15 last-minute Christmas gift ideas for the outdoorsy him and her ...

Happy Holiday to all!  

Hi all,

Christmas is sneaking up on us! It's just four days away! Time for my annual outdoorsy Christmas gift ideas for the outdoorsy him and her.

Before I get into the gifts, we received an early Christmas gift from the snow god Ullr! A solid winter storm hit the McCall area this week with 8 inches of new snow. That will improve the Nordic skiing at Bear Basin, Ponderosa State Park, Jug Mountain Ranch and the North Valley Trail/Activity Barn trails. Just in time for the holidays! Plus, Brundage Mountain Resort will open the bluebird quad tomorrow (Friday) for top-to-bottom skiing. They've got 14 inches at the base and 35 inches at the summit. That's where I'm heading tomorrow morning!   

The other resort news is that Bogus Basin is opening the Glade Runner alpine mountain coaster tomorrow (Friday)! The coaster travels 4,330 feet through the woods at speeds up to 25 mph. You can ride by yourself or with another passenger. Riders control their speed. Tickets are $15 for singles and $25 for doubles. Season pass holders get $5 off on their first ride. This is a much-anticipated opportunity for people to enjoy Bogus even if they're not skiers or riders. I can't wait to try it! 

Tamarack Resort also will be opening top-to-bottom skiing tomorrow (Friday) with man-made snow at the bottom. They're reporting snow depths of 10 inches at the bottom and 38 inches on top. Sun Valley is opening more terrain as snow allows, and the Nordic skiing in the upper Wood River Valley is stellar. 

Now, on to the gifts!

1. Have you heard about these new Anon M2 goggles? The lenses wrap around your eyes in a big way, and the lenses can be swapped out easily with rare earth magnets holding them to the frame. They look really cool, and the cost is on par with other high-end pair goggles, $239.95. Take a look at the new technology with all brands!

2. Luci Lights. These solar-powered wonders are popular! Great for the back deck, camping, ambiance, you name it!  Prices range from $19.95 for a Luci outdoor light to $35 for a build-your-own kit. 

3. A warm, cozy Carhartt vest from D&B Supply, or a Patagonia down vest from Idaho Mountain Touring or Boise REI. 

4. Ski gloves - It's nice to have several pairs that work for various tasks such as driving, xc skiing or snowshoeing (thinner weight), and alpine skiing (warmer). Another reason to have several pairs is because we all tend to lose gloves and mittens. Just part of life. I have found some of my favorite gloves for xc skiing and lightweight use in the work glove section of May Hardware in McCall or the local Maverick service station.


5. Snowshoes - It takes a lot of time and money to master the art of skiing or snowboarding, but just about anyone who can walk can strap on a pair of snowshoes and do great! It helps to bring a pair of ski poles for balance. There are many different brands available. Price range: $50-$150 for snowshoe-pole combo sets. 

6. Winter hats - Can't go wrong in this department, but it's always nice to find a winter hat that has personality! Similar with gloves, it's nice to have different winter hats for situations when it's relatively warm or you're working up a sweat (thinner weight), and when you need a bomber warm hat that keeps you warm in single digits or sub-zero weather. Remember that wool ultimately rocks in the warmth department. Another helpful item is a facemask for the really cold days on the mountain. I also love the smart-looking ballcap-style hats they make for women.

7. Headlamp - For outdoorsy folks, it's about as easy to lose a headlamp as it is to lose a pair of socks. Especially if you're a family of outdoorsy folks ... everyone borrows your headlamp and it never comes back! You can snag a headlamp for $25-$50, and it has great value for your camping trips, night hiking, river trips, backpacking, even for use around the home! My favorite brands include Petzl and Black Diamond. Get a bright one and you'll appreciate it! My latest Black Diamond model runs on 4 AAA batteries and it's really nice and bright. 

