Road Trip to the Moon and Back
Two-Day Scenic Idaho Tour to Craters of the Moon National Monument

By Lisa Kleiman
Cricket Adventures

Take the family, dog or go solo and head out on an exciting road trip adventure to visit Idaho's well known Craters of the Moon National Monument.  Your trip can include fun stops at sites through southern Central Idaho.  Check out this round trip two-day itinerary!

DAY 1

7:30 a.m.:  From Treasure Valley, head west on Highway 84 and take the Mountain Home Hwy 51 exit.  Follow signs to Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park located about 18 miles south of Mountain Home.  Bruneau is home to North America's tallest single-structured sand dune rising to 470 feet high.  Spend about 2 hours for activities that can include hiking a 5-mile trail, bird watching and playing on the sand dunes.

11:00 a.m. - noon:  On Highway 84 continue west and take the Glens Ferry exit, mile marker 120.  Follow signs to Three Island Crossing State Park, about 4 miles from the highway and located on the Snake River.  Visit the Oregon Trail History and Education Center where you can learn about pioneer emigrants and Native American history.

2:00 p.m.:  Back on Highway 84 head west and take the Twin Falls exit to Shoshone Falls located 3 miles east of town on Falls Blvd.  At 212 feet, the falls are higher than Niagara Falls.  There are a wide variety of recreational activities available and for this quick trip spend time at the scenic overlook, take a short hike and eat a late lunch or relax in the shaded grassy areas.

3:30 p.m.:  Head north on Highway 75 and stop at Shoshone Ice Caves located directly off the highway.  A guided tour takes you into a 1000 foot long lava ice cave tube.  Near the cave entrance are dioramas, a museum, dinosaur sculptures and a store.  Kids may enjoy the attractions and ability to cool off in the ice cave.  More adventurous folk may instead prefer the nearby Shoshone Ice Caves at the Bennett Hills Recreation Management Area which has 14 lava tubes.  One of them, called T-Maze Caves is accessible for visitors but undeveloped.  Watch for the signs.

5:00 p.m.:  It has been a full day of activities and time to wind down.  Go north on 75 to Bellevue, Hailey or Sun Valley/Ketchum for lodging and camping.

DAY 2

8:00 a.m.:  After a hearty breakfast, head south on 75, then east on 93/26 until you reach Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.  Craters of the Moon is a large lava flow field covering 75 square miles with cinder and spatter cones, lava tubes, volcanic bombs and tree molds.  Start at the visitor center for information and advice from staff and plan your park activities.  Then work your way around the 7-mile loop drive.  There are many hikes and scenic view points along the drive.  Highlights include lava tube caves, spatter cones and crater hikes.

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.:  Drive home, unpack and reflect on an awesome 2-day adventure!

Notes:  Prepare for extreme weather that can be uncomfortably hot during the summer.  Bring a jacket and flashlight for cave explorations and sturdy shoes for hiking.  Don't forget a hat, sunscreen and water.   Services are limited near the park so pack along essentials including snacks.  Enjoy!

For more information about nearby lodging, destinations and attraction contact:

Cricket Adventures:  www.cricketadventures.com
Idaho Family Getaways:  www.idfamilygetaways.com
Craters of the Moon National Monument:  www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm 

Rapid River Trail is a Must Do!
By:  Lisa Kleiman
Cricket Adventures

Idaho has an abundance of spectacular hikes and the Rapid River Trail is no exception.  Located near Riggins in Central Idaho, the Rapid River Trails features a wide variety of plant and wild life and diverse terrain.

The trail hugs the slopes of a scenic deep and dramatic canyon next to the main fork of the Rapid River; designated as a unit of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.  There is a mix of sights to behold including petroglyphs, rugged canyon walls, crystal-clear river water and wild flowers that explode in vibrant colors in the spring and golden grassy hillsides in the fall.

