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 any reservations at www.recreation.gov.

  ​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

• 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.

  Learn more about this distict by reading Discover the rich history of the Emmett Ranger District.

  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 at 208-365-7000.

  Make your reservations (including Payette River System Passes) at www.recreation.gov. 

  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

• 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.

  Make any reservations at www.recreation.gov.

  Idaho City Ranger District
  Highway 21, milepost 38.5
  P.O.Box 129
  Idaho City, ID 83631
  208-392-3700

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

• Beaver Creek Rental Cabin
• Edna Creek Campground
• Whoop Um Up Campground (Equestrian)
• 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 at 208-259-3361.

  Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov.

  Lowman Ranger District
  7359 Highway 21
  Lowman, ID 83637
  208-259-3361

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

• Bull Trout Lake Campground & Group sites
• 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 reservior

  Most campgrounds are scheduled to close in September and re-open in May.  Reminder:  The Trinity Recreation Area normally opens in mid-July. Check with district for updates. 

  Make your reservations at www.recreation.gov.

  Winter map for snowmobiling - Mountain Home Snowmobiling Map.

  Videos

  • Arrowrock Dam: A Century of Service 1915-2015 (YouTube - 15min.)

  • Arrowrock Dam: A Guided Tour (YouTube - 8 min.)

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

  Office Hours
  9:00 am - 3:00 p.m. - Monday, Wednesday, Friday
  9:00 am - 4:00 p.m. - Tuesday, Thursday
  Closed on weekends and federal holidays. 

  Due to limited staffing please call ahead to ensure someone is available to help: 208-587-7961.

• Shafer Butte Campground and Group sites