8. Lift tickets, tubing tickets - Surprise your friends or loved ones with a free lift ticket or a date to go tubing at Bogus or the Activity Barn in McCall. Lift tickets everywhere are getting more expensive, especially at destination resorts, so it's a much-appreciated gift. Tubing costs $15 at either location ($18 at the Activity Barn on holidays). At Bogus, the tubing hill requires advance reservations so be sure to plan ahead.

Wendy at our cozy cabin in McCall. 

9. Rent a cabin or a yurt for a gift - Backcountry yurts are hard to get on winter weekends already, but there are still mid-week dates available. You also could rent a cabin in Garden Valley, Cascade, McCall or Sun Valley for a romantic getaway. Check for rentals at vrbo.com, AirBnB and InIdaho.com. Wendy and I rent our Cozy Cabin in McCall for weeks and weekends. Best price in town at $110/night! Sleeps 6. More information on my web site and vrbo.com. You also could check on a Forest Service cabin rental through recreation.gov, or a state parks cabin at the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. 

10. Capilene tops, long underwear - For any outdoorsy person who's active, getting out and exercising several days a week, you can quickly run short of tops and bottoms after they get pitted out and pitched into the laundry. So it's nice to have a deep supply of different tops especially ... lightweight, midweight, expedition weight, etc. These items typically run $25-$75. REI and Patagonia make gear with lasting value. Take a look at smart wool, too. 

11. Bike light or bike lock - Help your sweetheart get properly geared up for bike commuting. It gets dark so early that bike lights are often needed for a safe and legal ride home after work. You can find a variety of bike lights at a reasonable price. You can find blinking red rear lights for less than $10. The front lights are more expensive. Get a bright one for a better ride and visibility. Bike lights are one item where the cost keeps coming down and the performance keeps getting better. I thought this Electra LED model looked pretty cool ... $29.95 retail. 

12. Hydro Flask - Previously known as a water bottle, the hydro flasks available today can be used for drinking coffee on the go, taking a long a nice hot cup of tea or hot chocolate on an outdoor outing, or actually packing plain old water. Hydro Flask is a brand by itself, but there are many other brands that make quality stainless steel insulated cups and containers. Pricing is in the $10 to $25 range or more. 

Gold Fork with Quinn and Drew

13. Book a trip to the Springs in Idaho City or Gold Fork Hot Springs near Donnelly - The Springs is much more upscale, with massage serves available, pool-side cocktails and food, and even overnight accommodations. Still, it costs only $16 to go soaking at the Springs. Go there after a day or xc skiing or snowshoeing. Advance reservations are required. Gold Fork Hot Springs is open six days a week except Tuesdays, and you can just show up and soak. The road into Gold Fork can be icy so take a good snow-worthy vehicle when you go. It costs $8 for adults and $6 for children to soak at Gold Fork. Always a good time!

14. Go Pro Hero 5 - It's smaller and more compact but it's got more bells and whistles than ever. See the Go Pro web site for more detail.

15. Pick up a pair of xc skis to expand your winter repertoire. The most versatile set up is a pair of class xc skis with fish scales. Usually you can buy a combination set with skis, boots and poles. If you're more ambitious, invest in a skate skiing set up. Great winter workout! Visit Idaho Mountain Touring, Greenwoods or Boise REI to check on their package offerings.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
- SS  

Where to go, if you'd like to play in the snow - xc skiing, tubing & sleigh rides in SW Idaho

Fair weather skiing at Targhee means you get to enjoy big views of the Tetons! (Courtesy Grand Targhee)
Grand Targhee has the best, and most snow in the region right now. 

Brundage is offering sleigh rides at the Activity Barn in McCall for the first time this year! 

Hi all,

I've been cursing this blasted high pressure weather pattern that's been deflecting winter storms away from us for quite some time now. A small storm moving through on Friday is supposed to blow the inversion out of the Treasure Valley, with any luck at all. Let's hope!

But in the meantime, it's possible to find places where you can go play in the snow! I've got some recommendations on where to go downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, tubing or on a sleigh ride!

