To Fall in Boise County, the gateway to an authentic Central Idaho Mountains adventure. Come be energized by the brisk Fall days and nights. Shop for locally crafted items. Play a round of golf. Take a hike. Ride a horse. Celebrate our pioneer past. Take a ride on one of our high energy river floats -- YES, IT ALL STILL HAPPENS HERE IN THE FALL!
The seasonal changes in this central Idaho mountain location boast numerous recreational activities. Each season in Boise County is distinctive and unique with picturesque beauty and wildlife to be viewed at every vista.
Fall brings gorgeous colors ablaze among the majestic ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and grand fir. Quaking aspen, mountain maple, alder, ninebark, spirea, and snowberry are just a few of the shrubs contributing a burst of color to the streams, rivers, valleys and mountain peaks of the County.
SCENIC LOOP
By travelling on three designated scenic byways, you can make a loop trip. From Boise, take Highway 55 to Banks. From there, take the Banks-Lowman Road 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.
Excellent adventures are ready to be experienced throughout the autumn months.
Scenic Byways in Boise County
Idaho City
Just an hour drive from Boise, along scenic Highway 21, is the classic western town of Idaho City.
This town was once the largest mining settlement in the Pacific Northwest.
Today it serves as a recreational hub and a popular day trip for residents in the Boise metro area.
Idaho City is also surrounded by the Boise National Forest, so it is near some of southwest Idaho’s best outdoor recreational opportunities including ATV riding, hiking, fishing, camping and Nordic skiing!
Activities that draw visitors to this location include the public hot springs, car shows, local museums, and the annual Idaho City Days.
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 $200K. Power. Lot 9 1.31 AC $225K. Septic, Well, Power, Phone.
CLEAR CREEK ESTATES: Clear Creek Area. Power, phone available. No covenants.
CCE 11 Blk 2 Lot 2 1.8 AC $105K. Power pole on property line. 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
13 Snow Shoe Lane - Idaho City, ID Custom Clark & Co. home, 45 minutes from Boise. Chef’s kitchen with Thermador appliances, double ovens, two dishwashers, farmhouse sink, large island with prep sink, and walk-in pantry. Main level features an oversized great room, primary suite with fireplace, study, mudroom and separate laundry. Upstairs has three large bedrooms, a loft, and a bonus room. Enjoy the outdoor fireplace, covered patio, hot tub and wood shed. 400-amp service for a future shop + water/electric for a greenhouse or corral. Extra-deep garage & private access to BLM land. MLS# 98909281
Part of Idaho City Days activities.
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
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.
Horseshoe Bend - Real Estate
20 -- Boise County Guide - September-October 2024 Issue
Cruizin 55 Car Show -- held annually in Horseshoe Bend in September.
Lowman
Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along State Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail.
Kirkham Hot Springs is open for DAY USE ONLY from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING. Visitors will approach a locked gate, then cross the bridge to enter the site.
Natural Features:
The area offers little shade, though a few Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site. The site can be very hot and sunny during the summer. Wildflowers dot the landscape.
Recreation:
Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river’s edge. A trail leads down to the soaking pools and small steaming waterfalls. Take caution walking on rock surfaces near the hot springs. They are uneven and can be slick when wet.
Pets are welcome. Please keep them leashed at all times and away from the hot spring pools and runoff areas.
The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby on the road to Garden Valley. Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District’s premier trails. It begins less than 1/4-mile away and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horses. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.
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
Boiling Springs Hot Springs where the water cascades down the hillside, with the guard station in the background.
4 & 5 • Moondipper - Pine Burl
Take your choice of trails from Boiling Springs upriver. Two separate springs flow down the banks of a creek just above the river into a pair of scenic soakers spaced 50 yards apart along the treestudded canyon. Both get swamped during high water, so fall is an ideal time go visit these spots. One trail, steep and slippery in spots, hugs the west side of the river all the way. This is the safer route during high water. The Middle Fork Trail is more direct, but you’ll have to ford several times in the 2-mile hike upstream. When you reach Dash Creek, the first side stream on the west side, you’ll find Moondipper 30 yards up the creek against a rocky bank. The large, sandy-bottomed pool can hold several happy soakers and offers a great view up the canyon. Pine Burl, a gem tucked out of sight a few bends up the creek, has a pool roughly 7 to 8 feet in diameter. The name, once inscribed on a small masonry dam at the downstream end, has eroded away, but the inspiration for it still sits up the hill on the north side. The spring perks up through the sandy bottom, and if the water gets too hot, you can shift the rocks at the other end to let creek water trickle in.
