Treasure Valley Recreation and Entertainment

There are so many options for recreation in this beautiful valley.  Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a theatre buff, a history enthusiast, or a sports fanatic, Boise and the surrounding area offer a myriad of options to keep you active and involved.  Use the links below to access information on parks, museums, sports, and other valley recreation information.

Biking/Hiking Trails

Southeast Idaho is an outdoor lovers paradise and one of the best ways to take in the scenic back country is from the many trails that meander throughout.  While certainly not a complete list, following are some of the more popular trails.

Ridge to Rivers

The foothills above Boise provide a dramatic backdrop to our beautiful valley, but also offer the opportunity to enjoy hiking and mountain biking on 130 miles of trails.  The Ridge to Rivers program provides information and maps for the many different trails, and rules regarding open/closed areas, dog-on-leash requirements, and trails that are open to motorized vehicles.  For trail maps and current trail conditions visit the Ridge to Rivers site at http://www.ridgetorivers.org/

• Boise Front Trails - The Boise Front has 113 miles of trails; all allow hiking, most allow mountain bikes, and some allow equestrian use and motorized vehicles.  The main Front Trails are separated into three primary trail systems for which maps are available through Ridge to Rivers: Table Rock and the old Penitentiary Trail; Old Fort Boise Military Reserve; Camels Back Park Area.  There are dozens of other trails with access points all along the base of the foothills, from Eagle to Harris Ranch, above Hidden Springs, and along Bogus Basin Road.
• Shafer Butte Trails - Shafer Butte, Bogus Basin and Stack Rock area have 46 miles of trails for which maps are available.  Most allow mountain bikes and equestrian use, but none allow for motorized vehicles.

Snake River Petroglyphs

About 30 miles south of Meridian near Melba is the Swan Falls dam.  Across the dam is a trail head that follows the snake river and features many native American petroglyphs on the rocks above the river.  The hike is a 14 mile loop, requiring a full day on foot, or half day on a mountain bike.

Boise National Forest

The Boise National Forest has more than 1200 miles of trails maintained by the USDA Forest Service, some very steep challenging trails, and some for more leisure hikes.  Many of the trails allow motorized vehicles, but be sure to check with the respective ranger stations for specific rules.  There are trails in each District, and the Forest Service keeps lists which specify which trails are available for either backpacking or day hikes, and can be accessed at http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/boise/recreation.

 

Golf

There are numerous golf courses throughout the Treasure Valley, from challenging 18-hole links style courses to local municipal 9-hole courses.  While some courses have given way to residential development, their are still plenty of opportunities to "get your golf on".   Regardless of your ability or interest, there are courses for all ages and skill levels.

Boise

• Boise Ranch Golf Course  is an 18-hole championship style golf course.   The course has eight lakes and ponds, and a 6,611 yard, par 71 layout featuring one of the longest par 5's in Idaho.  Located at 6501 S. Cloverdale Road in Boise.  (208)362-6501
• Crane Creek Country Club provides a true country-club facility featuring an 18 hole championship course, salt water swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and a fitness center.  Located in the highlands area at 500 W. Curling Drive in Boise.  (208)514-4340
• Hillcrest Country Club is one of the valley's first golf courses.  Originally formed as the Idaho Country Club in 1925, the property has had a long, storied history evolving over the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, eventually becoming the Hillcrest Country Club.  The club offers an 18 hole golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, dining, fitness center, and clubhouse.  Located at 4610 Hillcrest Drive in Boise. (208)343-5425
• Indian Lakes Golf Course - Located in South Boise at 4700 Umatilla Ave., Indian Lakes is a 9-hole community golf course for golfers of all skill levels.  (208)362-5771
• Pierce Park Greens is a 9 hole walk on golf course with a full size driving range.  Located at 5812 N. Pierce Park Lane in Boise.  (208)853-3302
• Plantation Country Club is a full-service private country club located along the scenic Boise River.  Featuring an 18 hole championship course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and a clubhouse with dining room, Plantation Country Club is a lifestyle club conveniently located in the heart of the Treasure Valley.  6515 West State Street
  Boise. (208) 853-4793 
• Quail Hollow Golf Course is an award-winning 18 hole course nestled in the Boise foothills.  Located at 4520 N. 36th, Boise.  (208)344-7807
• Shadow Valley Golf Course is one of the valley's most popular courses.  This 18-hole course is favored by both beginners and experienced golfers and is located in the beautiful foothills north of Boise.  Shadow Valley can be found at 15711 Highway 55, north of Eagle.  (208)939-6699
• Warm Springs Golf Course is a mature, family-friendly public golf course built along the banks of the Boise River.  The course features 18 holes with several ponds in addition to its proximity along the river.  Located at 2495 Warm Springs Avenue in Boise.  (208)343-5661 

