March - April 2024 Boise County Guide

Welcome

To Spring in Boise County, the gateway to an authentic Central Idaho Mountains adventure. The grass is greening up and beckoning the wildlife from the surrounding mountains. A true delight for those that venture along the roads, trails and waterways within the County.

WILDLIFE VIEWING

Wildlife is abundant for viewing this time of year. Deer and elk will remain in the area into April when grasses begin growing and will begin migrating back to higher elevations as the snowline recedes. Late afternoon hours are best times for visitors to view wildlife; however, many will be visible at any hour. Male (buck) deer will have shed their antlers by this time of year. Male (bull) elk may still have their antlers, as they generally lose them in late March.

SIGHTSEEING

Eagles may also be spotted by wildlife enthusiasts. According to a survey by the Census Bureau for the Fish and wildlife Service, more than 51 million Americans are bird watchers. The pastime is considered one of the fastest growing hobbies in the country. The Bald Eagle population in County is centered along the Payette River system where they feed on whitefish in the river and on winter kill big game animals.

By travelling on three designated scenic byways, you can make a loop trip. From Boise, take Highway 55 to Lowman (be sure and stop in Garden Valley/Crouch). Then go west on Highway 21 through historic Idaho City. The loop is 120 miles.

Cover Photo Courtesy Double J&D Historic Hot Spring Ranch.

Dine with us, recreate, or stay awhile at one of the many spectacular accommodations. Shop for locally crafted items. Celebrate the coming Spring Season and our pioneer past. The area’s mountains, river canyons and small towns are ideal destinations for outdoor activities from soft adventures to rugged expeditions.

Low snowpack this spring should provide outstanding early golfing opportunities at Garden Valley’s Terrace Lakes Resort.

HOT SPRINGS

Early spring is the perfect time to enjoy one of several unimproved hot springs that dot the area. The local merchants, USFS Ranger Station, and the local Chamber of Commerces can provide more information. Additionally, there are several improved resort hot springs facilities, including The Springs, Terrace Lakes and Silver Creek Plunge.

Idaho City

$500 Habanero Sponsors

$250 Serrano Sponsors

Brad has generously donated a $500 gift Certificate to the Silent Auction at the Idaho City Chili Cook Off for a mobile tire Service Purchase Order, that you can bid on March 2nd!

Strike it Rich in Idaho City!

Where fascinating history and top-notch recreation come together

Relive the golden days of yesteryear, and make memories for today.

In the heart of the picturesque Boise Basin lies Idaho City, a living testimony to the indomitable spirit of the American West.

Once a rip-roaring mining camp, Idaho City was the center of the richest gold strikes in North America during the 1860s; for a time, it was even the largest city in the Northwest. Though the gold eventually gave out and the population shrank, Idaho City refused to die. Today you can still see much of what made this once bustling, brawling mining town famous as the “Queen of the Gold Camps.”

Additionally, you’ll be able to relish in the opportunity to engage in a variety of recreational activities in the great Idaho outdoors; Boise National Forest is our backyard and offers four seasons of top-notch activities.

Getting There

Idaho City

Idaho City is easily accessible via Highway 21, just 45 minutes from Boise. Highway 21 is also part of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, which runs from Boise to Stanley, winding through the dense forests of pine, across high mountain valleys and along portions of the Boise River, Lucky Peak, Mores Creek and the South Fork of the Payette River.

Another scenic route to take back to Boise is to head west from Idaho City to Placerville, and check out the charming town square. From there, head 17 miles east to Horseshoe Bend and back into Boise. Or for a real road trip, continue through Lowman, Stanley and SunValley before you head back to I-84.

Area Attractions

• Quaint Boardwalk Shops, Restaurants & Saloons

• Boise Basin Museum & Historic Village

• Pioneer Cemetery (tour books available)

• The Springs Hot Springs Retreat

• Steamboat Gulch Snow Sledding (seasonal)

• Annual Events such as Chili Cook Off, Idaho City Days, Gold Dust Rodeo and many more!

Idaho City

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4

New Units

a 6 acre gathering ranch. The Bunkhouse uniquely features 6 Queen beds, within the Barn, for a family style stay.