The 40-mile trail passes through Castle and Copper Creek, Paradise Cabin and ends at Frypan Creek before hikers follow more strenous trails that may require multi-day backpacking trips.  At the 4-mile mark, the trail forks leading to the West Fork of the Rapid River and eventually to the base of the Seven Devils Peaks.

The trails is accessible by bike, horse and foot for most experience levels.  Trail engineers have placed bridges at all river crossings and the trail gains only about 800 feet within the first 11 miles.

For a fun day trip idea, try adding excursions to the hike.  On a recent visit our group included 8 to 12 year olds who especially enjoyed these "add-ons".  The Rapid River Fish Hatchery is located next to the trail head; providing a convenient before or after trail tour.  Chinook smolts are produced at this hatchery and adult salmon arrive at the Rapid River Trap from eary May through August.  It is open from 5 to 8 and has a day park.  Your trip could also include a stop for ice cream at the Black Berry Patch American; located about 4 miles north of Riggins.   We were served delicious heaping mounds of ice cream that was available in several various flavors.  Another fun stop could include a swim and soak at ZIMS Hot Springs located off 95; 4 N or New Meadows.

Overview:
Best Time to Go:  The best months for hiking are May and September when temperatures are moderate and the wildlife and foliage is best.
Watch out for:  Rattle snakes, icy patches on the trails during the winter and hot weather.  Use caution during the summer when temperatures soar.
Location:  Take Interstate 55 west out of McCall to New Meadows.  Take US 95 north toward Riggins and turn left at the well marked Rapid River turn, about 4 miles south of town.  Follow the road to the fish hatchery.  Park at the top of the fish hatchery loop road by the trail gate. 

Nearby Attractions:

Rapid River Fish Hatchery
Restaurant:  Black Berry American,  Riggins, ID Main Street, Phone: 208-628-371
Hotels: Best Western Salmon Rapids Lodge, Riggins, ID 
For More Information Contact:
www.cricketadventures.com
www.idfamilygetaways.com

Saddle Up to a Great Family Adventure!

By Lisa Kleiman
Cricket Adventures
www.cricketadventures.com

Published in Treasure Valley Journal; May, 2007

From novice riders to wranglers, practically anyone from about age 6 can explore Idaho backcountry by horse.  Horseback riding is an excellent way to see and experience pristine and beautiful hard to reach areas.  The experience can be exhilarating.  Even the gentlest guided trail ride affords the rider with a sense of well-being and a connectedness to nature.  There are many organizations that offer family oriented horse trips at great destinations in Idaho.  Check out some of these exciting options.

Deadwood Outfitters, located about 90 air miles north of Boise between Warm Lake and Deadwood Reservoir offers a variety of horse trips.  Visitors can take short trail rides directly from their cabin or the new main lodge.  Fully guided overnight and extended trips are also available and can be arranged as drop camps.  "About 80% of our visitors during the summer are families," said Dawn Carter of Deadwood.  "Kids receive a short lesson and observed to determine the best trail ride,"  said Dawn adding that visitors ride well maintained mountain horses along breathtaking areas.  "We want the trips to be wonderful memorable experiences!"

Pioneer Outfitters L.L.C. located in Stanley, Idaho, offers a variety of family oriented day rides to extended pack trips in the scenic Sawtooth National Forest and the White Cloud Mountains.  "Our trips are true back country experiences where families can really reconnect, experiencing idyllic settings," said Devan Jackson, owner of Pioneer Outfitters.  Pioneer backcountry horse trips range anywhere from spot packs for the do it yourselfer, to those who like the luxury of a trip fully catered by professional and experienced guides.  "We custom arrange pack trips for individual needs including fishing, hiking, sightseeing and photography activities and relaxation time for those who just want to unplug.  We can do all the setup and preparation of superb meals," said Devan.