Eagle

• Banbury Golf Club - Consistently rated as one of the top ten courses in Idaho by Golf Digest, Banbury is a challenging 18 hole golf course built along the shores of the Boise River's South Channel.  Banbury Golf Club is a 6891 yard par 71 public course.  Located at 2626 South Marypost Place, just of Eagle Road. (208)939-3600
• Eagle Hills Golf Course - Located in the center of Eagle in a long-established, popular residential community, Eagle Hills is an championship 18-hole course with a clubhouse and restaurant.  Named as "One of 50 Best Bangs for the Buck in a Public Course", Eagle Hills is a favorite for beginners and experienced golfers alike.  Located at 605 N. Edgewood Lane in Eagle.  (208)939-0402

Meridian

• Lake View Golf Club is a 6521 yard par 72 public course located in the heart of the Treasure Valley.  Popular with experienced golfers as well as beginners, Lake View features undulating greens, waterways, bunkers, trees, and strategic pin placements.  Located at 4200 W. Talamore Blvd., Meridian.  (208)888-4080
• Spurwing Country Club is a prestigious private country club located in Meridian on the north side of Chinden/Highway 20.  Golf amenities include a challenging 18-hole championship course, the longest in the valley at 7300 yards.  Spurwing also provides a full putting course and a 9 hole par-3 challenge course.  In addition to golf, the country club features a fitness center,  swimming pool, and tennis courts.  6800 North Spurwing Way, Meridian.  (208)887-1800

Nampa

• Centennial Golf Course - Nampa's first golf course, Centennial was built in 1987 and features wide open fairways and large greens to accommodate all skill levels.  Among the lowest green fees in the valley, Centennial is a popular, family friendly course.  Located adjacent to Ridgecrest Golf Course, just off the Garrity exit of I-84 freeway.  2600 Centennial Drive, Nampa.  (208)468-5889
• Ridgecrest Golf Club is a modern links-style golf course conveniently located just off the I-84 freeway at Garrity.  Named one of the "Best Places to Play" by Golf Digest, Ridgecrest features a 27 hole course with practice facilities and a full-service clubhouse and pro shop.  Ridgecrest Drive, Nampa.  (208)468-5888

Caldwell

• Fairview Golf Course is a 9-hole municipal course in the heart of downtown Caldwell.  Built in the 1930s, this mature course is popular with golfers of all experience levels.  Located at 816 Grant Street, Caldwell.  (208455-3090
• Purple Sage Golf Course - Located northwest of Middleton, Purple Sage is an 18 hole regulation length municipal golf course.  15192 Purple Sage Rd., Caldwell.  (208)459-2223

Star

• River Birch Golf Course is a public 18 hole course located off Highway 16 north of Star.  This 6993 yard, par 73 open course is fun for all skill levels.  3740 N. Pollard Lane, Star.  (208)286-0801

Kuna

• Falcon Crest Golf Course is a massive 36 hole golf complex south of Meridian.  Falcon Crest features a 27-hole championship course and a 9-hole executive course, and has been named as one of the top five courses in the state of Idaho.  Falcon Crest is located seven miles south of the I-84 Eagle Road exit at 11102 S Cloverdale Rd., Kuna.  (208)362-8897

Parks

Boise Parks

The parks and reserves that make up the Boise City Park System provide a wide array of recreational opportunities.  From the majesty of Ann Morrison Park and its beautiful waterways and sports fields, to Julia Davis Park and its museums, rose garden and Zoo Boise, to the Hillside to Hollow trail system with mile of foothill trails to hike and bike, adventures abide in the myriad of Boise parks.  In fact, Boise has over 125 parks from which to choose; from small community parks to massive reserves.  For specific information about each of the parks and reserves in Boise visit the city of Boise website at http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/

Meridian Parks

Meridian is known for its well planned communities and their integration with area parks.  The city has large regional parks such as Settlers Park and its large sports fields and the new Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park adjacent to the Village at Meridian, as well as many community and neighborhood parks.  The Meridian City website provides an interactive map of all area parks with information about each which can be accessed at http://www.meridiancity.org/parks

Nampa Parks

Nampa boasts 25 different parks of various sizes and with a myriad of amenities.  Nampa has large parks with fields and courts for sports activities, waterside parks for "getting back to nature", as well as small community parks ideal for a family picnic.  For a list of parks with an interactive map, visit the Nampa Parks and Recreation website at http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/ParksDepartment

