From Idaho's Peaks to Its Rivers and Plains

The 82,751 square miles of Idaho land offer people an excellent opportunity to enjoy rugged mountains, abundant rivers and waterfalls. The average elevation in Idaho is 5,000 feet above sea level. Most of the state is covered by the Rocky Mountains with Mt. Borah the tallest peak at 12,662 feet. At least 50 mountains tower to more than 10,000 feet.

SKIING
People looking into homes around Boise will become instantly familiarized with the Bogus Basin ski area located only 16.5 miles from the city. This mountain is more than 6,000 feet above sea level with downhill ski and Nordic (cross country) ski trails. Summer activities such as hiking, Frisbee golf, and mountain biking are also available at Bogus Basin. This area is also convenient for people interested in nearby Eagle, Meridian and Nampa homes.

Sun Valley near Ketchum, Idaho is perhaps the best known ski area in the state. Idaho property has been in demand in this area for decades. Everything from condominiums to luxury vacation homes are available in this area in the south-central part of the state.

Up north in the Panhandle, Silver Mountain and Schweitzer Basin offer excellent skiing thanks to the rugged grandeur of the Bitterroots. Grizzly Mountain is the highest peak in the Coeur d'Alene area of the Panhandle topping out at 5,950 feet. Idaho property for first or second homes is available in the in Coeur d'Alene by the lake or near Sand Point on the shores of beautiful Lake Pend Orielle.

LAKES AND RIVERS
The lowest point in Idaho is on the eastern shore of the undulating Snake River near Lewiston, Idaho.  Here the elevation is only 710 feet above sea level at Idaho's gateway to Hells Canyon. The Seven Devils Mountains form the border with Oregon along Hells Canyon on the Snake,  just south of Lewiston.

The Salmon River winds through Idaho offering endless fishing and boating opportunities with small towns scattered along its banks.  The middle fork of the Boise river flows through the capitol city and also neighboring Eagle where Eagle Island offers locals excellent recreational opportunities.  

American Falls reservoir is great for fishing and boating in the Pocatello area. Waterfalls are also found at the cities of Idaho Falls and Twin Falls as well as other locations.

This southeastern section of the state has grass plateaus along with the stark Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Numerous alpine lakes are found in the Sawtooth range to the south of the Salmon River offering great hiking for backpackers. 

Idaho truly is an incredible place with a variety of communities, cultures, and climates.