• Best downhill skiing right now - Ski the man-made groomers at Sun Valley or hit the road and ski Grand Targhee! Look for pre-Christmas season lodging deals at Sun Valley via a ski-and-stay package. Or, pick a few days when you can break away to visit Grand Targhee, and stay overnight on the mountain. They've got the best snow in the region, with a 62-inch base at the summit, 52 inches at the base area. 
• Cross-country skiing close to home - The Nordic Lodge and limited Nordic trails at Bogus Basin are open. You also could xc ski at Bear Basin in McCall or on limited trails at Ponderosa State Park in McCall. Bear Basin is reporting a 12-inch base, recommending classic skiing. 
• Best cross-country skiing - Go to Ketchum/Sun Valley and ski the North Valley Trails, Prairie Creek Loop, Harriman Trail or the trails at Galena Lodge. The xc trails in the Wood River Valley have the most kilometers open and best conditions for skate skiing or classic skiing.

  

  Tubing at Bogus Basin 

   
• Tubing - Bogus Basin's tubing hill is open on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, and Brundage Mountain is opening the tubing hill at the Activity Barn in McCall on Friday, Dec. 15, for the holiday season. Check the web sites for hours and pricing. You need advance reservations to go tubing at Bogus, so you need to plan ahead! 
• Sleigh rides - Brundage is offering sleigh rides at the Activity Barn for the first time this year. It's a 90-minute ride in the outskirts of McCall with fetching views of the surrounding countryside. The sleigh holds up to 15 people. Cost is $30 for adults, and $12 for kids 17 and under. Be sure to dress warm! They have hot chocolate and coffee in the yurt. 

  

  Hap and Florence Points elk-viewing sleigh rides 

• Another great option is going on a winter sleigh ride with Hap and Florence Points in Donnelly to see elk and enjoy the mountain scenery. The Points Ranch has been offering this service for many years! Call 208-325-8783 for pricing.
• Sun Valley offers one-hour sleigh rides and also dinner tours to Trail Creek Cabin. Pricing is $20-30 for the one-hour ride, depending on dates, and $129 to $169 for the dinner tours. Contact Sun Valley for more information. 
• It appears that Bogus Creek Outfitters is no longer in operation. Their phone is disconnected. 

  

  People have been skating on Little Payette Lake for a week. 

• Ice skating - If you like to go ice skating, and you plan to be in McCall, locals have been skating on Little Payette Lake, which has been smooth as glass, perfect conditions! Things may change after it snows, so try to get there soon! There may be skating on ponds in the Boise Valley, but be careful! You also can go skating at Idaho Ice World, the Manchester Ice Center in McCall or Sun Valley. 

Hope you enjoy the snow! 

- SS 

Plan a snowmobile adventure to Burgdorf Hot Springs, plus more hot springs to visit

Burgdorf Hot Springs - an Idaho classic north of McCall (courtesy of Brundage Mountain)

Hi all,

My outdoor tip this week is about visiting some of the best hot springs in SW Idaho. I wrote a hot springs roundup for the Idaho Statesman's Outdoors section this week, and I'm sharing the link to that here in my blog.

We are blessed to have these natural wonders right here in our own backyard.

Also, tonight I'll be signing copies of Boise Trail Guide: 90 Hiking and Running Routes Close to Home, and the Owyhee Canyonlands: An Outdoor Adventure Guide at the City Peanut Shop in downtown Boise for First Thursday! There will be beer and peanut pairings to enjoy as well.

This is a great chance to get autographed copies of my guidebooks for gifts! Hope to see you tonight!

Have fun, and dress warm! 
- SS

Three kid-friendly pre-winter hikes - Browns Canyon, Eagle Island Park, Polecat Gulch

Browns Canyon in the winter sun ... not much light in the canyon! 

We took Huck to Browns Canyon when he was a puppy

Drew did great on the Browns Canyon hike 

Redrock canyon, sagebrush and aspens 

Hmmm, where do we go now? 

Hiking the two-track back to the trailhead out in the open Owyhee country

Hi all,

These semi-cloudy cold days with temperatures in the low 40s don't seem all that appealing for outdoor recreation -- at least on the surface. But actually, once you get moving on a hike, a run or a bike ride, you'll warm up inside and enjoy your outing.

