Last summer we headed into the mountains northeast of Boise, Idaho, for a family reunion near Idaho City. It was our first time exploring the area, though we unfortunately didn’t have time to see everything. I was recovering from a week of being sick in bed (terrible way to spend part of our vacation, I don’t recommend it), so I didn’t have the energy to do as much as I’d hoped.

Despite that, we had a good time hanging out with family and checking out the area. Since we didn’t see and do everything we’d planned, this is just one more place we’ll head back to when we’re in the area again. If you’re planning the next road trip or camping trip you’ll take once life gets back to normal, keep Idaho City in mind as a destination.

Where is Idaho City?

In Boise National Forest, northeast of Boise, Idaho.

What is Idaho City?

Originally a gold rush town, Idaho City was founded in 1862, though it was originally called Bannock. In 1864 it had more than 7000 residents, making it the largest city in the Northwest. Once the gold rush boom declined, the people left and there were less than 900 people still in the city in 1870. Now it’s a historic mountain town surrounded by a number of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Where to stay while visiting Idaho City?

There are several small hotels in and around Idaho City. You can find a list here, along with some things to do that I didn’t include in this article, because that would make it too long. 😉

If you want to do some camping, there’s this campground south of Idaho city, and this campground just past Idaho City for those who want to take their horses out for a trail ride.

There are several rustic off-grid cabins and campgrounds in the national forest that can be reserved here. Some cabins allow tent and/or RV camping, some do not, so be sure to check what’s allowed before you make your reservation.

We stayed at the Beaver Creek cabin, which has several RV sites, though the electrical hookups only worked if the generator was on (only the rangers can turn it on) and the sewer hookups were iffy at best (they kept backing up). Be prepared for boondocking conditions, even if hookups are still available. The cabin was about 20-30 minutes drive past Idaho City.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try a stay at one of six backcountry yurts in the Boise National Forest. Motorized vehicles aren’t allowed at the yurts, so in the winter you will have to ski, snowshoe, or hike in. A Park N’ Ski permit is required to park your vehicle at the trailhead during the winter season. Find a winter yurt guide here. In the summer, you can ride a horse, bike, or hike in. Find a summer yurt guide here and reservation info here.

Important details to know

Because it’s up in the mountains, in the middle of a forest, cell signal and internet service are mostly non-existent. The visitor center in Idaho City has free wifi and we were able to make phone calls there as well.

There’s no fee to enter the national forest, but passes or permits may be needed for certain activities (keep reading for more info on those).

More info about the Idaho City Ranger District of the Boise Forest can be found here. There are other ranger districts in the forest, but this post is focused on activities within the Idaho City Ranger District.

5 things to do when visiting Idaho City

1. Explore the trails

There are miles of multi-use trails in the forest. Go hiking or backpacking, mountain biking, horse riding and more. If you’re camping in the forest, there will be at least a couple trails nearby that you can easily hop on.

2. Explore the water ways

Idaho is home to a number of hot springs, and the Boise National Forest has several. You can visit a developed hot spring just outside Idaho City at The Springs. Or if you stay at the Atlanta Cabin in the forest, there’s a hot spring nearby that you can soak in. There are also others in other ranger districts in the forest.

Wade in the various forks of the Boise River, swim in the swimming holes, or catch rainbow trout. The kiddos had fun wading in the stream that ran next to our campsite, and there are many places for similar activities. Other districts in the forest have kayaking and rafting opportunities, but you will need a Payette River System Pass to park at those locations.

3. Pick mushrooms

In 2020, no commercial mushroom permits are being sold; mushrooms may be picked for personal use only. No permit is needed if you are picking mushrooms for personal use, and each person may harvest up to 5 gallons of morels per day. Generally spring is the best time for picking morel mushrooms, and info on where to find them can be found here.

If you missed mushroom season, take time to learn about the forest. Much like the National Park Services Junior Ranger program, the US Forest Service has a Junior Forest Ranger program. Learn more here. They also have a Junior Snow Ranger program for kids in 4th and 5th grade.

4. Visit a fire lookout.

Years ago, Jeremy and I took Sunshine on a hike to Devils Head lookout in Colorado. It was late spring, so there was still snow on the ground and the tower wasn’t staffed yet, but once there we had a spectacular view. We could see for miles in all directions! Which, of course, is the point. Rangers staff the lookouts to keep an eye on the forest and find forest fires quickly.

There are several staffed and unstaffed fire lookouts in Boise National Forest. Check this map for locations and driving directions, but remember that roads may be rough and in poor condition. Sunset lookout is the staffed fire lookout that’s closest to Idaho City.

5. Visit in the winter

If you’re in the area in the winter, there’s still lots to do. Hit the trails on a snowmobile, cross country skis, or snowshoes. Be sure to see if a Park N’ Ski pass is needed for where you plan to park.

Have a yurt adventure. Those yurts I mentioned earlier? You can ski or snowshoe to a yurt, spend the night in the yurt, then head back to your vehicle the next day.

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Have you been to Idaho City? What was your favorite thing to do? Have anything to add to this list? Please share!