Idaho: An Outdoor Recreationist's Heaven

In my opinion, Idaho gets a bad rap. I grew up in Boise, and whenever I tell people that, I get asked at least one of the following questions: 1.) do you like potatoes? And if so, do you grow them? 2.) Did you know Randy Weaver? (For the record, I was 10 in 1992, during the Ruby Ridge “standoff“ - so, no.) 3.) Are you racist? (Of course not. People, Hayden Idaho is a tiny town that was unfortunately happened to be the location for a group of very prejudiced group of people. The actions of a relatively small group of white supremacists, though revolting, in no way represents the values of an entire state. Richard Butler is dead, and the bankrupt organization isn‘t even headquartered in Idaho anymore.) Now that I live on the east coast, the standard reply is oh…Iowa. I like Des Moines. Same vowels, entirely different location, I’m afraid. 

All that out of the way, don’t let Idaho’s unwarranted reputation or the fact that you don’t know state geography detract you from visiting. Especially if you are an outdoors person. Locate it on a map immediately, and book plane reservations or start planning your road trip route so that you can arrive during later spring, or later summer/early fall. Mid summer is also fine, but try to avoid the south west (Boise) area, as it lies in desert region, and gets hot and dry. Winter is beautiful, but note that parts of Idaho will be cold and very snowy, so bring the right gear. If you are an avid outdoor recreationist, or if you just enjoy the beauty of nature, Idaho will not disappoint. 

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