The Cowboy House is a studio style cabin that features one queen bed and one futon, full bath

STIRLING SUITES

OUTLAWS HIDEAWAY

Where rustic and luxury combine together to provide an extremely cozy and romantic setting. Suite features a private uniquely furnished room with a queen size bed and a beautiful soaking clawfoot tub and a stand-alone shower. 2 private sitting decks, BBQ to include a firepit and private hot tub filled with ROCKS Natural Spring Water are available to enjoy while outdoors.

REBELS RENDEVOUS

AUDETTE MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES L.P. 208-331-7929

www.mtn-property.com

Floyd@mtn-property.com

PROPERTIES AVAILABLE AS OF FEBRUARY 2024

10% of Purchase Price Down. Payments at 1% of purchase price/month. 10% simple interest.

BOISE COUNTY

BOISE-HOLCOMB SUB: Clear Creek area. Covenants.

BH 2 Lot 20 1.16 AC $200K.

Septic, Well, Power, Phone.

HIGH COUNTRY ESTATES:

Robie Creek area. Hwy 21. No Covenants. Cell phone coverage.

Lot 2 5.74 AC $225K. Power.

Lot 9 1.31 AC $225K. Septic, Well, Power, Phone.

CASTLE MTN CREEKS: Garden

Valley. Near Terrace Lakes Golf Course. Timbered. Geothermal. Community Water. Covenants.

Unit 3 Blk 5 Lots 32&35 2.12 AC $100K.

ADAMS COUNTY

MIDDLE FORK WEISER RIVER:

Approx 3.5 mi east of Hwy 95Middle Fork Weiser Rd. 20 mi. from Tamarack. 1/2 mi of timbered creek frontage. Many building sites w/ 360 views of West & Cuddy Mtns. Borders State & Federal lands. Cell phone coverage.

Lot 1 27.13 AC $149K.

Lot 2 58.84 AC $199K.

Lot 3 116.37 AC $275K

Lot 4 291.56 AC $499 K

Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend was originally settled as a gold miners’ staging area, as prospectors waited along the river for snows to thaw at the higher elevations. Gold had been discovered in 1862 in the Boise Basin mountains to the east, near Idaho City.

The settlement became known as Warrinersville, after a local sawmill operator. The name was changed to Horseshoe Bend in 1867 for its location at the horseshoe-shaped U-turn of the Payette River. After the gold rush quieted, the city became a prosperous ranching and logging community. The railroad, from Emmett up to Long Valley following the Payette River (its North Fork above Banks), was completed in 1913. However, the railroad is not currently in use.

The town’s current culture is a blend of ranching and is a growing bedroom community for Boise.

Lowman

Hot Springs -- Lowman Area

Bonneville Hot Springs

Private bathing and communal soaking in a scenic canyon. 19 miles northeast of Lowman on Highway 21. .3 miles north of Bonneville Campground. Great place to ski or snowshoe to. The aging bathhouse straddles the outflow, and hoses channel hot water into a tub that you can drain and refill after each use. The springsy flow past the bathhouse and tumble dfirectly over a rocky cliff into a giant soaking pool on one arm of Warm Springs Creek. More hot water flows down the bank into more pools downstream as well as a secluded waterfall pool or two upstream. The bath house is usable year-round.

Kirkham

In plain view below the highway, these popular pools are frequently filled with people. 4.3 miles east of Lowman on State Hwy 21. Cross the bridge to Kirkham Campground and park at the west end. The Forest Service collects a day-use fee. Large pools with moderate temperatures. Worth trying either during the early mornings or early spring, when congestion in the campground and number of users is at a low point.

Sacajawea

21 miles northeast of Lowman -- pull-off to Grandjean. Ski or snowmobile in approximately 5.3 miles, just past the Wapiti Creek Bridge. Climb down the rocks to the pools. A number of soaker-friendly pools line the shore along the scenic South Fork of the Payette River. The outflow comes from several springs at temperatures up to 153 degrees as it fans out down the bank. Finetune the pool temperatures by adding river water. Welcome refuge for a great warm up during early spring!

Lowman - Real Estate

Garden Valley - Area Attractions

Hot Springs -- Garden Valley -- South Fork Corridor

Hot Springs Campground

A popular soak between Hot Springs Campground and the South Fork of the Payette River, 6 miles southeast of Crouch on Hwy 17. Near milepost 14. There’s a pullout on the bank, and steps lead down to the pool. A comfortable soaker big enough for a family group has been dug out of the bank well above the river. The shallow pool, dammed with rocks, offers a toasty soak year-round courtesy of a shower pipe that transports the hot water from the 100-degree springs.