It is important to dress properly in layers and bring a warm hat and gloves/mittens so you stay comfortable, and peel layers as necessary as you warm up inside.

For this week's outdoor tip, I'm recommending three kid-friendly hikes -- Brown's Canyon in the Owyhees, Eagle Island State Park and Polecat Gulch in the Boise Foothills. Get the kids dressed up in appropriate clothes and take them out to explore the great outdoors in SW Idaho. Pack a lunch, snacks and bring plenty of water.

Remember that there's a "Cold Moon," a full moon that's supposed to appear 10%+ larger than normal this weekend, peaking on Saturday night/Sunday morning. It's supposed to appear as a full moon three days in a row -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That'll be a treat or maybe the coyotes will make too much noise and keep you up all night ...

For these outings, try to get out on Friday or Saturday morning. That's when the weather will be best. There's a 50 percent chance of rain on Saturday afternoon and Sunday in the valley. Just FYI. Most of these trips would be doable with a good rain coat.

1. Brown's Canyon Overland Tour, Owyhee Front, near Oreana. Distance: 5.2 miles. Difficulty: Moderate. Travel time: 3+ hours. This is an interesting hike in the sagebrush and rocks of the Owyhee Front until you come across Brown's Canyon, a hidden jewel. In my Owyhee Canyonlands guidebook, I detail a hike inside the slot canyons of Brown's Canyon, and a hike that goes around the slot canyon (thereby avoiding cold, deep-water pools) but you can still see it from above.

How to get there: Take I-84 East to Simco Road. Turn south on the highway to Grand View. Turn right on Idaho 78 in Grandview and head for the tiny old town of Oreana. There's a sign on the highway for a left-hand turn into town near MP 43. Make a note of your odometer. Drive down the hill straight into town, go past the old church (2.25 miles from the highway) and go straight on the Oreana Loop Road until it takes a hard left. Make the corner and take an immediate right on Alder Creek Road. Follow the bumpy dirt road six miles to a signed right-hand turnoff for BLM Road 700. Proceed down the grade to an old corral at a two-way junction. Park. The hike starts here.

The Hike: Go west on BLM Road 700 and climb a moderate grade over to a bluff that overlooks Browns Canyon. At mile 1.4, bear right on a two-track and drop down to the Browns Creek draw. This is a pretty area that's full of shrubs and aspens. The first slot canyon with blondish rock begins at mile 1.7. Cross over to the left side of the draw, as you go downstream, and walk overland through the blond rocks staying above the canyon. You'll break out into an open sage flat at mile 2.0. When the next slot canyon begins, climb up the slope to the left until you reach the top of the rim, and then hike along the rim as close as you feel comfortable to check out the slot canyon as you move along. In a half mile, the canyon breaks open by a draw, and you'll need to lose elevation. Hike into the bottom of the gully and climb back on top of the rim. There's a nice overlook when you reach the top again at mile 3. Continue on the left side of the canyon until you come to the dirt road crossing, and then turn right onto the dirt road at mile 3.6.  Follow the road to mile 4.0 at a two-way junction. Turn right again at a fence gate, and follow the two-track road (BLM Road #710)  back to the trailhead. Feel free to explore Antelope Springs along the way. It's another tight canyon.  

2. Eagle Island State Park - There's a nice 5-mile hike in the park that I detailed in Boise Trail Guide: 90 Hiking and Running Routes Close to Home. This particular hike tours both channels of the Boise River while also cruising around the outskirts of the park. You could easily do a shorter route in the park by just touring the North Channel of the Boise River. Start from the parking area by the pond and circumnavigate the park. I did the hike in a counter-clockwise direction. See the GPS tracks on the map below.

Getting there: Take State Street west of Eagle Road to a signed turnoff for Eagle Island State Park. There is a park entrance fee unless you have a statewide season pass via your vehicle registration. I always buy that pass ... it's a real bargain!

