Idaho Vacation: Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, Part 1 Boise to Idaho City

The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic and diversified byways imaginable.  It has urban elements at one end, large reservoirs, mining towns, mountain passes, beautiful timber and mountain ranges, rivers,  peaceful valleys and the majestic Sawtooth mountains at the other end.  There are many ways to fit this byway into an Idaho vacation. 

Because of the many things to describe on this byway the post is given in three parts - Part 1 Boise to Idaho City, Part 2 Idaho City to Lowman, and Part 3 Lowman to Stanley. 

The 2-lane paved byway is anchored by Boise on one end and Stanley on the other end.  We will start this trip at the Boise end of this 131 mile wonderful trip.  In addition to the beauty and adventure of the byway, there are many side trips that can be taken from this route. 


Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway near Diversion Dam


The byway begins near the junction of I-84 and I-21, just southeast of Boise.  The first side trip comes only a mile or so after getting started.  The Oregon Trail Reserve, a 66 acre site is just 500 feet off of our route.  The address for the reserve is 4500 E Lake Forest Dr, Boise.  The reserve features a scenic view of the Boise Front and the historic Kelton Ramp, a path forged by overland travelers heading down the rim to the Boise River.  More information on the reserve is here.



Diversion Dam Historic Sign

 Another mile or so we find our trip along side of the Boise River.  Diversion Dam was originally built to divert water for irrigation.  Shorty after its completion it was fitted with a power plant to supply electrical power for the construction of Arrowrock Dam a few miles upstream.  A history of Diversion Dam is here.


Diversion Dam With Power Plant
on Far Right Side, Boise River 



A couple more miles brings one to Discovery Park, one of three units of Lucky Peak State Park.  This popular roadside park has reservable shelters, picnic areas, fishing access with bike and walking trails.  Sandy Point located about 1/2 mile farther up the road and at the base of Lucky Peak Dam, offers  a great sandy beach and clear cool waters.  It is very popular during warmer weather.  The third unit of Lucky Peak State Park is Spring Shores, about seven more miles along Lucky Peak Reservoir and has a large marina in addition to watercraft rentals and a convenience store.  Admission is charged for these state park units. 



"Rooster Tail" Spillway from Lucky Peak Dam, Boise River


The road leaves the reservoir after the Sandy Point and dam area and loops over a modest hill to the junction of I-21 and FR 268.  FR268 leads to Spring Shores, on to Arrowrock Dam and Reservoir, the Boise National Forest and eventually to Atlanta, an early Idaho mining town.  My entry on Atlanta and the trip getting there is found here.

We stay on I-21 for this trip.  This road is also signed as FR 237.  The roadway follows an arm of Lucky Peak reservoir then enters a canyon with Mores Creek for a roadside companion.  Homes dot the mountain side landscape and the scenery  changes from dry desert to forested slopes.  Deer are numerous along the highway, especially in winter, and special caution is encouraged to avoid collisions. 



Historic Sign at Grimes Creek Junction on ID-21



Watch for the Grimes Creek about 12 miles past the FR237 junction.  The road up Grimes Creek offers fishing, lots of boondocking (no formal camp ground facilities) camping opportunities and access to backcountry ghost towns Placerville, New Centerville, and Pioneerville, among others. The area is a popular snow mobile and tubing area in winter  This area was an extremely important mining district in the latter 1800's.  The mining history is readily visible.  This is also a popular hunting area.

Continuing on I-21 we soon arrive at Idaho City, a historically important and well preserved mining town.  One could spend an entire day here exploring the visitors center, old cemetaries, historical buildings, and the Boise Basin Historical Museum.  See my entry about Idaho City here.


Wood Carving
Outside of Idaho
City Visitor Center



Wood Carving
Outside of Idaho
City Visitor Center



Additional Information Sources:

Guide to Idaho's Scenic Byways - http://www.idahobyways.gov/, Idaho Division of Tourism Development, 700 West State Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0093, Phone: (208) 334-2470

Boise City - http://www.cityofboise.org/, 150 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702, 1-800-377-3529
Oregon Trail in Idaho - http://history.idaho.gov/, 2205 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, 208-334-2682
Lucky Peak State Park - http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/luckypeak.aspx, Location: 8 miles SE of Boise, 74 Arrowrock Rd, Boise, ID 83716, (208) 334-2432
Idaho City Chamber of Commerce - 208-392-4159,    http://www.idahocitychamber.com/,
Boise National Forest -    1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 373-4100,
rmailto:rr4boiseinfo@fs.fed.us, http://fs.usda.gov/boise, (Idaho City Ranger District 208-392-6681)

Idaho Vacation: Malad Gorge State Park

Malad Gorge State Park is just one mile off of I-84 but most travelers do not know it is there.  As you travel on your Idaho vacation, make this a stop for impressive canyon views and a beautiful grassy area with picnic tables and rest rooms for a mid-day picnic.  Younger travelers will appreciate the opportunity to stretch their legs and play on the playground equipment before getting back in the car. 



Interpertative Center At Malad Gorge
State Park



Looking Upstream from Overlook
Footbridge at Malad Gorge State Park



Malad Gorge is one of six units that comprise the Thousand Springs State Park.  It is the only unit directly accessible from I-84.  The park is 652 acres and has hiking trails as well as a nice interpretative center near the canyon overlook.  The picnic tables, playground, shade trees and restrooms are separated from the overlook but only a quarter mile or so away.  Camping is not allowed in the park but private campgrounds are located nearby. 



