary of the Snake River stemming from the Sawtooth Range to the Snake River Plain. It meanders right through the middle of the city, and is flanked by paved pathways for both pedestrians and cyclists. This Boise icon provides a variety of recreational activities for locals and visitors alike, from fly fishing, bird watching, and floating/rafting/kayaking. Floating season officially begins in June, when water levels are lower after the Spring runoff.   Where to Start: The put-in for the infamous Boise River float starts at Barber Park, located in SE Boise off of Eckert Road (about 6 miles from downtown). Parking is available at the park itself, but is limited and costs $7/day. We recommend parking at the take-out point at Ann Morrison Park and taking the shuttle ($3/ride) to Barber Park to start. You can park at Barber Park, and take the shuttle back from Ann Morrison Park. The shuttle runs during operational hours for the park (9:30 am - 7:30 pm). More information about rentals can be found here. What to Bring: Safety takes priority when selecting the right equipment to float the river. Folks can rent equipment right at Barber Park or bring it pre-inflated from home (air stations are no longer available at the park). Approved vessels include tubes, inflatable and hard-shell rafts and kayaks, and canoes. Air mattresses or pool floaties are not permitted per code. Sound-producing device (i.e. a whistle, bell, or horn) for emergency use Sunscreen (and bring plenty!) Water Waterproof case to store personal items Appropriate clothing for water activities including water shoes and hats Personal flotation device (i.e. lifejacket). Children 14 years of age and younger are required to wear a lifejacket. Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted on the Boise River. Learn more about floating safety here. What to Expect: Experience Boise from a unique perspective as you traverse nearly 6 miles of winding river right through the heart of the city. Expect to spend 2-3 hours floating from start to finish. The water will be cold, but is so refreshing on a hot summer day. The river has various levels of flow, allowing for exciting splashes from small rapids and calm swimming opportunities. Just like any rustic river, there are hazards to watch out for including fallen trees, rock outcroppings, and outstretched limbs. All are fairly easy to navigate around when you stay aware of your surroundings. If you fall in, don’t panic! Keep your feet downriver while on your back, and use your arms to steer you to the edge. The Greenbelt DOTS system helps people find their location along the Greenbelt should they need to notify emergency services or a friend. There are white painted dots with a number in them every tenth of a mile on the paved Greenbelt.  Floating the Boise River is a treasured pass-time during the warmer months of the year. Many neighborhoods in Boise have close access to the river, including popular areas in East Boise like River Run, Harris Ranch, and Barber Valley. Search East Boise listings here.

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