Fun In The Great Outdoors

Thrills From Gills to Hills

After months on end of being confined in your home and staying indoors, a break outside will spark that enthusiasm you’ve been missing. The smell of fresh air and seeing wide-open wilderness is a perfect recipe for creating lasting memories. There are non-stop activities for those adventurous spirits or relaxing day trips for anyone looking for a more easy-going pace. Whatever vacation you’re looking for, Southeast Idaho welcomes you to a back-country paradise!

Willow Bay Resort Pontoon Boat on American Falls Reservoir

Don't Miss the Boat

Nothing is more serene than a day on the lake. Whether you’re an avid boater or just like to hang loose around the water, Southeast Idaho has some beautiful locations for your next boating trip. Bear Lake is one of the region’s most well-known spots for water sports. The stunning, 120 square miles of turquoise waters keeps boaters coming back every year. Skippers bring your sail boats and practice using your sea legs.

For some beach fun, visit Willow Bay Recreation Area located right on the American Falls Reservoir. Extensive, sandy beaches make this a hot spot for families as the area can be used for fun water games. The American Falls Reservoir is a massive body of water which makes it ideal for water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.

Don’t forget other boating sites like Jensen’s Grove in Blackfoot and Cedar Bay on the Blackfoot Reservoir. Check IdahoHighCountry. org for information on boat ramps and locations. Lather on the sunscreen and take your family or friends to a boating destination in Southeast Idaho!

Paddleboarding on Bear Lake

Go with the Flow

Cool off from the hot summer sun with an activity that will take your breath away. Paddle boarding is quickly becoming a go-to lake or river activity in the region. There are several locations in Southeast Idaho for Paddleboard rentals for your entire group.

While you’re here, visit the world-famous tubing river in Lava! Dubbed as the “best tubing river in the USA,” this river will get your heart racing! It has multiple quick, rapid-filled stretches and even drops. The river is great for a half or whole-day excursion as the river can be floated once or twice per hour. Tube rentals are available on location.

Or take a chance and try something you’ve never done before like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Large bodies of water like Bear Lake are perfect places for beginners. There’s a whole variety of water equipment for rent at Bear Lake including SUPs, kayaks and Jet Skis. Race around the sparkling waters and see the beautiful turquoise lake at high speeds.

American Falls Reservoir

Gone Fishing

Hardly anything is as calming and stress relieving as a great fishing trip, and Southeast Idaho’s beautiful waters and fish species will make you want to revisit again and again. Public bodies of water are great for easy access and good times with friends.

Chesterfield and Daniels Reservoirs have fantastic fishing holes with rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Lamont Reservoir has bluegill, pumpkinseed, sunfish, largemouth bass, and more! For fishing right by your campsite, Twin Lakes Reservoir is the local’s choice. Located only 15 miles northwest of Preston, take your tent or RV and fish during the day and relax during the night.

If you’re looking for bigger bodies of water to take a boat out, American Falls Reservoir, Alexander Reservoir or Bear Lake are the recommended areas. Southeast Idaho has some exceptional rivers for serious fishers. The Portneuf river has brown trout, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout. The Blackfoot River is a 130-mile sizable, flowing river and is an appreciable setting for fly fishing as its many miles help keep the fly fishing pressure down. The Blackfoot River has both brown and rainbow trout. With numerous sites available year-round, Southeast Idaho is a fishing haven!

Hot on the Trail

Nothing feels more exhilarating than goosing it and power sliding across a good trail. There are over 1,000 miles of scenic trails to choose from in Southeast Idaho for four-wheeling, dirt biking, and razor rides.

Begin your ATV journey on Green Canyon found in St. Charles by Bear Lake. Next, take your ride through striking Caribou Forrest at Toponce Trailhead, located in Bancroft between Grace and Pocatello. Ride through the deep mountains and steep hills for a secluded lunch or dinner in the great outdoors! If Toponce isn’t long enough of a ride, Lago Trailhead is right around the corner.

For an exhilarating ride, try the Caribou Loop Trail. With 200 miles of unforgettable terrain stretching from Southeast Idaho over to Wyoming, this trail has five trailheads and terrain for all types of riders. Also be sure to stop at Albert Moser! This campground is located on the banks of the Cub River, about nine miles from Preston. The site’s cottonwood tree lined river and bright colored trails give riders not only a thrilling outing, but great turn offs for selfies and landscape photos.

With vibrant green woods in Spring and Summer and earthy autumn colors during Fall, Southeast Idaho has all the rides you’ve been dreaming of. Reminder, all non-residents must have a registration sticker for any off-road vehicle.

City Creek Trail System

Change Gears

In this part of the country, we know how to combine fun with a good exercise. No matter your reason for mountain biking, Southeast Idaho has the trails to fit your riding style.

Bloomington Canyon is located right outside of Paris, Idaho, and is a moderately difficult ride for intermediate riders. The trail is nine miles in each direction and at the top is Bloomington Lake, a glacier-fed mountain lake surrounded by limestone cliffs.

For a spectacular ride through Idaho high country, visit Trail Canyon. It features 4.1 miles of lightly trafficked trail and 380 feet of elevation gain. This beautiful trail is great for beginner to intermediate riders with photo opportunities always close by. For trails right by the city, go to Pocatello’s City Creek Trail System where you can find 52 miles of single-track trails suitable for all skill levels. Beginners can warm up on Rim trail, Bench, and Bail to get a taste of the terrain. Other great mountain biking trails include Diamond Creek near Bear Lake and Two-mile Trail in Malad.

Caribou-Targhee National Forest

The Trail Less Traveled

Pack a lunch, fill your water bottle, and grab your day pack! Southeast Idaho’s hiking trails are some of the best in the entire country. With fun trails and beautiful views, a good time is only a trailhead away.

Make sure to include a hike on Lava’s Centennial Trail during your vacation through Southeast Idaho. Hike up to the old Molybdenum Mine or to the landmark “L” on the side of the mountain. This trail is 2.2 miles with opportunities of seeing Idaho wildlife. Don’t forget to take pictures!

Scout Mountain Nature Trail is located in Pocatello and is a delightful trip for families. It’s a 0.7-mile looped trail so an easy pace makes picture taking and off-trail exploring stress free. Also check out Willow Bay’s Nature Trail for idyllic walks along the American Falls Reservoir or Caribou Mountain in Soda Springs with deep forest wilderness. For a hike with stunning scenery, plan your next trip in nationally acclaimed Southeast Idaho forests and mountains.

Southeast Idaho is an outdoor recreational playground all year round. With choices in water activities and trails for mountain biking, hiking, and ATV rides, there’s something for everyone’s agenda. Your outdoor cravings won’t be satisfied with only one trip!

Whether by Land or Sea, Information on Trails, Maps, Fishing, Licenses and Rentals Can Be Found on IdahoHighCountry.org

FORE! Tee Up at These Beautiful Area Golf Courses

American Falls Golf Course

Bear Lake West

Blackfoot Golf Course

Caribou Highlands Golf Course, Grace

Hazard Creek Golf Course, Aberdeen

Highland Golf Course, Pocatello

Journey’s End Golf Course, Shelley

Juniper Hills Country Club, Pocatello

Lava Hot Springs Golf Course

Montpelier Golf Course

Oregon Trail Golf Course, Soda Springs

Preston Golf & Country Club

Riverside Golf Course, Pocatello

IdahoHighCountry.org/cat/golf