Horeshoe Bend
Cascade Raft Company offers whitewater rafting and kayak day trips for beginners and experts alike. Located inside the pristine Boise National Forest, the three forks of the Payette River offer a comfortable level of excitement for all—whether you want a quiet float with spectacular scenery or a day packed with raging whitewater thrills. www.cascaderaft.com

Riggins
Northwest Voyageurs is a premier outfitter in Idaho and Oregon offering adventure packages from 1/2 day to 8 days in length. Class III-V whitewater rafting on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, Salmon River and Owyhee River. Backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, bird hunting. Multi-sport and custom trips available. Experienced local guides, excellent service and divine meals. Corporate and group packages available. www.voyageurs.com

Salmon
Warren River Expeditions offers a number of unique whitewater rafting trips -- ranging from a seniors only voyage to special lodge stays (instead of camping). The clear cool waters of the Middle Fork offer blue ribbon trout fishing in addition to whitewater rafting opportunities. The Main Salmon is Idaho's improved version of Arizona's Colorado River, being the longest undammed river in the lower 48, so it flows fast and is also the show piece of the 2.4 million acre Rank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, the larges in the lower 48. www.raftidaho.com

Idaho's Schweitzer Ski Mountain

Schweitzer Mountain
Snow ghosts stood sentry on the mountain ridges above Lake Pend Oreille as I drove the two miles across Long Bridge into Sandpoint. In the Idaho panhandle, wintry storms are wet enough to cover the evergreens in a lasting crystal white coating that shimmers in the brilliant blue sunshine. Up close, the trees are sturdy enough to scale with ice climbing equipment, but from the valley, they look like the snow queen’s palace guard. I wanted to get away for a long weekend, and an invitation to Schweitzer last January promised solitude. It’s a ski resort, and I don’t ski. I planned to veg out in front of the fireplace in my accommodations in White Pine Lodge overlooking the slopes.
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