Accessible Year ‘Round

Pine Flats

Hot dips and cliffside showers near a family campground on the South Fork of the Payette River 5 miles west of Lowman. Pine Flats Campground is located below the BanksLowman Rd. 5.7 miles west of Lowman and 28 miles east of Banks. Look for the hottest pools on paths that wind up the backside of a cliff, and cooler soaks at the bottom. A cascade pouring over a cliff delineates one side of a pool hidden 20 feet above the river. Hot! Cooler pools at the bottom collect the runoff, leading to a large swimming hole at the river’s edge.

Garden Valley - Area Attractions

Hot Springs Near Crouch -- Middle Fork of the Payette River

1 • Rocky Canyon

General description: Highly visible hot pools on the wrong side of the Middle Fork of the Payette River. Swimwear ESSENTIAL.

General location: 12.5 miles northeast of Crouch.

Finding the hot spring: From Hwy 55 at Banks, take the Banks Lowman Rd 8 miles east to Crouch. Follow Forest Rd 698 (Middle Fork Rd) 12.5 miles northeast. (1.5 miles past Hardscrabble Campground) and park in a pullout on your left. You’ll have to wade the wide river, which could be dangerous during high water.

THE HOT SPRING:

Near the mouth of Rocky Canyon, a spring emerges at 120 degrees F from the steep hillside and flows down to the river. Bathers have chiseled out a family-size soaking pool well up the bank. A PVC pipe in the dam provides a great shower for the slightly cooler pool immediately below. Much cooler yet is the shallow soaker at the river’s edge by mid summer.

2 • Fire Crew

General description: Roadside hot dips screened by woods on the Middle Fork Payette River. Keep trunks handy!

General location: 15 miles northeast of Crouch.

Finding the hot spring: 15 miles from the intersection of Forest Road 698 (Middle Fork Rd.) and Hwy 17. (2.5 miles past Rocky Canyon Hot Spring) to a junction at Trail Creek Campground. Take the left fork for .3 miles. Bear left on a rough spur ending at the river. A loop encircles an undeveloped camping area. The pools are out on a gravel bar to your right. The spring is on the river’s edge, but, on the near side. No river crossing necessary. Can get hot as the river drops -some adjusting may be necessary!

Garden Valley - Area Attractions/Lodging

4 MILES NORTH OF CROUCH IN GARDEN VALLEY

GOLF COURSE - POOL - PICKLEBALL - RESTAURANT - LOUNGE - HOMESITES

Challenging 18-hole mountain golf course surrounded by tall pines and spectacular views!

Geothermal swimming pool, open year-round.

Restaurant and lounge for your convenience. With no need to cook, every weekend can be a vacation!

Winter fun includes sledding, snowmobiling, swimming and cross country skiing.

Visitors Welcome! Try the food & check out additional info on Terrace Lakes memberships & cabin/home sites. Call - 208462-3250 in Garden Valley 208-377-2121 in Boise. Ask for Ilene Johnson. www.terracelakes.com

Lodging

2 bedroom, 2 bath town houses

Sleeps 4-8 • $245 per night

Two one room cabins • $95/night

Motel Rooms • $79/night 50% off at pool

TERRACE LAKES RESORT, 101 HOLIDAY DR., GARDEN VALLEY, ID 83622

Located one hour North of Boise, The Three Bears Inn is a tranquil destination with mountain lodging and hospitality. We are in the heart of Garden Valley right in “downtown” Crouch. Our beautiful location is perfect for a multitude of activities whether you enjoy fishing, exploring the national forest, Golf, floating the river, whitewater rafting and for winter enthusiasts sledding and snowmobiling.

Business Directory

Ambulance

B

Bachman

Balance

Berg

Bisbee

Boise

Cascade

Cascade

Charter

Clark’s

CMS

Coats

CowboyCampground.com ..................... 208-362-4343

Cranberryhill Studio ............................... 970-376-0027

Curb Idaho

Custom

GV Library 462-3317

GV Market ................................................... `462-3817

GV Motel....................................................... 462-2911

GV Post Office .............................................. 462-6029

GV Properties 462-4620

GV Ranger Station 462-3241

GV Schools 462-3756

GV Senior Center ......................................... 462-3943

GV Septic ..................................................... 462-5578

Gentry’s Outpost Come and Say Hi!