Caldwell Parks

Caldwell offers more than a dozen public parks from wilderness parks for overnight camping, to sports parks with soccer fields and playgrounds, to neighborhood parks for barbeques and picnics.  The City of Caldwell website provides a list of parks and their locations at http://www.cityofcaldwell.com/parks

Eagle Parks

Eagle has some of the most scenic and diverse parks in the valley.  From the Eagle Island State Park and its waterslide, beach, trails and picnic areas; to Merrill Park and its family friendly playgrounds fields along the Boise River; to the massive Eagle Sports Park, there are plenty of options to get out for the day with your family and friends and enjoy the outdoors.  A list of Eagle Parks can be accessed at the City of Eagle website at http://www.cityofeagle.org/

Other Treasure Valley Parks

There are parks throughout the valley offering a variety of opportunities to get out and enjoy the fresh air, green grass, and nature at its finest.  In addition to the parks in each of the cities listed above, Star Parks and Recreation  offers several community parks; Kuna Parks and Recreation has ten parks, both active parks for sports activities, and passive parks for getting back to nature; and  Middleton Parks and Recreation District offers three beautiful parks for its residents.  In addition, Ada County Parks & Waterways operates Barber Park, a popular spot to float the Boise River or access the Boise River Greenbelt.

Lakes

Whether you are looking to sink a line and catch a fish, get some exercise on a paddle board, ride a jet ski, or take to the bigger water with your ski boat for some wake-boarding or wake-surfing, Southwest Idaho offers a variety of lakes and reservoirs from which to choose. 

Fishing Ponds

Idaho Fish and Game maintains a list of fishing lakes and ponds in the Treasure Valley area, including many within city parks and communities.  The list includes addresses, directions, and up-to-date fishing rules and limits.  Access the list at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/

Lakes for Boating and Fishing

There are lakes throughout Western Idaho and Eastern Oregon suitable for boating and fishing.  Included here are many of the lakes within a couple hours drive from the Boise area.

• Lucky Peak Reservoir - Located only 8 miles southeast of Boise, Lucky Peak offers two distinct area for recreation; Sandy Point is at the base of the dam and offers sandy beaches and Discovery Park, popular for picnics and family gatherings; Spring Shores Marina which is 11 miles beyond Sandy Point, provides access for water-sports enthusiasts with two boat ramps, parking, and watercraft rentals.
• Lake Lowell - Located south of Nampa and Caldwell, and originally built to provide irrigation water for Canyon County agriculture, Lake Lowell is one of the largest off-stream reservoirs in the West.  Popular for boating, fishing, swimming, hunting and hiking, the lake has ramps on both the Nampa (east end) and Caldwell (west end) areas of the lake.  The lake is open for boating from April 15 to September 30. 
• Black Canyon Reservoir - Formed by the Black Canyon diversion dam, the 1,100 acre reservoir offers boating, fishing, bird watching, and is a favorite watering spot for deer and elk.  Located 5 miles northeast of Emmett, the reservoir can also be accessed via Horseshoe Bend. 
• Anderson Ranch Reservoir - This 7 1/2 square mile reservoir is formed by the Anderson Ranch Dam and is managed by the Boise National Forest.  Located about 20 miles east of Mountain Home off US Highway 20, the reservoir is 17 miles long with 50 miles of shoreline and is popular for boating, water skiing, and fishing.  It also features 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the winter.  
• Little Camas Reservoir - Located about 3 miles east of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, known for fishing and has a boat ramp, but is not suitable for water sports
• CJ Strike Reservoir - Primarily known for its excellent fishing, there are nearly two-dozen different species of fish that make the reservoir home.  There is a boat dock, but the reservoir is more popular for fishing rather than water sports.  Located 21 miles south of Mountain Home, the reservoir covers 7500 acres.
• Deadwood Reservoir - Created by the Deadwood Dam along the Deadwood River about 25 mile southeast of Cascade, Deadwood Reservoir covers 3,000 acres (4.5 miles) has 21 miles of shoreline, and is popular for camping, fishing, boating, and water skiing. 
• Magic Reservoir - Located off US 20 and SH75 between Shoshone and Hailey, Magic is a 14,000 acre reservoir offering boating, water sports, fishing, and camping.  The reservoir is open year round and is also a popular ice-fishing destination.
• Lake Cascade - With a surface area of more than 47 square miles, Lake Cascade is the fourth largest lake/reservoir in the state and offers boating, water sports, fishing and camping.  Located near the town of Cascade, 75 miles north of Boise, the area is a popular vacation destination of Treasure Valley residents.
• Payette Lake - Located 100 miles north of Boise, the 5330 acres of clear glacial water that makes up Payette Lake is ringed with beautiful custom homes, the Ponderosa State Park, and the resort town of McCall.  The lake is popular with boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and fishermen, as well as those that enjoy camping and vacationing.  A year-round resort destination, the lake freezes over, but recreational opportunities continue in the winter months with nearby skiing and snow sports.
• Redfish Lake - High in the Sawtooth National Recreation area lies Redfish Lake, named for the sockeye salmon that once filled the lake.  Located 5 miles south of Stanley, the lake is at an elevation of 6547 feet and 4.5 miles long and .75 miles wide.  Popular for fishing and camping, the water temperature (high of 62 in late July and early August) make swimming and water sports popular for only a short period of time. 
• Antelope Reservoir - Created to irrigate the agricultural land of southeastern Oregon, Antelope is a shallow (average 7 feet deep) 5 square mile reservoir 75 miles southwest of Nampa and Caldwell, near Jordan Valley.  The lake has a boat dock and is stocked with trout, but the Oregon Health Authority has warned anglers not to eat fish caught there due to high levels of mercury contamination from mining activities in the headwaters feeding the reservoir.
• Owyhee Lake/Reservoir - Located in Eastern Oregon about 40 miles east of Caldwell, Owyhee is Oregon's longest reservoir at 52 miles in length.  Popular with boaters and fishermen, as well as campers, the lake is accessible from three different boat docks.  Since the lake is used to supply irrigation to local farms, the lake level may be low at season-end, making some of the docks inaccessible.