Covered picnic Tables and Grass
Playground at Malad Gorge State Park



To acccess the park, take I-84 exit 147 (Tuttle exit) and proceed north and west one mile to the canyon overlook.  A sturdy footbridge crosses the canyon for excellent views of the river crashing over boulders approximately 175 feet below.  The footbridge is very close to the highway bridge.  From the footbridge, one can look upstream at the staircase rapids.  Immediately under the bridge is Devils Washbowl, a large basin of wild water.  Looking downriver, the gorge deepens to over 250 feet as the river flows toward its confluence with the Snake River just 2 1/2 miles away. 



Malad River Flows Through 250 Ft
Deep Gorge at Malad Gorge State Park



Just a 1/4 mile upstream from the footbridge, is Kelton Crossing.  This was the bridge over the canyon where the Oregon Trail crossed the gorge.  Fortunately the canyon was narrow at this place and only 35-40 feet deep.  This bridge on the Kelton Road carried wagons, freight, passengers, mail, and everything else on the Oregon Train from about 1864 - 1883 when the railroad was built through the area. 

The Malad River is only about 12 miles long and is formed when the Big Wood River and Little Wood Rivers join near Gooding.  The Malad River drains into The Snake River.  From this overlook, there is no trail to the bottom of the gorge. 



Malad River Flows into Devils Washbowl
Photo is Looking Straight Down From Footbridge

 The other units of the Thousand Springs State Park include:
Billingsley Creek -
Vardis Fisher -
Ritter Island -
Earl M Hardy Box Canyon Springs -
Niagara Springs -

Click here for descriptions of all six units. 
Click here for a nice area map showing all six units.



Sunset , View From Malad Gorge State Park

 More information about Idaho State Parks is found on the Idaho State Parks web pages - http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks or contact them at PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720, 888-922-6743.

The fee to enter Idaho State Parks is $5.00/day, season passes are available. 

Idaho Vacation: Ponderosa State Park



Getting Ready for a Bike Ride in
Ponderosa State Park

 Tall stately Ponderosa Pine trees and gorgeous views of Payette Lake, what could be better? Well, maybe paved camping pads, electric and water hookups, great hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing from your camp spot.  Ponderosa State Park is one of many great places to spend an Idaho vacation. 

On our recent visit to this 1500+ acre park we were treated to near perfect weather.  Ponderosa State Park occupies most of the 1000 acre peninsula that juts into beautiful Payette Lake.  The park is just a mile or so north east of McCall, itself a welcoming destination.



Fishing and Boating Activities
Set Off by Beautiful  Blue
Waters of Payette Lake



Small Sandy Beach at Payette Lake
Note the Green Reflection of the Water
as Contrasted to the Deep Blue of
Other Photographs



Ponderosa State Park has many amenities to make all visits enjoyable.  From Ranger guided educational hikes, evening campfire programs, great camping facilities, boat launches, sandy beaches, miles of biking and hiking trails, great views of Payette Lake, wildlife viewing, and much more.  This is the headquarters for complete vacations for everyone in the family.  Winter activities include nordic or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails.

Lodging facilities include cabin rentals, as well as many camping units, most with  electric and water hookups.  There is a waste dump station on-site.  Camp areas vary from tent sites with no water or electric service to back in spaces to 80 feet long pull through driveways.


Father and Son Enjoying One of the
Paved Paths

 The park environment varies from moist marshes, to dense forests to arid sagebrush.  Osprey Point, offers a breathtaking view of Payette Lake and is one of the highest points in the park.  Osprey Point is accessible by road except the last 100 or so feet.  Because of the varied topography, a large diversity of wildlife is present in the park.  We saw deer in the campground every day we were there. 

Many of the miles of the hiking and bike trails are paved.  Benches are strategically placed to view the lake and water sports. 



Couple Enjoying a Shady Bench
Overlooking Payette Lake

 The North Beach Unit, located at the north end of Payette Lake, has large sandy beaches, and picnic areas.  A popular scenic drive completely encircles the lake giving varied and scenic views of the lake, summer home areas, and the surrounding mountains. 

Many activities an conveniences are available in the town of McCall just a mile or so from the park. 


Almost All Camp Units  Have Shade



More information about Ponderosa State Park including driving directions, activities, facilities, and much more is available here.  Information about McCall is found here and here and here.  McCall is 108 miles north of Boise on US-55 and 163 miles south of Lewiston on US-95/US-55.

It really doesn't matter if you enjoy indoor or outdoor or water or land activities, Ponderosa State Park and the McCall area has something for everyone and for every age.   Make this a destination for your Idaho vacation. 



One of the Many Ponderosa State
Park Deer



Other blog entries that feature subjects in the greater McCall area are at the following locations:

http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/01/idaho-vacation-mccall-winter-carnival.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/07/idaho-vacation-kellys-whitewater-park.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/07/idaho-vacation-roseberry-historical.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/02/idaho-vacation-mccall-pancake-and.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/02/idaho-vacation-snow-tubing.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/search/label/Yellow%20Pine