XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Areas

• Cascade Ranger District and Office

  The Cascade Ranger District is the northern most District on the Boise National Forest.  Encompassing over 400,000 acres, the District offers a diverse resource management program including:  Recreation, Wildlife, Fisheries, Timber, Range and Watershed.

   

  The small town of Cascade is nestled in the mountains of central Idaho approximately 75 miles north of Boise on Idaho State Highway 55. It is located in Long Valley between the North Fork of the Payette River (known for its world-class kayaking) and Cascade Lake and the South Fork Salmon River (two of the top fisheries in Idaho).  The Cascade Ranger District offers year-round outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for everyone. 

   

  The Cascade District is also a great jumping off point for the western portions of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Access the main stem of Pistol Creek inside the Wilderness via Snowshoe Summit. Take NFS road 447 from Landmark, then take NFS road 447E to Snowshoe Summit to the Wilderness boundary.

   

   

  SPRING AND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS  might include fishing along Cascade Lake or swimming at Warm Lake, riding motorcycles or ATVs, hiking on one of the many trails or maybe camping at the beautiful Shore Line Campground. 

   

  Make all your reservations at: www.recreation.gov.

   

  WINTER RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS  -  Check out the updated Idaho Parks and Recreation website!

  Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Activities:  Snowmobiling   Rent a Yurt! 

  For more information on passport renewal, registrations, regulations and permits for winter recreation visit: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

   

  Winter Snowmobile Maps:

  Boise Winter Travel Map - (no longer available in print.)

  Specific Areas for Snowmobiling in Southern Idaho

   

  Cascade Ranger District
  Highway 55
  P.O.Box 696
  Cascade, ID 83611
  (208) 382-7400  

  Office hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

  District Ranger: Jake Strohmeyer

   

  Click on the SHOW ICON below the map to view more information about Cascade RD recreation ACTIVITIES.

• Emmett Ranger District and Office

  The Emmett Ranger District encompasses 350,000 acres of National Forest. The District manages more than 150 camping units in 21 developed campgrounds. There are additional dispersed camping opportunities across the District and some of these even include a few facilities such as toilets and ramps. There are three cabins that are available for rental, with one cabin available throughout the year.

  There are also many hot springs across the district, and five of these are found near our trails and campgrounds. There are over 150 miles of trails to meet needs for motorized and non-motorized use. All campers please remember that there is a 14 day limit for camping at the same campsite, or within a 5-mile radius of the same campsite in any undeveloped area or developed campground during any 28-day period.

   

  SPRING AND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS:  might include fishing along the Middle Fork Payette River. Riding motorcycles or ATVs and hiking on one of the many trails are all fun activities while camping at the Silver Creek Campground.

   

  Please call the District if you need further information:  208-365-7000

  Make your reservations at: www.recreation.gov

   

  Find out more about the Payette River System Passes. 

  The $3 standard amenity fees begin, the gates are opened and restrooms are available.

   

  WINTER RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS  -  Check out the updated Idaho Parks and Recreation website!

  Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Activities:  Snowmobiling   Nordic skiing   Rent a Yurt! 

  Click and print the Garden Valley Area 8B Snowmachine Grooming map.

   

  Emmett Ranger District
  1857 Highway 16, Suite A
  Emmett, ID 83617
  (208) 365-7000

  Office hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

  District Ranger:  vacant

  More information about the Emmett Ranger District.

   

  Click on the SHOW ICON below the map to view more information about Emmett RD recreation ACTIVITIES.

• Idaho City Ranger District and Office

  The Idaho City Ranger District (RD) is just over 400,000 acres in size, ranging from open foothills along the Payette River on the western border of the District to the beautiful and famous Sawtooth Mountains on the eastern portion.

  Elevations range from 3200 to 8800 feet. The climate is generally dry with plentiful sunshine year around. Annual precipitation in Idaho City is approximately 15 inches, with most of it occurring as snowfall.

  Winter temperatures range from a high of 35-40 degrees F, to lows just above zero and summer temperatures range from a high of 80’s to the upper 90’s, to lows in the 40’s.

  The District receives high visibility due to its close proximity to Boise, the capitol city of Idaho.  Several beautiful pristine rivers flow through the District offering some of the best strongholds of bull trout habitat in South West Idaho.

  Trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and motorized activities are abundant and provide for numerous opportunities in the mild season. With relatively heavy snows and long winters, the District is a destination for many cross country skiers and snowmobilers with abundant ski and snowmobile trails.

   

   

  SPRING AND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS - Visit the historic town of Idaho City.  The District features many great trails for hiking and fishing. The Crooked River trail is a favorite for scenic beauty. A rental cabin is a geat choice providing some of the conforts of home and great adventures in every direction outside the front door.

  Idaho City gates on roads normally open June 15 and close September 15.

