Although Idaho, the Gem State, is known for its potatoes, it is a ranching state that has some of the best white water in the United States. On the west side of the Continental Divide, Idaho borders Yellowstone National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming and Bitterroot National Forest in Montana. In fact, much of its border with Montana runs along the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains. Idaho also has world-class skiing at Sun Valley, which is the first resort in America designed solely for skiing. Surprisingly, the Columbia River connects Idaho with the Pacific Ocean.

When Lewis and Clark explored Idaho, they found the beautiful terrain awesome, and that terrain is still available to explore today by paddling, hiking, backpacking, or horseback riding. The Sawtooth Mountains with their sharp serrated peaks run up the center of Idaho provide stunning high altitude panoramas in unspoiled wilderness. The Idaho wilderness is exhilarating with its fresh air and swift moving white water along the Snake, Selway, and Salmon Rivers. Idaho is called the Gem State because of the garnet found near Coeur d' Alene.

Because Idaho remains one of the most rugged regions in the country, it is the outdoor vacationer's delight. Its long and beautiful winter season has snowmobiling near Clearwater, Idaho and the Panhandle and Nez Perce National Forests. Trails in these areas are well groomed. Downhill skiing in powder is incredible at Bogus Basin north of Boise, Silver Mountain near Kellogg, and Sun Valley. Helicopters and snow cats can take advanced skiers to isolated, powdery slopes in the Brundage, St. Joe, or Selkirk Mountains for extra challenges when the "black diamonds" are not enough. Being dropped into the powder by a helicopter is a once in a lifetime ski experience. For the outdoor adventurers who prefer to study the scenery, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are a lot of fun in this beautiful State. There are outfitters, who can help the cross-country skiers and snowshoers prepare for overnight treks in the Boulder, Pioneer, Sawtooth, and Teton Mountains. Winding paths and trails throughout the state and national parks for cross-country skiers range from moderate to advanced abilities.

White-water rafting, kayaking, jet boating, and canoeing are available on the 3,100 miles of Idaho's waterways. There are Class III and Class IV rapids on the Salmon River. Jet boats traverse the Snake River through Hells Canyon. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area includes the Snake River Canyon and encompasses two states. Although the canyon floor is desert-like, the rivers that run through the canyon allow a variety of recreational activities, including boating, float trips, backpacking, and rock climbing. It is also rich with wildlife for viewing. Boat tours of Hells Canyon are available at various outfitters. Canoers on the Snake River can visit the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument or watch the wildlife along the river, including mink, eagles, and ospreys. For the water lovers, who want to take it easy, there are float trips on the Boise River. Anglers like fishing on the Clearwater, Salmon, and Snake Rivers. There is no better place to fly-fish than on the Silver Creek near Sun Valley. Visitors to this area, who love fly-fishing, should read The River Runs Through It or some of Ernest Hemingway's writing.

Mountain bikers enjoy peddling along the ridgelines of the Bitterroot, Cougar, and Salmon. Backpacking, hiking, and climbing expeditions can be exciting in any of the state parks and national forests where there are many camping sites available. The Sun Valley, Yellowstone, and Sawtooth Mountain regions welcome horseback riders for trail riding and camping.

Recreational gaming is available in Lewiston at the Clearwater River Casino and Coeur d' Alene Casino in Worley.

Boise, the City of Trees, founded by French-Canadian trappers has a downtown wildlife sanctuary and the Discovery Center of Idaho, which is a family-oriented, hands-on science museum. It also hosts the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

Coeur d' Alene is in northern Idaho and named after the Native Americans that were in that area. Coeur d' Alene is often called the "Lake City" and is a popular summer resort for adventurers who enjoy boating, houseboating, sailing, parasailing, waterskiing, and fishing. Coeur d' Alene has public beaches, parks, and docks for everyone to enjoy. General William Tecumseh Sherman established a post in this region and visitors can explore the Fort Sherman Museum to learn about the history of the area.

Lava Hot Springs has mineral springs that boil out of the rocks along the Portneuf River. This area is popular for visitors seeking the restorative health effects of the hot springs in addition to hiking, bicycling, tubing, and swimming.

Lewiston is at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers and a campsite of Lewis and Clark. The community of Lewiston celebrates its founding in an annual festival. Because the weather is spectacular, Lewiston offers the visitor year-round golfing.

Pocatello was originally part of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and is named after a 19th Century chief. The community is known for industry, trade, distribution, transportation, education, and commerce. While in Pocatello visitors should see the three-story Union Pacific Depot, Idaho Museum of Natural History, aquatic park, Banncock county Historical Museum, Fort Hall Replica, and Pocatello Zoo.

Visitors to Idaho should plan side trips to Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Glacier National Park.