All Blog Entries by Hughes Group Blog Team

Exploring the Enchanting Wilderness: Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Nestled within the heart of Idaho's rugged landscape lies a natural masterpiece that has captured the hearts of adventurers, nature lovers, and solitude seekers alike. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a hidden gem in the vast expanse of the Gem State, beckons with its awe-inspiring beauty, alpine grandeur, and boundless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

The Sawtooth Mountains, a jagged crown of granite sentinels, dominate the skyline of this vast recreation area. Like the teeth of a great saw, their serrated peaks give the area its name. Stretching across more than 756,000 acres, the Sawtooth NRA encompasses diverse ecosystems, from lush alpine meadows and…

Escape to Idaho's Majestic Mountains: Discover Nature's Playground ~ Adventure like no other!

Look no further than Idaho's breathtaking mountains, where rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and untouched wilderness await. With an abundance of outdoor activities, charming towns, and awe-inspiring landscapes, Idaho's mountains offer an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Immerse in the stunning beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains, where jagged peaks tower above pristine alpine lakes. Picture hiking along the rugged trails, surrounded by wildflowers and the distant sound of rushing waterfalls. Feel the exhilaration and conquer challenging peaks, rewarded with panoramic vistas that take visitors breath away. In the…

Idaho, located in the northwestern region of the United States, has rich and diverse landscapes with an intriguing history of the Native American settlements and early European exploration with a wealth of fur trade along the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. With the Gold Rush boom, the Oregon/California Trail brought many travelers through the area, many of whom chose to call the area home. A few highlights of Idaho's history:

Native American Settlement: The area now known as various Native American tribes have inhabited Idaho for thousands of years. Tribes such as the Nez Perce, Shoshone, Coeur d'Alene, and Bannock relied on the region's abundant natural resources.

Before European settlement, Native American tribes in Idaho engaged in trade…

Horseback Riding Destinations

From north to south, Idaho is teeming with outdoor recreational opportunities and stunning scenic views. As the weather gets warmer, finding things to do outdoors becomes endless. Idaho's incredible topography, towering mountain ranges, and blue skies are ideal for spending hours exploring the vast wilderness. Take the road less traveled and consider horseback riding the backcountry to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state!

Saddle up for an adventure and spend an afternoon trotting through Idaho's far-reaching wilderness or embark on a scenic sunset dinner ride with expert guides leading the way. For those seeking an extended getaway, consider a vacation at one of the many local guest ranches in…

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Magic Valley, Hagerman is a southern gem built around flourishing aquaculture. The presence of geothermal water that flows through the town makes it an ideal location to practice this kind of unique farming. With millions of fish spawning from this area every year, Hagerman stands as one of the world's largest trout producers, accounting for roughly 70% of U.S. domestic trout production in Idaho alone. The mild weather and abundance of open water year-round make the valley an optimal stopping point for migrating waterfowl as well as an excellent destination for a variety of water sports. Discover all that this area has to offer, from gushing waterfalls, prehistoric fossil beds, pristine hot springs to beautiful…

If you haven't heard the saying, "April showers bring May flowers," this is especially true in Boise, Idaho. Come Spring, Boise's natural landscapes fill with wildflowers and budding blooms. The rolling foothills burst with color, making for some of the most serene hiking views, and the fragrant smell of flowers fills downtown streets. Spring is undoubtedly one of the best seasons in Boise. It opens up possibilities for outdoor recreation and not to mention the ideal time to start planning that dream garden or finish that landscaping project. Introducing native plants can offer low-cost, sustainable solutions that benefit budgets and the ecosystem. Below are a few ideas to help everyone, from novice graders to local businesses, transform their…

Idaho is home to a variety of waterfowl species that can be found in its lakes, rivers, wetlands, and marshes. Idaho is home to a variety of waterfowl species that can be found in its lakes, rivers, wetlands, and marshes.

Waterfowl history and preservation have played significant roles in Idaho's conservation efforts. In the late 9th and early 20th centuries, waterfowl populations in Idaho and North America faced significant declines due to unregulated market hunting. Large-scale hunting for feathers, meat, and eggs led to decimating of waterfowl populations, including ducks, geese, and swans. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act: In 9 8, the United States enacted the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to protect migratory birds, including waterfowl.…

Welcome to the untamed wilderness of Idaho, where nature's masterpieces flow through majestic rivers. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure as we dive into the depths of Idaho's remarkable waterways. From thrilling rapids to tranquil fishing spots, there's an experience waiting for every explorer.

Here are some of the prominent rivers in Idaho, along with their history, migration, dams, energy, fish, camping locations, parks, and a brief overview of their historical significance:

Snake River:

History: The Snake River played a vital role in the exploration and settlement of the American West. It served as a significant transportation route for Native American tribes, fur traders, and pioneers.

Migration: The river is home…

Idaho's bridges have played a significant role in the state's growth and development by providing essential transportation infrastructure and facilitating economic prosperity. Here are some ways in which Idaho's bridges have influenced growth:

Bridges serve as critical links that connect different regions and communities within Idaho. They provide access to remote areas, facilitate the transportation of goods and services, and enable people to commute between cities and towns. By bridging natural barriers like rivers, lakes, and canyons, bridges have improved connectivity and accessibility, allowing for the expansion of economic activities and the development of new residential and commercial areas.

Idaho's bridges have been instrumental in…

Nestled in the vistas of the Southeast Idaho mountain ranges, discover lush green valleys blanketed with purple sage and overgrown wetlands. Comprised of some of the country's most extensive stretches of unspoiled land, Idaho is a hub for wildlife enthusiasts and birding in particular. The state's vast network of protected wilderness and outdoor recreation areas connect to an extensive birding trail that spans 2,000+/- miles and includes 175 different sites. Uncover a network of birdwatching clubs, Audubon Society chapters, the World Center for Birds of Prey, and more.

Depending on the region, Idaho's bird population ranges from golden eagles to sandhill cranes and just about everything in between. Species can be grouped into several locations:…