Don't Let the Lack of "High Water" Keep You from Visiting this Fall
Looking for some weekend adventure, but want to explore somewhere new? If you are in the Boise area, take the two-hour trek to Shoshone Falls in south-central Idaho's Magic Valley. Located approximately three miles west of the city of Twin Falls, the "Niagra of the West" drops an impressive 212 feet, 45 feet higher than the real Niagra.
Though the most dramatic time of year to visit is in the spring when flows can reach in excess of 20,000 cubic feet per second, the fall and winter bring a different kind of beauty. Striking rock formations and stunning pools reveal themselves only when the water is low.
Lying within the Snake River Canyon, the Falls and surrounding geology is a fascinating scene created over millions of years and is truly one of nature's—and Idaho's—most glorious wonders worthy of visiting any time of year.
Shoshone Falls Park is situated at the bottom of the canyon via a fairly steep and curvy road that is open year-round, except when snow and ice make travel too dangerous. The road is paved and fine for all vehicles. In the fall and winter months, the park is open from dawn to dusk, and there is no charge for access. Picnic areas, overlooks, and portable toilets are accessible all year.
Wear comfortable shoes and plan to take a hike along one of the many trails in and around the Falls. Centennial Trail takes explorers 1.4 miles to the site of Evel Knievel's failed attempt to jump the canyon in 1974. The out-and-back trail is paved and features canyon overlooks.
To get to Shoshone Falls from Boise, travel east on I-84 to US 93/exit 173 south to Twin Falls. Turn east on Falls Ave. E to N 3300 E/Champlin Road and follow the signs.
Be sure to stop at the Twin Falls Visitor Center at the south side of the Perrine Bridge for breathtaking views of the canyon and to pick up a trail map.
Ready to spend some time in the great outdoors? Mountain biking provides an invigorating workout in wide open, natural spaces, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our real estate agents love to let off some steam at these favorite mountain biking trails, conveniently located in and around Boise. This time of year can be tricky weatherwise, so before you head out, be sure to check trail conditions at the Ridge-to-Rivers website, and please, please stay off muddy trails.
Boise is a satisfying blend of urban attractions and outdoor activities. If you're buying or selling a home in the area, contact us at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson for assistance from our friendly and knowledgeable real estate agents.
It's time for snowshoe season once again! This is the perfect year to return to one of your favorite outdoor hobbies or to try snowshoeing for the first time as you explore Boise from a whole new perspective. Snowshoeing is a family-friendly activity, it's easy to learn, and it offers a great workout while you enjoy the outdoors. Ready to hit the trails and immerse yourself in some of the best views that Boise has to offer? Our real estate agents have all the details on 5 snowshoeing trails around Boise that you definitely won't want to miss this winter.
Adelmann Mine – Adelmann Mine Trailhead, Boise, ID 83716
Learn about local history and enjoy some scenic views when you explore the Adelmann Mine trail, which is located near Boise homes for sale. This trail checks in at just under 5 miles, with relatively easy terrain to traverse if you're just getting started with snowshoeing. At the end of the trail, you will arrive at Adelmann Mine, a historic mine that has largely been preserved to the present day. There's a bit of a climb before you reach the mine, but the effort is worth it.
Bogus Basin – 2600 N Bogus Basin Rd., Boise, ID 83702
A unique, non-profit winter recreation area with tons of trails to explore, Bogus Basin offers excellent snowshoeing for all experience levels. This is also a great place to visit if you want to spend a full day and mix in some other winter sports. The skiing here is fantastic, and the mountain is open at night if you want to try some snowshoeing after dark. As one of the only non-profit winter recreation areas in the country, Bogus Basin is a must-visit.
Corrals Trail – 31 Corrals Trail, Boise, ID 83702
Running through the foothills around Boise, the Corrals Trail Loop is a busy, 5.5-mile trail with beautiful views all around. It's a point-to-point trail, so you'll either need to plan ahead for transportation or snowshoe both ways for an 11-mile round trip. Either way, you'll enjoy some great views of the foothills as you travel.
West Highland Valley Trail – 7596-7536 #11 West Highland Valley Trail, Boise, ID 83716
If you're looking for a less crowded trail that still offers amazing views, be sure to check out the West Highland Valley Trail. This trail is also ideal if you're experienced with snowshoeing and looking for a bit of a challenge. It's a steep trail that lasts about 6 miles, with the first couple miles offering an especially challenging climb. You can travel the loop clockwise or counter-clockwise, with different views to enjoy depending on which way you travel.
Central Ridge Trail – 750 Mountain Cove Rd., Boise, ID 83702
Enjoy a trip along the river when you travel the Central Ridge Trail, a popular loop that connects with various other trails in the area. When you combine the nearby Bucktail and Shane's trails with the Central Ridge Trail, you get a nearly 7-mile loop that features gorgeous views of the Boise River throughout your trip. This is an accessible trail with a moderate rating, so it's a fun place to snowshoe no matter your experience level.
No matter the season, you're never far from your next outdoor adventure when you live in Boise. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Boise, ID area.
Boise, are you ready to play ball? Pickleball is one of the nation's fastest-growing sports. This fun hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis is catching on in schools, senior centers, and local outdoor spaces. Players can play one-on-one or in teams of two, taking turns hitting a plastic ball over a net with a paddle. With the ability to play indoors and outdoors, it's fairly easy for you to get out and join a pickleball game! Following is a list of just a few of our area's courts. Check HERE for a larger list and a map.
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Indoor Pickleball Courts
Would you like to live in a community close to a pickleball court? Let us do the searching for you!
Fire pits are hot these days-- literally and figuratively. They form a focal point for outdoor socializing and can extend your outdoor time with the warmth they provide in the evenings. Plus, let's not forget the joy of making s'mores in the backyard!
You can purchase a pre-made kit or have one professionally installed, but a DIY fire pit is a relatively simple project for a long weekend, and if you'd like to create a fire pit of your own, read on.
Safety First
Examine the area where you'd like to build your fire pit. The best spots for fire pits have a non-flammable material such as dirt or stone, and are free of overhanging or nearby branches, and are well away from other potential fuel. Your fire pit should be at least ten feet away from the house or other structures. What should be near your fire pit is a space for an appropriate fire extinguisher that's kept ready each time you light the fire pit.
The Right Stuff
Stone, cement blocks, and brick make suitable materials for a DIY fire pit, as they can be arranged into almost any shape you want. Retaining wall blocks serve as ideal side material for fire pits. Pavers provide the perfect smooth surface for the bottom of your fire pit. Use paver sand to fill in the gaps and discourage shifting. If your fire pit is deep and you'd like the fire to sit slightly higher in the pit, use river stones or gravel for a non-flammable filler.
Some Light Upcycling
Some items require only a little refashioning to make a great fire pit. A large stone, concrete, or terracotta planter makes an excellent fire pit. If you'd like to give concrete casting a try, a container that is a great shape but in a less than ideal material, such as a plastic planter, might make a good mold for a concrete fire pit.
Light Your Fire
Only light materials designed to be burned in an outdoor setting. Seasoned wood, pressed wood logs, or gel canisters are all ideal for fire pits. If you use gel canisters, make sure the cap stays handy for extinguishing the flame. Avoid using green wood or other materials not prepared for fueling outdoor fires. If you plan to cook using your fire pit, make sure your fuel is designed for cooking.
Home design trends come and go, but a fire pit has practical value and is very DIY-friendly.