 

Skiing

• Bogus Basin Ski Area - Boise's local ski area with 2,600 acres of varying terrain and 1790 vertical feet serviced by 7 chairlifts.  Also features a tubing hill, and mountain biking / hiking trails serviced by lifts in the summer months
• Brundage Mountain - Located 8 miles northwest of McCall, offers alpine skiing on 1500 acres and 1800 vertical feet serviced by 5 chairlifts.  Offers mountain bike trails accessible from chair lifts during summer months
• Tamarack - A year-round mountain resort located west of Donnelly, overlooking Cascade Reservoir, offering alpine skiing on five lifts and featuring 2760 vertical feet.  The resort also has a world-class golf course, hiking and mountain bike trails, and a zip line tour
• Soldier Mountain - Located 12 miles north of Fairfield, alpine ski area operating two chairlifts servicing 1150 acres and 1425 vertical feet 
• Sun Valley - World-class ski area near Ketchum with two mountains, Dollar Mountain (a small beginner slope)  and Bald Mountain, offering 3400 vertical feet of varying terrain serviced by 14 lifts.  Sun Valley / Ketchum is a true four-season resort town with golf courses, shopping, dining, entertainment and various other outdoor activities

River Rafting

• Boise River - A very popular summer activity, floating the Boise River is a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the "greener side" of downtown Boise.  The most popular stretch is the 6 miles between Barber Park and Ann Morrison Park.  While many locals bring their own rafts and tubes, Boise River Raft & Tube offers raft and tube rentals as well as a shuttle service between the two parks.
• Payette River - Floating the Payette can be as adventurous as your respective thrill level.  Choose from the North Fork, the South Fork, or the Main Payette depending on how far and how much white water you desire.  Many bring their own rafts or kayaks, but there are several outfitters offering half or full day trips, including Cascade Raft Company, Bear Valley Rafting, Payette River Company, and several others
• Salmon River - If you are ready to "take it up a notch", there are a number of rafting companies offering trips from 1 to 5 days on various stretches of the Salmon River and its forks originating from McCall, Riggins, Stanley, Redfish, and other locales.  Some of the outfitters include: Salmon River Experience, Salmon Raft, Sawtooth Adventure, and many others
• Snake River - A popular and scenic adventure is to raft or boat the Snake River through Hells Canyon along the Idaho-Oregon border west of Council and Riggins.  There are many rafting companies offering multi-day trips including Hells Canyon Raft, Zoller's, Winding Waters Rafting, and several more. If you prefer a faster-paced tour of the river, opt for a river jet boat from on of several companies including Hells Canyon Adventures, Kilgore Adventures, Snake River Adventures, Beamers, and many others

Sky Diving

• Sky Dive Idaho - Full service sky dive facility offering tandem jumps, ground school, and certification training, located off Can Ada Road north of Star
• Sky Down Sky Diving - Located in Caldwell on Aviation Road, offers tandem and static line jumps

Zip Lining

• Zip Idaho - Offices located in Horseshoe Bend, the course is 8 miles north of Horseshoe Bend and features 5 zip lines of varying length and slope, and a suspension bridge
• Tamarack Zip Line - Located at the Tamarack Resort west of Donnelly, features 6 zip lines and a suspension bridge