Goff’s Plumbing & Septic 365-4257

Harrison Plumbing ................................. 208-941-2879

Heartland Dirtworks ............................... 208-315-1330

Hidden Pearl Wedding Venue & B&B .... 986-888-0869

Home Boutique 208-392-5223

Home Loans, Lynette Hjerpe 530-681-6067

Homestead Timber Frames 931-484-7059

Horseshoe Bend Chamber of Commerce .... 793-2219

Horseshoe Bend Clinic/GV Family Medicine 793-2257

Horseshoe Bend Library 793-2460

Horseshoe Bend Post Office 793-2714

Horseshoe Bend School 793-2225

Horseshoe Bend Senior Center.................... 793-2344

Huckle & Sage .............................................. 793-2541

Idaho City Chamber of Commerce 392-4159

Idaho City Grocery 392-4426

Idaho City Library 392-4558

Idaho City Offices ......................................... 392-4584

Idaho City Post Office ................................... 392-4512

Idaho City Ranger Station 392-6681

Idaho City School 392-6631

IIdaho City Senior Center 392-4918

Idaho City Visitors Center .............................. 392-6040

Idaho Pest Control Crew .............................. 373-4722

Idaho Pre-Cut Homes ................................... 365-1134

Idaho Real Estate Online, Mike Fowler 283-5838

Idaho Vacation Cabins 462-3475

Inline Asphalt 369-0583

Inn the Pines................................................. 392-9505

Jim’s Well Drilling 208-870-0733

Knife River Ready Mix 208-562-5060

Lamm & Company, CPA ................................ 365-2817

Legacy Park, Idaho City 208-362-4343

Leon’s Cafe 208-258-9986

Let ‘er Buck Excavation 208-830-8786

Lowman Inn ................................................... 259-3555

Lowman Mercantile ....................................... 259-3348

Lowman Ranger Station ................................ 259-3361

Majestic Mountain Ranch Idaho City 877-616-6726

Mantis Pest Control 954-9305

Mountain Properties ...................................... 331-7929

Mountain Properties Group ................... 208-428-4535

Mountain Towing 392-1555

Munger Construction 208-860-2045

Northwest Painting ........................................ 462-3922

Ogata Construction........................................ 336-3207

Old Crouch Mercantile Mall 462-2632

Ol Langers Exteriors 830-5643

One Minute Ministries .......... OneMinuteMinistries.com

Paul & Kyle Shepherd Excavation ................. 462-3528

Pioneer North Heating & Cooling 781-2484

Power, Inc. Electrical 462-5800

Preferred Excavation 208-272-0609

Business Directory

Ragnar’s Earthworks, Inc .............................. 462-3499

Rick Sager, CPA 939-6029

Rocky Mountain Septic 208-249-2529

Ryno Engineering 208-631-5527

Safe T Stor .................................................... 462-8085

Sawtooth Steel .............................................. 781-0423

Severance Sand & Gravel ............................. 462-3005

Scruffs Pet Supply 793-4965

Simply Fun 208-807-6434

Spa Life 360-770-2367

Sourdough Lodge & Restaurant .................... 259-3326

Starlight Mountaiin Theatre ........................... 462-5523

Suicide Prevention Hotline 208-398-4357

Summers Funeral Homes 208-898-0642

Sun Country Salon 462-4554

Sweet Home Realty, Raelynn Moroney . 208-830-2823

Team Realty, Mary Vis ........................... 208-631-3999

Terrace Lakes Resort 462-3250

The Mud Room Coffee House 462-6393

The Springs 392-9500

The Twisted Turkey ...................................... 392-9757

Therapy Boise ....................................... 866-964-9880

Three Bears Inn 462-2305

Thunderhill Fitness 208-484-1091/208-954-0121

Title One 424-8511/493-0200

Tom’s Tree Creations ............................. 208-571-0362

Trading Post Hardware .................................. 462-3897

Uncle Billy Bob’s Redneck Vacation Rentals 462-5262

Valley Pump & Equipment 1-800-246-2972

Valleywide Energy ......................................... 462-5449

Victory Realty, Rachel O’Brien ...................... 392-5223

Walk on the Wild Side B & B 462-2734

Walulla Coffee Bake & Gift Shop ........... 208-513-9777

Wild Bill’s Bistro, Espresso Drinks ................. 462-3505

We

Swan

Swan Valley,

Elk relaxing on the Golf Course at Terrace Lakes