3 • Boiling Springs
23 miles from the intersection of Forest Road 698 (Middle Fork Rd.) and Hwy 17, to the road-end campground and trailhead. Stroll .3 miles north on the trail to find the springs flowing down a bank beside a couple of cabins. The cabins, formerly a Forest Service guard station, are now rented to the public for recreational use. Please ask permission before entering and try to avoid the cabin area as much as possible. Steaming water emerges at 188 degrees from many fissures in a cliff just beyond the cabins, and a broad cascade streams down the hillside. One spring flows through a shallow soaking pool or two at the base. The water cools as it runs through a ditch across a wide meadow. A few rock-lined pools at the river’s edge are usually filled on weekends with kids from the nearby campground.
The pool at Pineburl Hot Spring.
Garden Valley - Camping Opportunities
There are many year-round recreation opportunities within the Garden Valley area of the Boise National Forest. Forest visitors will find over 70 campgrounds within the entire forest, and picnic areas providing a variety of recreation experiences. Several of the campgrounds provide access for the physically challenged.
Popular Camping Picnic Sites near Garden Valley have tables, grills and fire pits.
BOILING SPRINGS
Located north of Garden Valley along the Middle Fork of the Payette River, each unit has parking and can accommodate small to medium size RVs up to 22 feet. Artesian drinking water is available with one hydrant. One vault toilet.
HARDSCRABBLE
North of Garden Valley along the Middle Fork of the Payette River, this site has three units with paved parking which can accommodate small to medium size RVs up to 24 feet. No drinking water available.
TIE CREEK
Units in this campground, located nine miles north of Garden Valley, can accommodate small to medium size RVs up to 16 feet. Drinking water is supplied from a well with a hand pump. One vault toilet. A GREAT “put-in” spot for tubing and rafting the Middle Fork!
TRAIL CREEK
Located 17 miles north of Garden Valley on the Middle Fork of the Payette River, the campground can accommodate RVs up to 22 feet. Two vault toilets. No drinking water is available.
SILVER CREEK
This campground offers paved roads and paved parking spurs, drinking water and accessible vault toilets. Several single and double campsites are available, all of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a tent pad, picnic and utility tables and a campfire ring.
Garden Valley - Camping Opportunities
PINE FLATS
This campground is located six miles downriver from Lowman on the Banks-Lowman Road. Facilities include two double unit toilets, concrete grills, fire pits, pedestal grills and three hand water pumps. Garbage service is provided.
HOT SPRINGS
Located along the Banks-Lowman Road, next to the South Fork of the Payette River, the campground is named for the nearby hot springs and is covered by old growth ponderosa pine. Popular with boaters, the units have paved parking and can accommodate medium to large size RVs up to 35 feet. All units have tables, grills and fire pits. Group sites have large serving tables with large grills. All group units and units 6-8 are wheelchair accessible. Two vault type toilets and the drinking water system are wheelchair accessible with paved paths. Drinking water is available from a deep well pressurized water system with four hydrants.
This campground is part of the National Reservation System. There are 3 group units available. Units 1 & 2 have a capacity for 200-300 people and unit 3 has a capacity for 40 people. They can be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777.
The campground is shaded by a heavy stand of ponderosa pine and natural hot springs are located 1/2 mile down river. CAUTION: Some of the water is very hot and can burn. Nude bathing and soap are prohibited.
For those who want solitude, the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness has lots of it, as do other undeveloped areas throughout the Forest. In addition, portions of the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, are easily accessed from a number of Boise National Forest campgrounds and trailheads. These rugged areas are famous for their spectacular scenery, general or dispersed recreation, hunting, fishing, rafting, hiking or riding horseback.
Silver Creek Campground.
Garden Valley - Area Attractions
Forest Fire Lookouts
Idaho has the distinction of being known as the state with the most fire lookout sites at 989. 196 of them still exist with roughly 60 staffed each summer.
Prior to the devastating 1910 forest fires in Idaho, Montana, and Washington, little attention was given to any organized forest fire reporting system. Often referred to as “When the Mountains Roared”, the 1910 fire consumed three million acres of prime virgin timber and killed 85 people. This disaster provided the impetus for an organized fire lookout network as well as better trail and communications systems. By the late 1930’s, over 5,000 fire lookout towers had been constructed. Of the 5,000 lookouts, 611 were built by President Roosevelt’s “green army”, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Early fire spotters served as “smoke-chasers” also fighting fires with what tools they could carry -shovels, pulaskis and axes; traveling on foot or by horse. Fire spotters also used a device known as the Osborne Firefinder. Early communication was by means of a heliograph, a device using two mirrors to reflect sunlight, sending Morse code messages.
