Boise: History, River and Scenic Byways

The topics mentioned relate specifically to Idaho City, various points along the South Fork of the Payette River and named scenic byways. Consider these highlights separately and choose the places that fit your travel plans.

Gold Rush history and historic sites

Idaho City was founded in December 1862 as Bannock during the Boise Basin Gold Rush; the name West Bannock was also occasionally used. The Boise Basin Museum tells the story of Idaho City and the Boise Basin during the 1860s Gold Rush through photographs and artifacts. It is housed in a historic building originally built as the Idaho City post office after the first post office burned down on May 17, 1867. The exhibits also include a working replica of a mining operation.

Idaho City’s historic sites also include Boot Hill Cemetery. The Masonic Temple in Idaho City is the oldest Masonic temple still in use on this side of the Mississippi and is used occasionally. The Arrowrock Dam in Boise County offers a different historical perspective: it was built between 1911 and 1915 as the irrigation project’s first storage dam and has been listed on the National Register since November 9, 1972. Starlight Mountain Theatre opened in May 2000; this date describes its history, not its current schedule.

Hot springs and river activities

Kirkham Hot Springs are located east of Lowman on Highway 21. A trail leads to bathing pools and small steaming waterfalls. The Kirkham Ridge Trail is 35 miles long and open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; seasonal conditions can affect access. Check conditions before driving to the springs.

Hot Springs Campground is located east of Garden Valley on the Banks-Lowman Highway. Visitors can raft, kayak and fish on the South Fork Payette River, as well as bathe in the hot springs. A natural bathing pool fed by hot spring water is directly across the road and can be reached by a staircase. Also check the campground’s seasonal status before your trip.

The BLM’s South Fork Recreation Site is an undeveloped riverside campground located three miles east of Garden Valley. The South Fork of the Payette River has Class II, III and IV rapids. Guided rafting trips are offered on the Staircase, Kirkham and Canyon sections. When planning your river activities, you can focus on a guided rafting trip on one of the named sections or choose another river activity.

Scenic byways and seasonal trails

The Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway follows the South Fork of the Payette River. Along the route, there are opportunities for whitewater rafting, wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. It can be reached from Banks via Idaho Highway 55 or from Lowman via Idaho Highway 21. The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers a different focus: it passes through historic Idaho City and Lowman. Full services are available along this route in Idaho City and Lowman; winter conditions can affect the drive.

For a winter experience, the snowmobile trail network in Garden Valley starts at Terrace Lake Resort. It includes 137 miles of groomed trails, extends to Packer John and connects to the trail network maintained by the Smith’s Ferry grooming program. Grooming and use are seasonal and depend on snow conditions. When planning, it may therefore help to compare options by interest: the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway combines river activities with other outdoor opportunities, while the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway highlights Idaho City and Lowman. The snowmobile trail network, by contrast, is a separate seasonal option.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Crouch, Oneida County, Bannock County, Boundary County, Custer County, Lemhi County, Bonner County, Clark County.

For the broader travel overview: Idaho.