3. Polecat Gulch - Hike a 3-mile loop around Polecat Gulch in the NW Foothills of Boise. The loop takes about 1.5 hours, depending on walking speed. The hike described takes you on a tour of the finger ridges on the Polecat Loop Trail in sage and grassland habitat. You might see mule deer on this hike or even the albino deer! I rate this hike easy to moderate. Trailhead is at the north end of N. Collister, off of Hill Road. Go north on Collister to the trailhead parking area and rest room at the end of the road.

Hike up the main Polecat trail up the bottom of the draw to Quick Draw Trail, climb Quick Draw to the Doe Ridge trail. Go to the top of Doe Ridge (enjoy the views of NW Boise) and follow that trail over to the north side of the Polecat Trail complex. Turn right on to the Polecat Loop trail above the Cartwright Road trailhead and follow the loop trail along a steep hillside above the Terteling Ranch and Cartwright Road. Follow the trail as it wraps around the mountain and then drops back to the Quick Draw-Polecat junction. Go left or down-canyon on the Polecat Trail to return to the trailhead.

Have a great weekend! - SS

Go see Warren Miller "Line of Descent," then create your own snow adventure

(Courtesy Warren Miller Entertainment) 

(Courtesy Warren Miller Entertainment) 

(Courtesy Warren Miller Entertainment) 

  

(Courtesy Warren Miller Entertainment) 

Hi all,

In case you haven't noticed, we are transitioning to winter. Are you ready? There's nothing better to get the adrenaline flowing about skiing and snowboarding than the annual Warren Miller ski movie. This year, the move is titled "Line of Descent." It's the 68th film produced by Warren Miller Entertainment, promising downhill thrills, global adventure and a nod to ski instructors ...

"Ride along on a stunning cinematic journey as we travel near and far, descending some of North America’s deepest lines in Jackson Hole, Montana, Silverton, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, and Steamboat," a Warren Miller press release said. "From powsurfer to splitboard, motorcycle, dogsled or snowmobile, watch as athletes chase winter along the Beartooth Pass, the French Alps, New Zealand, British Columbia, and Norway.

“This season, we explore how skiers are shaped by picking up a pair of skis for the first time,” notes Warren Miller’s veteran producer Josh Haskins. “More often than not, it’s family who introduces us to the sport or steers us on the path towards an ongoing passion—be it a ski bum lifestyle, a professional career or simply the desire to pass on the same feeling to the next generation. There is a kinship unlike any other in the ski community, and Warren Miller is the elder, bringing generations of skiers and riders together for 68 years, and this year is no different.”

"Line of Descent" is playing at the Egyptian Theater Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. There are two showings on Saturday, one at 4:30 p.m. and another at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15. See you there! 

After you get pumped up for winter at the Warren Miller movie, you can go play in the snow ... you could go for a snow-boot walk, go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in a "discovery" mode in the backcountry before any of the official trails are open. Places at higher elevation such as Bogus Basin, Bogus Nordic Trail, Mores Creek Summit and Park n' Ski Areas above Idaho City, The Strand and Crown Point Trail in Cascade, North Valley Trail and Bear Basin in McCall, McCall Golf Course, Galena Summit, north of Ketchum/Sun Valley, and Stanley. Snow biking would work in a lot of those places as well! 

Bogus opening a hike-to terrain park at the base area on Friday, Nov. 17, with 11 features ... That's a great idea for people to get out and play in the snow before the lifts are running ... 

I noticed that the Blaine County Recreation District and Galena Lodge have some trails open right now! The Harriman Trail from Prairie Creek to Galena Lodge is open, and several trails at Galena are open. After more storms come tonight and tomorrow, you can bet they'll be opening more terrain. Early season might be a good time to find lodging deals in the Wood River Valley. Galena Lodge is reporting that they'll be open for business starting on Saturday. They have over 12 inches of snow, but that's going to double by this weekend if the big storms come through. 