As development of infra-red detection devices and deployment of aerial fire detection, the lookout system of detection and communication dwindled. Maintenance became and issue, and many historical lookout buildings were destroyed in the 1970s and 80s. Since that time, the historical value has been realized, and new efforts have been taken to preserve these pieces of history.
Garden Valley - Area Attractions
At first, communication between these two lookouts and with other lookouts established later was haphazard at best. Telephone lines were built and a few telephones installed. Before an efficient telephone network was established, three of the early Boise National Forest lookout stations (Bald Mountain, Trinity, and Swanholm) used heliographs and Morse code for communication. The heliograph used the sun’s rays reflected on a mounted mirror to send messages by Morse code. There were some drawbacks in using the heliograph: stations sending and receiving had to be within visible distance, it could not be used on cloudy days, messages could be sent from west to east only in the morning and from east to west only in the afternoons, and it was difficult to find men for lookout duty who knew Morse code. Eventually, a telephone system was installed using single strands of #9 galvanized wire attached to trees with insulators providing significantly more efficient communication.
Two fire lookout stations were established on the Boise Forest in 1908. One was on Bald Mountain (Thorn Creek Butte) southeast of Idaho City; the second was on Pilot Peak, northeast of Idaho City. The lookouts were eight feet square, more like booths than buildings and occupied only during daylight hours. Cooking and sleeping were done down near the water supply, often half a mile down the mountain from the lookout. The lookouts at this time were generally assistant rangers (called hobo rangers) who came off their regular work for the duration of the fire season.
Bear Valley Lookout Tower (upper left at early construction and above in 1979) and Deadwood Lookout (below) are both unstaffed lookouts in the Garden Valley area. Deadwood is currently on the recreation rental list for forest visitors.
Garden Valley - Area Attractions
GOLF COURSE - POOL - PICKLEBALL - RESTAURANT
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.
Terrace Lakes memberships & cabin/home sites.
462-3250 in Garden Valley 208-377-2121 in Boise. Ask for Ilene Johnson. www.terracelakes.com
LOUNGE - HOMESITES
Garden Valley - Lodging
Under New Ownership! Totally Renovated. Formerly “The Wander Inn”
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. DOWNTOWN CROUCH • 486 S. Middlefork Rd
Garden Valley - Services
Garden Valley - Services
Business Directory
All Metals ...................................................... 398-9727
Ambulance -- Garden Valley F.D. ...... 1-800-632-8000
Simply Fun Idaho City Walking Tours .... 208-807-6434
Spa Life 360-770-2367
idahochimney@gmail.com
Garden
-- Boise County Guide - September-October 2024
Garden Valley - Services/Construction
Garden Valley - Services/Construction
Idaho City, ID
Idaho City, ID
Horseshoe Bend, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Garden Valley, ID
McCall, ID
Caldwell, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Swan Valley, ID Swan Valley, ID
Garden Valley - Construction
Remodel Specialist
Interior
• Interior Renovations
• Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
• Wood and Metal Stud Framing
• Doors and Windows
• Flooring- Carpet, Laminate, Wood, Vinyl, Tile
• Drywall. Texture, and painting
• Siding CMH is a full construction and restoration company capable of handling projects of all types and sizes. Let us help you through the process.
Exterior
• General Construction
• Concrete
• Waterproofing/Sealing
• Framing and Structural Repairs
• Doors and Windows
• Dry Rot Repairs
-- Boise County Guide - September-October 2024 Issue
$639,000
$639,000
Terrace
Lakes 11 Lucky Circle
3 bedr., 2 bath MH close to clubhouse and pool. Newer windows and roof over dwelling and deck. Clever split level design. Mobile Home is a Marlette, 726 Sq. Ft. Perfect for a weekend get-away or full time living. Assumable loan at 5% interest with $60,000 down. Balloon in 10 years. $225,000
Terrace
Lakes 9 Happy Hollow
$365,000
Lakes 212 Holiday
Terrace Lakes Lot 13 Valley View Heights
14 Spur Drive
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $449,900
MLS 98919146
Great location in Shilo Ranch
Estates. Beautifully maintained single level. Furniture included. Move right in.
