Whitewater in Idaho
There is so much whitewater in Idaho that Idaho is often ranked in the “Best of” categories by outdoor magazines. It is such a big deal that Boise built its own Whitewater Park right in the center of town.
One of the first adjustable river waves in the world, kayakers, surfers, and boogie boarders take to the rapids throughout the year to catch a wave. Located along the Greenbelt next to Esther Simplot Park, the whitewater park has ample parking, dressing rooms to change gear, and plenty of spectator viewing areas to watch all the action as riders crash through the waves.
In the summer the weather reaches the perfect temperature to set the stage for some wild whitewater adventure, whether kayaking for the day or river rafting for the week. Just a short drive past Eagle, Idaho, along scenic route 55, you’ll quickly find yourself driving along the Payette River. Locally known as “The Main,” this section of the Payette River provides varying levels of challenging whitewater up to class III rapids, while the North and South Forks provide adrenaline pumping class IV and V rapids. The river offers both abundant excitement and relaxation. The Class IV Middle Fork of the Salmon River outside of Stanley, Idaho made the 10 Best Whitewater Rafting Destination IN THE WORLD by tripsavvy.com in 2019.
With several rafting adventure companies in the area it’s easy to reserve trips lasting from a couple of hours to several days with memories that will last a lifetime.
Yes, whitewater in Idaho takes river sports to a whole new level.
Opportunities Abound Everywhere
Boise and the surrounding area deliver an unparalleled quality of life not found anywhere else in the nation. It’s the reason Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the country. The Treasure Valley has so much going for it—a vibrant urban/metropolitan economic and educational base, an affordable cost-of-living, an extraordinary business-friendly environment, four mild and distinct seasons, and plenty of public wilderness that allows a lifetime of weekend adventures.
The Boise-Nampa metropolitan area is known as the Treasure Valley. In addition to Boise and Nampa, the area includes the cities of Meridian, Eagle, Caldwell, Star, Middleton, and Kuna. Situated between the Boise Mountains (or foothills) to the north and the Owyhee Mountain Range to the southwest, the valley provides abundant recreational activities within minutes from your home. In wintertime, these snow-covered ranges are simply breathtaking.
Downtown Boise
Recognizing the abundance of resources and opportunities back in 1959, the area was coined the “Treasure Valley” by the Chamber of Commerce, and it stuck. Keep reading to discover why it is such a true treasure today. Surrounded by beauty, a thriving economy, reduced commutes, and a wide variety of recreational options, you’ll find living in the Treasure Valley an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Opportunities For A Better Life
More Family Time
Living in the Treasure Valley provides more family time and adventure opportunities. One of the first things people notice, especially if they’re from California or Washington, is that their commute time is significantly reduced. This means less time on the road and more time enjoying life.
You will quickly discover an abundance of outdoor activities for people of all ages and interests, with easy access to open spaces such as rivers, lakes, and trails. Plenty of family-friendly indoor activities are also available year-round, including indoor rock climbing, ice skating, trampoline parks and more. Whatever your passions, you’ll find them in the valley. And you won’t have to navigate through hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic to arrive at your destination!
Drive Your Career
Boise and the Treasure Valley boast a diverse and evolving economic landscape, providing opportunities for everyone. The region is becoming a popular destination for start-up companies thanks to a growing pool of young talent and experienced entrepreneurs. The area is also becoming well-known for its health and science industries. The Treasure Valley offers low business taxes, a lack of stifling regulations, and inexpensive commercial real estate. Of course, high-tech and innovative businesses coming to the region isn’t a new development. They’re simply building on a well-laid foundation paved by companies such as Micron, HP, Simplot, IBM, St. Luke’s Hospital, Albertsons, and several other well-recognized corporate brands.
Heighten Your Education
There is simply no denying that Boise State University is the most visible higher-education institution in the valley. With 26,000+ students and more than 200 fields of study, ranging from undergraduate programs to post-graduate studies, it’s easy to see why. But Boise State isn’t the only institution carving out an amazing reputation for itself. Throughout the Treasure Valley, you’ll find colleges and universities setting themselves apart. For example, The College of Idaho, located in Caldwell, is rated as one of the top 50 Small Colleges in the United States. Situated in Nampa, Northwest Nazarene University is one of the top Christian universities in the Northwest. Idaho State University is renowned for its Meridian Health Science Center. Meridian is also home to Idaho’s first medical college—the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, or ICOM. These are just a few of the most recognizable institutions found throughout the valley.