Bogus recently had its Pray for Snow party last Sunday, and Brundage is hosting a SNOWvember Meet & Greet Pray for Snow party tomorrow night, Nov. 17, at Broken Horn Brewing in McCall, 201 S. Mission Street, near the Smokejumper Base. Sounds like fun! 

One more idea this weekend, the weather is supposed to clear on Saturday and Sunday, and that means the lower Boise Foothills trails could be in decent shape for hiking, biking or trail-running. 
Check the Ridge to Rivers web site and/or Facebook page to get the latest conditions and advice from our trail keepers. It's usually best to visit trails that are sandy and dry out quickly. 

Have fun! 
- SS 

Find a killer deal at BBSEF Ski Swap Friday! Vote Yes! for Boise Open Space Tuesday

Courtesy TotallyBoise.com

Hi all,

It's time to gear up for winter! Multiple storm tracks are heading our way according to local reports. I heard Scott Dorval, meteorologist for KIVI-TV, predict that we could receive 2-4 FEET of snow in the Central Mountains the next 10-14 days. Oh baby! Here comes winter! Like it or not!

Especially following such an epic winter from last year, it seems easy to get my juices flowing in anticipation of another banner powder skiing season. I can easily recall so many days of my face hurting from wind and snow coming down like bonkers, and fair weather days too! But I enjoyed the hell out of the whole experience, while carving turns in the luscious powder on my Rossignol Super 7's. Those skis make me feel like a hero!

Just in time, as we're getting stoked about winter, the Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation Ski Swap is opening on Friday at 3 p.m. and running through Sunday at 3 p.m. Get there Friday afternoon to find the best deals, but rest assured that there are a TON of skis, ski boots, and snowboards to choose from at the swap, not to mention tons of other winter gear like ski poles, snow boots, coats, gloves, mittens, ski suits, on and on! Used backcountry skis and Nordic stuff are usually in the shortest supply, so it's especially important to get there early if you're interested in that gear.

Personally, I'm hunting for more Rossi Super 7's or Soul 7's if I can find any on the rack ... also like to get a new pair of backcountry ski boots. I also could use a new/used pair of Nordic skate skiing boots.

Good luck finding what you need!

My second topic this week is to encourage Boise residents to vote for the Open Space and Clean Water levy in the Boise City Election on Tuesday, Nov. 7. You might wonder, why do I need to vote for a levy I already voted for two years ago?

Yes. Good question. Voters approved the $10 million levy in 2015 by a 75% vote. But due to a clerical error, Ada County didn't assess the tax. The mistake had something to do with the city filling out a form improperly, but the City Council has put controls in place to make sure the form will be filled out correctly next time. Plus, let's hope someone picks up the phone and double-checks that all is good with the Ada County Assessor's office before the tax year begins ...

So the actual ballot measure reads like thus (from Ada County Elections sample ballot): 

On November 3, 2015, Boise City voters approved a temporary override levy with 74% of the vote to protect clean water and drinking water, wildlife habitat, critical open space, and native plant species, and enhance recreation opportunities and trails through the purchase of property and improvement projects in areas such as the Boise Foothills and the Boise River. Due to a clerical error, the approved levy was not assessed in the first fiscal year. To ensure that the will of the voters is preserved, shall the City of Boise, Idaho be authorized to revise the assessment period of the previously-approved temporary override levy to the two fiscal years beginning October 1, 2017 and ending September 30, 2019? If approved the final total amount collected through this override levy will remain equal to ten million dollars, as was originally approved by voters in 2015. None of the money will be spent on administrative costs and there will be oversight by a citizens' advisory committee and annual audit.

Please vote Yes! for Open Space and Clean Water. The existing open space account has less than $1 million remaining, so a fresh dose of dollars for open space is needed. Remember that in the previous go-round, the City of Boise did a stellar job of spending the first $10 million wisely, acquiring more than 10,000 acres of open space including key new trails and open space areas such as Polecat Reserve, Freddy's Stack Rock Trail, Bucktail connection to Shane's Trail in Military Reserve, Hillside to the Hollow, and much more!