  Please call the District for updates. (208-392-6681)  

  Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov

   

  WINTER RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS  -  Check out the updated Idaho Parks and Recreation website!

   

  Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Activities:  Snowmobiling   Nordic skiing   Rent a Yurt! 

  For more information on passport renewal, registrations, regulations and permits for winter recreation visit: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

    

   

  Idaho City RD - Map of Park N' Ski Areas 

  Snowmobiling in Southern Idaho

  More information about areas to cross-country ski and snowshoe near Idaho City.

   

  Idaho City Ranger District
  Highway 21, milepost 38.5
  P.O.Box 129
  Idaho City, ID 83631
  (208) 392-6681

  Office hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

  District Ranger: Brant Petersen

   

  Click on the SHOW ICON below the map to view more information about the Idaho City RD recreation ACTIVITIES.

• Beaver Creek Rental Cabin
• Edna Creek Campground - reserve
• Whoop Um Up Equestrian Campground
• Whoop Um Up Park N' Ski
• Lowman Ranger District and Office

  Visit the Lowman Ranger District and explore the Deadwood Reservoir or Bear Valley for camping and fishing fun. The scenic drive from Boise along the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway can be accessed at Banks along Idaho State Highway 55. 

  The route offers many opportunities to view wildlife especially in the winter months. Temperatures in the summer on the District range into the upper 90s, and are generally dry.

  There are many recreation opportunities in the area ranging from roadside hot springs to backcountry travel and white water kayaking. Winter activities include a visit to the hot springs, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter wildlife viewing.

   

   

  SPRING AND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS  will always include a trip to Deadwood reservoir.  The reservoir has great fishing, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails and day hikes to explore. Visit the beautiful Bull Trout Lake where you will find every type of summer recreation fun.  The kids will love catching a a trout for dinner from the Lowman Nature Ponds!

   

  FALL CAMPGROUND CLOSURES

  Deadwood area campgrounds are normally closed in late September. Toilets at Bull Trout Campground are locked in fall.

  Remaining campground out-houses are open, but without amenities or trash disposal. Please bring your own water. Gates remain open until snow fall.

  Please call the District if you have further questions.  (208-259-3361)

  Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov.

   

   

  WINTER RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS  -  Check out the updated Idaho Parks and Recreation website!

  Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Activities:  Snowmobiling   Nordic skiing   Rent a Yurt! 

  For more information on passport renewal, registrations, regulations and permits for winter recreation visit: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

  Specific Areas for Snowmobiling in Southern Idaho

   

   

   

   

  Lowman Ranger District

  7359 Highway 21

  Lowman, ID 83637

  (208) 259-3361

  Office hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

  District Ranger: vacant

   

  Click on the SHOW ICON below the map to view more information about the Lowman RD recreation ACTIVITIES.

• Bull Trout Lake Campground & Group sites - reserve
• Elk Creek Guard Station - Rental Cabins
• Warm Springs Guard Station - Rental Cabin
• Mountain Home Ranger District and Office

  The Mountain Home Ranger District is the southern most district on the Boise National Forest and about 650,000 acres in size.  It is located in close proximity to Boise, Idaho and includes administration of Capitol City front range lands.

  The District has a robust program of work that covers vegetation management, recreation, range, wildlife, fisheries, watershed, fire and fuels, noxious weeds, minerals, and special uses.  There are about 20 permanent employees and typically hires additional seasonal employees. 

  The scenery is very diverse and mountainous and transitions from desert at the lower elevations, through ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forests, to high alpine (9700 feet).

   

   

  SPRING AND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS might include fishing in one of the 20 plus lakes or 4 major reserviors!

  Ridge To Rivers organization - Includes great information about great hiking and bike riding.

  Idaho Department of  Fish and Game - guides and liscenses.

  The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation - has "new" maps that will help you find your favorite trail for motorized and non-motorized!

   

   

  Most campgrounds are scheduled to close in September and re-open in May.  Check with District for updates.  Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov.

  Reminder:  The Trinity Recreation Area normally opens in mid-July.  Call the District for updates.  (208-587-7961)

   

   

  WINTER RECREATION HIGHLIGHTS  -  Check out the updated Idaho Parks and Recreation website!

  Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Activities:  Snowmobiling   Nordic skiing   Rent a Yurt! 

  For more information on passport renewal, registrations, regulations and permits for winter recreation visit: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

  Mountain Home Snowmobiling Map.

  Specific Areas in Southern Idaho for Snowmobiling.

  Major Storage Reservior Water Levels in Boise and Payette River Basins

  Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramp Elevations

   

   

  Mountain Home Ranger District
  3080 Industrial Way
  Mountain Home, ID 83647
  (208) 587-7961

  Office hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

  District Ranger:  Stephaney Kerley

   

  Click on the SHOW ICON below the map to view more information about Mountain Home RD recreation ACTIVITIES.

• Shafer Butte Campground and Group sites - reserve