199 Scriver Woods Rd
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $557,000
MLS 98902954
Ready to move in! Wood sided home with 3 beds & 2.5 baths. Considering all offers. Motivated sellers!
123 Alder Dr
Lowman, ID
Price: $550,000
Enjoy peaceful sounds of nature at Ten Ax Ranch. 3 bed 2 bath log sided home. 2 car heated garage & additional outbuildings. Spacious deck, privacy.
41 Valley View Heights
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $425,000
MLS 98914641
Cozy split 3 bed, 2 bath overlooking beautiful view of mountains. Pristine, turn-key home on foundation.
5 Lucky Circle
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $239,000
MLS 98902048
Newly renovated 3 bed, 1 bath home w/ deck near Terrace Lakes and year round activities.
4 Snowbird Garden Valley, ID
Price: $225,000
MLS 98889728
Ready for RV, septic installed. Year round creek. Private treed property.
27 Woodland Dr
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $339,500
MLS 98902496
OWC w/ 20% down. Water, Septic, Electric Installed. Ready to use and build.
1 North Shore Lowman, ID
Price: $445,000
MLS 98911945
Gorgeous 13 acre meadow located near the SF of the Payette. Property includes 20x10 shed & 50x24 2 story shop. Electricity.
29 Woodland Dr Garden Valley, ID
Price: $298,500
MLS 98902489
OWC w/ 20% down. Water, Septic, Electric Installed. Ready to use and build.
Lot 18 Lookout Ct. Garden Valley, ID
Price: $140,000
MLS 98917632
1.25 Ac w/ sweeping views of Garden Valley. Private dead end road w/ buildable lot off Scriver Ck Rd.
FEATURED LAND
TERRACE LAKES SUBDIVISION
One of the last lots in Terrace Lakes with a fantastic golf course view of the “Front 9”. Water, power, septic system and building pad are ready for your mountain dream home or that second home retreat just 60 minutes from Boise. Enjoy all of the amenities Terrace Lakes has to offer; 18 hole golf course, natural hot springs swimming pool, pickleball courts, and lodge with pro shop, restaurant and lounge all within short walking distance.
RIDGE SUB
This lot overlooks the 15th fairway and green and is located minutes away from the Terrace Lakes Lodge and its amenities, yet secluded enough to feel you have your own personal oasis. With year around access you will have approximately 600’ golf course frontage, easy access to the course with your own cart path and a great view of the 15th hole. Shovel ready with great rock work and 3 building pads have been developed ready for construction with 400 amp power, water and 3 structure septic system installed.
Dont miss this fantastic opportunity to own the last of only 4 large lots in the new mountain top neighborhood of Somers Summit Subdivision. This lot is located minutes away from the Terrace Lakes Lodge and its amenities ( i.e. golf, natural hot springs pool, pickle courts and restaurant and lounge) yet secluded enough to feel you have your own personal mountain top paradise. With year around access you will have amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valley floor. Building pads are developed ready for construction with underground power to the lots, septic systems are installed and seller is currently drilling two shared wells to be maintained by the subdivision. Directions: Middle Fork, L on Warm Springs, stay R at fork, hard R on Star View, stay L on Star View, L on Rita Lane (Street not marked-look for lot with stacks of logs), lot on right.
FEATURED HOMES
Terrace Lakes 14 Sunrise Drive .44 Ac $695,000
Charming and beautiful log home perfectly located on the 18th fairway (near the green) of Terrace Lakes Ranch Resort golf course. Relax in your own piece of paradise in this roomy home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Plenty of space for family and friends. Recently restained logs which means years of maintenance free exterior. The extra-large garage has enough room for 2 cars plus your other toys. This home has been both a nightly rental and monthly rental with excellent results. All of this is just a stone’s throw to the amenities of Terrace Lakes.
TERRACE LAKES SUBDIVISION
Two quaint, adorable, furnished townhouses with attached garages. These turnkey properties have 2 acres of common area that borders a year-round creek and the golf course. Enjoy mountain living on either of the two decks (one upper deck and one lower deck) as well as all of the amenities Terrace Lakes has to offer. When not using, the property has an excellent rental history.1200 SF 2 Bed 2 Bath. Seller is offering a $5,000 seller concession to the buyer of each townhome.
-- Boise County Guide - September-October 2024 Issue