We need to keep the momentum going! Vote Yes!
-SS

Caution: Big game hunting seasons are open, and it's prime time for Cast & Blast

Hunting season is upon us! Be sure to wear bright colors as Wendy and I did in the Silver City area. 

Fall trips provide great opportunities to see wildlife. We've seen multiple black bears in Hells Canyon. 

Fall chinook on the line! 

Hi all,

Head's up folks! It's that time of year when Idaho and out-of-state hunters are heading into the mountains to pursue big game. General deer season opened on Wednesday, Oct. 10th, pretty much statewide, including Unit #39 in the Boise River Mountains. Elk season will be coming soon on Nov. 1 in Unit #39, but it opens sooner than that in many units.

During hunting season, it's important to wear bright colors if you're going to be out hiking, biking or trail-running in the Boise River Wildlife Management Area, the Boise, Payette and Sawtooth National Forests or out in the Owyhees. Put bright colors on your dogs, too. Remember that you should expect to see hunters in some of your favorite recreation areas, and share the resource. If you don't want to see hunters or hear gunfire, stick close to home in the lower part of the Boise foothills.

If you're interested in learning more details about hunting seasons in various parts of Idaho, check out the Idaho Big Game regulations booklet online or pick one up anyplace where hunting licenses are sold. If you're ever thought about going hunting yourself, the big game regs are the go-to source for deciding what species to hunt, when the seasons occur, etc.

Speaking of hunting, now is the perfect time to be thinking about doing a cast-and-blast fishing and bird-hunting trip ... Watch the weather for the best experience, but I'd recommend trying to squeeze in a late-season float trip on the Lower Salmon River, Main Salmon or Hells Canyon to fish and hunt chukars. This has been an annual tradition for me since the late 1980s, and it's always a great time.



In a matter of days, the steelhead will be running stronger up the Salmon River and Snake River, so you could add these beautiful ocean-going fish to the list of fish you might catch. If you have people in your group who carry big-time fish tackle for sturgeon, that'd be another potential prize to pursue.

From the standpoint of trip logistics, it's easiest to put together a Lower Salmon or Hells Canyon trip in SW Idaho. For those who live near Stanley, Salmon or Idaho Falls, a Main Salmon trip would be easier to pull off, but it also would take more days to do the 80-mile trip. The South Fork Snake River is another great fall trip near Idaho  Falls, where you can fly fish for trout and maybe find a grouse in the woods above camp. Plus, you're likely to see moose and bald eagles.

Here are some basics on the fall river trips:

• Hells Canyon - Put in a Hells Canyon Dam and float to Pittsburg Landing, a distance of about 35 miles. This trip is easily doable in three or four days. Take as much time as possible. Only self-issue permits are required, available at the web site. Shuttles can be arranged through Scotty's gas station in Pine, Oregon for $160 cash. They do a marvelous job! 
• Lower Salmon Canyon - Float from Hammer Creek to Heller Bar or arrange for a jet boat shuttle to Pittsburg Landing from the mouth of the Salmon. It's almost 50 miles from Hammer Creek to the mouth of the Salmon, and the river is running very low (3,500 cfs), so allow for plenty of time to do your float. Fishing is limited to small-mouth bass and steelhead in this section. 
• Salmon River near Riggins - If you don't have time to do a longer trip, you could put in at Carey Creek or Vinegar Creek and float down to Riggins while fishing for steelhead and hunting chukars. 
• South Fork Snake River - Put in at Palisades Dam for the long version of the float or at Swan Valley and float to the takeout at Heise. The South Fork Lodge in Swan Valley does shuttles. Check with the experts on what kinds of flies the fish are taking. The cuts on the South Fork get fished very hard by a steady stream of outfitters every day. By this time of year, it's more locals than outfitters. Here's a blog post I did on the South Fork two years ago. 

One more thing, there's a new closure on the Boise River Greenbelt to note: From the Idaho Parks and Recreation state office and Shakespeare theater entrance to Diversion Dam will close on Oct. 25 and remain closed for repairs until June 22, 2018.

Have fun and enjoy the fall!
- SS