Explore prehistoric Idaho, ride summer trails at ski areas & sip through the Lewis-Clark Valley

Explore prehistoric Idaho, ride summer trails at ski areas & sip through the Lewis-Clark Valley

Celebrate 50 Years of Fossil Discovery in Idaho

Step back millions of years and uncover the prehistoric past of southern Idaho as the National Park Service celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Hagerman Fauna Site National Natural Landmark. Designated in 1975 for its internationally significant collection of Pliocene-era fossils—including saber-toothed cats, mastodons, giant ground sloths and the world’s largest assemblage of Hagerman Horse remains—this landmark continues to offer new insights into life on Earth three to four million years ago.

To mark the milestone, family-friendly fossil exploration events will be held at Thousand Springs Visitor Center in Hagerman (July 16 and Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and the Idaho Museum of Natural History in Pocatello (July 2 and Aug. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Visitors can see fossils up close, take part in hands-on activities and learn how these ancient discoveries connect to today's ecosystem.

Summer Adventures Await at Idaho Ski Areas

When the snow melts, Idaho's ski areas trade powdery slopes for mountain bike trails, live music and sweeping views. Get ready for some summer fun with a roundup of activities at the following mountains:

• Soldier Mountain (Fairfield) is open every other weekend, offering five lift-served bike trails that span nine miles. The park includes a skills area, a jump line, $10 scenic lift rides for hikers and a free nine-hole disc golf course.
• Silver Mountain Resort (Kellogg) features 3,400 vertical feet of lift-accessed biking across 40+ trails. Trail crews have improved beginner routes and enhanced advanced lines for a smoother, more dynamic ride experience. The season wraps with a three-day bike festival (Sept. 21-23) featuring night rides, mini races, trick competitions and a top-to-bottom race into downtown Kellogg.
• Brundage (McCall) offers lift-served and cross-country mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, hiking trails, a disc golf course and weekly TGIF Concert Series. New this year: all summer operations are now based out of the Mountain Adventure Center, a base area hub with bike rentals, lessons, retail, guest services and more.
• Sun Valley Resort (Sun Valley) opens its gondola June 27 for scenic rides and mountaintop dining. Additional offerings include lift-served biking starting July 1, free outdoor yoga, evening lift access during the River Run Summer Series and dazzling Sun Valley on Ice shows.

Wineries, Waterways & Western Explorers

Tucked where the Snake and Clearwater rivers converge in north central Idaho, the Lewis-Clark Valley blends outdoor adventure, rich history and award-winning wines. Trace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark through the Gem State or cast a line in renowned fishing waters teeming with steelhead and smallmouth bass. Nearby, Hells Canyon - the deepest river gorge in North America - offers jet boat tours, whitewater rafting and wildlife watching amid rugged, breathtaking terrain. The valley's scenic byways and riverfront trails are perfect for biking, birding or a relaxed stroll. Wine enthusiasts can savor estate-grown pours at local tasting rooms, part of the Lewis-Clark Valley AVA - Idaho's first federally recognized wine region. Discover more ways to explore at Visit Lewis-Clark Valley.

Upcoming Events Island Park Festival at Sawtelle Mtn. Resort | Island Park Aug. 29-31 Get ready for a weekend of fun at the Island Park Festival - free and open to all. Swing by the park in front of Sawtelle Mountain Resort for local eats, unique crafts, and one-of-a-kind treasures from talented makers. It's the perfect mix of small-town charm and big-time fun.

Paul Bunyan Days | St. Maries Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Celebrate Labor Day weekend in true lumberjack style. This lively tradition features logging competitions, water events, motocross races, carnival rides, food and craft vendors, live music and one of the area's largest fireworks shows.

Taste of Caldwell Harvest Festival | Caldwell Sept. 6 Savor the season at this fall-themed festival showcasing Caldwell's farm-to-fork culture. Guests can enjoy a dozen curated pairings created by local chefs, restaurateurs and artisans.

Orofino Lumberjack Days | Orofino Sept. 11-14 Orofino comes alive for Lumberjack Days, a celebration blending the Clearwater County Fair with high-energy logging sports. Watch top competitors from around the world compete in feats of strength and skill and browse exhibits.

Lost n Lava Cowboy Gathering | Shoshone Sept. 19-20 Celebrate Idaho's ranching heritage at this gathering of cowboys, cowgirls, poets and musicians. The event features live storytelling, Western music and cowboy poetry that honors the grit and grace of rural life.

Idaho Spud Day | Shelley Sept. 20 Idaho's famous spuds get their moment in the sun at this quirky, family-friendly event featuring a parade, pageants, potato-themed games, a fun run and more.

Trailing of the Sheep Festival | Ketchum Oct. 8-12 This unique festival honors Idaho's sheep-ranching culture with storytelling, culinary events, cultural exhibitions and more. Don't miss the signature Sheep Parade down Ketchum's Main Street, where hundreds of sheep hoof it through town in a tribute to the seasonal migration tradition. VisitIdaho.org  ______________________________ Steven Skelley and Thomas Routzong Gay Travelers Magazine GayTravMag.com  Gay Travelers Magazine