Idaho State Parks

Anderson Ranch is a well-known water-skiing recreation destination. With several lush campgrounds and boat launches, this reservoir is also popular among fishermen looking to catch kokanee (Sockeye’s freshwater cousin), trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The dam also provides hydroelectric power and irrigation water to local farms.

This beautiful reservoir and dam are located just thirty minutes north east of Boise. The 18-mile-long narrow canyon has over 60 miles of shoreline. Travelers willing to brave the winding gravel road will enjoy canoeing, boating, fishing, and windsurfing. The surrounding land is part of Boise’s nearest national forest and was created nearly 100 years ago.

During the summer months, residents and visitors grab their rafts and tubes, and jump in at Barber Park to enjoy one of the state’s most idyllic stretches of water. Perfect for nature lovers hoping to spot bald eagles and deer, this river is also popular with fishermen looking for trout or steelhead. The Boise River later joins Snake River at the Oregon border.

Named after a former Idaho Power Company President, this reservoir and dam is one of the state’s most family-friendly fishing and camping locations. The varied fishing opportunities make it a popular destination for both boat and bank anglers year-round. The Bruneau Arm is also a popular winter ice fishing destination.

A former penitentiary farm, this land was developed as a State Park in 1983. Bordered by the North and South channels of the Boise River, this popular summer destination covers 545 acres, with several grassy picnic areas, disc golf, a zip line, and hiking, biking, and horse trails. Water lovers can choose between the waterslide or the swimming beach.

One of the largest bodies of water in Idaho, Lake Cascade is an all-season destination for fisherman. The lake is wind-strewn most afternoons, which draws sailboats and windsurfers to its waters, and multiple campsites offer several seasonal opportunities for biking, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more.

This State Park offers three distinct locations to visitors, all just a short drive or bike ride from central Boise. Dog-friendly Discovery Park is perfect for fishing, canoeing, or a picnic. Sandy Point welcomes families with a swimming beach, volleyball courts, and grassy, shaded areas. And boaters looking for a day on the water head to Spring Shores Marina.

At its deepest point, this picturesque glacial lake in McCall is nearly 400 feet deep. Locals and tourists visit to hike the pristine mountains and take in the spectacular natural scenery. Boating, swimming, and fishing are popular in the summer, and history buffs remember to be on the lookout for Sharlie, the lake’s “Loch Ness” monster, first spied in 1920.

Located in the Sawtooth Valley, Redfish Lake was named for the tens of thousands of Sockeye salmon that historically made the arduous annual trek back to their spawning grounds. One year, after dams made the trek nearly impossible by 1991, a single Sockeye made it back to Redfish Lake, and was dubbed “Lonesome Larry.”

Another creation from sculptor Frederick George Richard Roth, this playful depiction of Mother Goose has been a park favorite since 1938. The statue shows the magical witch sitting astride a magical goose, with her long cape blowing majestically into the imaginary New York wind. Other children classics like Humpty Dumpty, Little Jack Horner, Old King Cole, and Mary and her little lamb can also be found in the park.

A five-hour drive northeast from Boise, “The River of No Return” is the longest river system contained within a single U.S. state. From white-knuckle adventures on rollercoaster rapids, to swimming in tranquil waters on white sand beaches, the Salmon River offers both a playground and a learning ground for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Best viewed in the spring when water levels are at their highest, this tumbling waterfall on the Snake River rushes over a horseshoe-shaped cliff. It was formed some 14,000 years ago due to catastrophic flooding during the Pleistocene ice age. The Shoshone Falls’ 212-foot drop has earned it the nickname “Niagara of the West.”

This natural wonder winds its way through three states before joining with the mighty Columbia River. It used to produce nearly half of all spring chinook salmon, but natural and man-made elements have caused dramatic declines in those populations. The Snake River Canyon is also the location of a famous failed jump by Evel Knievel in 1974.

Sitting on the shore of Lucky Peak Lake, less than 20 miles southeast of Boise, Spring Shores is a haven for boaters. Everything you need for a day on the water is at the marina, including parking, fuel, and supplies. And if you don’t have your own boat, you can rent one while there. Don’t forget to bring your dog, as this is a Fido-friendly location.

This state park is actually a combination of several others that have been gathered under a single entity. Along with the traditional activities found in parks that celebrate and observe nature, Thousand Springs holds a rich, geologic history that warrants exploration. Known as a wildlife haven, the various springs and pools are clean, pure, and relaxing.