Of course these are just a few of the many organizations offering unique and fun horse trips in Idaho.  So how do you decide the best one?  Gary Cunningham; owner of Three Horse Ranch, a 1,600 acre ranch and horse boarding outfitter in Eagle, Idaho suggests choosing your trip wisely.  "Talk to the outfitters.  Know the area you'll be going and understand potential dangers.  Only go with a decent and reputable facility that properly cares for its horses and has the staffing to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.  All-in-all, use your common sense," said Gary.

Some outfitters offer horseback trips year-round with summer as the busiest time.  Trail rides last anywhere from an hour to several days an most outfitters will customize the trip to your needs.  Best to call ahead for availability, information and rates.  What are you waiting for?  Giddyup and take your family on a great Idaho horse adventure!

For more information about horse trips contact:

1. Deadwood Outfitters   www.deadwoodoutfitters.com    Phone:  1-800-684-3675
2. Pioneer Outfitters www.pioneeroutfitters.net  Phone:  208-324-7171
3. Three Horse Ranch www.threehorseranch.com 
4. Cricket Adventures www.cricketadventures.com 
5. Idaho Family Getaways www.idfamilygetaways.com
 
Photos Courtesy of Deadwood Outfitters

 

Great Family Fun Rafting in Idaho
(Published in Treasure Valley Journal, April, 2007)

By Lisa Kleiman
Cricket Adventures

Folks, don't miss out on one of Idaho's most exciting and memorable outdoor activities available just out our back door - whitewater rafting.

Whitewater rafting is a popular activity for famlies, providing a perfect combination of exciting outdoor adventures, relaxation and enriching and healthy experiences.

Cascade Raft Company for example, provide family oriented raft trips.  Located just 45 minutes from Boise, Cascade offers half and full-day guided trips with a focus on safety and fun.  "July and Auguest are the best time for families with young children when the water levels have stabilized and the weather is more consistent," said Ann Long of Cascade Raft Company.  "Families enjoy swimming, paddling, water fights and just hanging out," said Ann.

Hughes River Expeditions Inc., based out of Cambridge, Idaho offers family full-service whitewater rafting expeditions trips on the Salmon and Snake River.  Hughes has provided family oriented trips for over 31 years with safety as their first concern.  "Family trips make up 60% of our annual business," said Jerry Hughes, owner of Hughes River Expeditions Inc.  "Kids love fishing, rafting the roller coaster rapids and exploring Indian and Pioneer sites," said Jerry.

Whether you are planning a family half-day whitewater tour or a summer rafting vacation, the following suggestions may be helpful:

1. Understand the Class of River you will be going on.  The International Scale or River Difficulty breaks down into six different tiers to classes ranging from Class 1 the easiest to Class V1 the most difficult.

2. Ask how long the tour operator has been in business and how many years of experience their guides have.  All river gudes are required to be licensed in Idaho and many recieve additonal river rescue, medical and other related training.

3. Find out what kind of equipment is being used by the tour operator.  How old is the raft?  Will extra paddles be available?  Is there a first aid kit?

4.  Find out about your family's safety.  Will your family be briefed about safety before going out?  Are helmuts required or provided if asked?

5.  Understand how well the tour operator accommodates families.  Does the trip fit with your family's interests and needs?  What experiences can your family expect from the trip?  Will there be stops and opportunities for exploration and seeing points of interests, swimming, lunch, snacks, etc.

6.  Pack and plan wisely.  Basic packing items include hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, change of clothes, quick drying clothes such as those made of nylon, towel and a water proof camera to capture the fun and beauty.  Know what items are needed for long trips.

Most whitewater rafting tour operators will be very happy to help and provide any information upon request.  Happy rafting!

For more information about family rafting trips in Idaho contact:
1. www.cricketadventures.com   Directory and guide of family adventure trips around the world
2. www.idfamilygetaways.com    Directory and guide of family adventure trips in Idaho. 
3. www.hughesriver.com   Rafting trips in Idaho
4. www.cascaderaft.com  Rafting trips in Idaho