7 Perfect Places To Go In Idaho If You’re Feeling Adventurous
By Jennifer
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Published March 12, 2016
Once you get out and start exploring the wealth of recreation and adrenaline-junkie opportunities available throughout the state, you realize that Idaho is not for the faint of heart. From soaring over Idaho’s mountain landscape to epic canoeing marathons, the Gem State offers seemingly endless adventures. Of course, not every day can be an extreme sport type of day, but for those weekends where you’re feeling extra hyped and ready to take on the world, here are seven things to do in Idaho that will get your heart pounding
1. Paragliding off of Bald Mountain.
See Idaho's vast mountain landscape like never before from hundreds of feet in the air. Mt. Baldy is an awesome launch point for your up-down-sideways paragliding adventure, but there are a multitude of other launch points that will give you scenic sky-high views no matter the season. It's quite the adrenaline rush no matter how often you do launch a flight, but has the advantage of a longer, slower glide than many other air sports.
2. Camp in a fire lookout tower.
Camping isn't typically considered an extreme sport, but navigating to this destination takes you through scenic mountain forests to Idaho's tallest summits, overlooking the greatest expanses of wilderness that the Gem State has to offer. All this AND you get to "rough it" with no modern conveniences whatsoever...extreme is just one word for it.
More info and directions.
3. Test your endurance with the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route.
Two days. 200 to 500 miles over Idaho's most diverse terrain. From babbling streams to sub-alpine climbs and cozy mountain back roads, riders will pass through some of the most spectacular country the West has to offer. You can also experience the highest concentration of soakable hot springs in North America. Multiple route options cater to a number of skill levels. It's adventure cycling at its finest -- and most intense!
More info and directions.
4. Explore the middle fork of the Salmon River.
Wild and scenic, the Salmon River is a beauty worthy of its own adventure list. Take a river rafting tour and experience the adrenaline rush of Idaho's best whitewater experience. For true recreation lovers, the Middle Fork offers blue ribbon trout fishing, numerous natural hot springs, abundant wildlife viewing, scenic hiking, and many of Idaho's best historical sites. There is a multitude of rafting outfitters to choose from, but no doubt your trip will be one you won't soon forget.
More info and directions.
5. Challenge yourself with Adventure Racing.
Adventure Racing is essentially triathlon style sporting challenges for the multi-sport and adrenaline junkie. While courses can be found all over the country, Idaho is relatively new to the game, featuring routes that often combine everything from hiking, trail running, and mountain biking to the incorporation of canoeing and swimming. One of this year's races is the Teton Ogre Adventure Race -- and the deadline is swiftly approaching!
More info and registration.
6. Heli Ski in Sun Valley.
If you thought alpine skiing was intense, try flying up to some of Sun Valley's most remote and inaccessible ski runs via helicopter, and making your way down softly crusted, pristine slope. You won't find better scenery than the Football Field run in Ketchum, or a trip up to Goat Peak.
While the early spring means this adventure is off the table until next winter, be sure to book your trip early to get in on the largest Heli Ski action in the country, with 750,000 acres spread across three mountain ranges.
More info and directions.
7. Climb the Fins in Arco.
Rock climbing is pretty radical, and Idaho is no stranger to some sweet, daredevil precipice action, but these beautiful sheets of white limestone are a climber's dream. Overlooking the Snake River, the Fins offer climbing unlike any other with vertical and slightly overhung walls and secure pockets with excellent texture. Try the Bean Fiddler route for a challenge that isn't nearly as whimsical as its name.
More info and directions.
I’m ready for summer! What’s the most extreme adrenaline sport or location you’ve ever found in Idaho? Would you go again?
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