If you happen to follow me on Instagram, then you know that I have a love affair with Idaho. Here is how that romance came to be about.
At the young age of ten, I became a California Boy. After being born and raised on the East Coast, my father had taken a job in the sunny land of movie stars and beaches and off we went to Los Angeles. I fell in love instantly. Warm temperatures year round, mountains and nature made me learn how to appreciate the great outdoors, even with the Hollywood sign always glaring at me from a distance. And there were few better places to come into your teenage years than Venice Beach. But it wouldn’t last forever, as my father once again moved us 450 miles up to California coast to San Francisco. Suddenly, the sun wasn’t following me every second of every day, but rather, I met a new friend who would be with me for the next 21 years, Karl The Fog.
After spending the first 15 years of my life always on the move, San Francisco would become my home. I loved the city and the incredible nature and people that surrounded it. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Even though I lived across the street from an incredible beach in Pacifica, I found myself needing change. As it turns out, my parents, my brother and his wife needed a change in their lives also, and they packed up and headed to Idaho in the summer of 2015. ‘Idaho?’ I asked myself. What’s in Idaho besides potatoes? Having promised my parents that I would visit their new home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, I thought the month in between would be a good time to get to know the state a little better. In partnership with Visit Idaho, I road tripped through the entire state, documenting it all on my Instagram, and what I saw and experienced amazed me to the core. I knew after that month long adventure that I did need change in my life, and that change was leaving California, the state I loved and lived in for most of my life, and trading it in for the quiet and laid back life that Idaho is.
There are a million reasons why I made this change, but here are the top 11 reasons why I moved to Idaho. And once I got here, I was happy to be able start a business called Idaho Photo Workshops that allowed me to teach others how to capture Idaho’s beauty through photography. And after you have made the decision to come to Idaho, check out our Winter Adventure & Road Trip guide for Idaho.
Boise
Let’s start with my new home, the capital of Idaho, Boise. In helping to teach Idaho locals how to better capture their state, I began running photography workshops here in Idaho, and all of my students agree that Boise is a great base for some of the best outdoor recreation in the country. Home to just over 200,000 residents, the city is the most populated in the state but barely breaks the top 100 of populated cities in the United States.
This creates a phenomenal atmosphere of laid back city life, as even in the middle of downtown, the city never seems chaotic. The downtown neighborhood hosts a booming food and bar scene, with 8th Street being the epicenter. Last night, my first full night as an Idahoan, I enjoyed half-off top shelf Tequilla Tuesday and tasty nachos at The Matador. But to get there, I walked by about 50 new and trendy looking restaurants that should keep me busy eating and drinking for the next couple of years. But, as a testament to the perfect mix of urban and nature that Boise is, the city is flanked by the beautiful Boise Mountains to the North and the Boise River, which runs right through the city. Along the river, a 25-mile walking and biking path known as the Boise Greenbelt can provide an outdoor escape for even the busiest of city folk. There is a reason why Boise was named the sixth best city to live in by Conde Nast Traveler, and I am quickly agreeing with their verdict.
And I would be lying if I didn’t say part of my decision was financially based. Check out buildings like the 110-year-old historic Owyhee. They have some of the nicest apartments in Boise, and even then, they are still a fraction of the cost I was paying in San Francisco.
Where to Stay in Boise:
Where to Eat & Drink
In the short time I have been here, I have witnessed some very colorful sunsets. And thanks to these west facing reflective windows, I didn’t even need to leave my apartment to get a cool shot.
Where to Stay in Boise:
Where to Eat & Drink
The Wilderness
The wilderness of Idaho is nearly unparalleled by any other U.S. State. At the top of the heap is the 2.3 million acres Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area, which is the largest area of protected wilderness in the continental United States. Jagged mountains, roaring rapids, canyons and lakes consume the state, providing endless adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. With all the unspoiled wilderness, it may come as a shock to learn that Idaho is the only US state without a National Park, although the federal government has tried, most recently with the White Cloud wilderness area. Thomas Stanford, a state lawmaker said in the 1920’s “The creation of such a National Park would not add one speck to the beauty of nature’s work.”
The Sawtooth Mountains as seen from the small town of Stanley, are just part of the millions of acres of wilderness land in Idaho.
There aren’t many beaten paths to stray from, but if you do, you will be rewarded with untouched wilderness, like this untouched powder in behind Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
Just one of the views along the snowmobile track with Selkirk Powder Company.
The Rivers
107,651 miles of rivers snake through the Idaho wilderness, with each one as visually breathtaking as the next. Many of these rivers are home to some powerful rapids in the spring and summer months, making Idaho an ideal location to test your white water rafting skills. But even without the rapids, the countless rivers make for great photography during any season, as well as a nice recreational break during the hot summer months, as locals descend to the rivers for swimming and rafting.
The rivers are a popular scene to photograph, especially in the snowy winter.
This bridge that crosses the Lachsa River reminded me of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Salmon River runs through Stanley Idaho and makes it’s way to the Sawtooth Mountains in the distance.
The Mountains
Mountains, mountains, mountains. They are everywhere in Idaho and are some of the most impressive and photogenic in the entire country. As a photographer, I find no other scene as visually appealing as snow capped mountains and I plan to photograph as many Idaho ranges and peaks as I can in the coming years. The famous Rocky Mountains also run through eastern Idaho, providing countless hiking and photography opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Sawtooth Mountains sit under a sunset sky near Stanley, Idaho.
Everywhere you look, imposing mountain tops briefly make an appearance from the thick cloud cover.
The early winter view from Bald Mountain in Sun Valley.
The Hot Springs
Idaho has the most usable hot springs in the United States, with 130 being deemed ‘soakable’ out of the 340 that dot the state’s landscape. Some are well known and information about their locations can easily be found online, but many are remote, and only known by a select few locals. These hot springs and their less warm swimming hole relatives are perfect weekend getaway locations for a group of friends and a couple growlers of local beers.
Even in the middle of winter, nothing beats a hot spring and a growler of local beer.
A remote hot spring, not a soul for miles.
The Beer & The Food
Speaking of beer, Idaho is in the midst of a brewing renaissance. One of the most enjoyable aspects of my month long road trip through the state was trying as many craft beers as possible at the cool looking breweries that have a friendly, laid back vibe and tasty food. Idahoans love their beer, and the brewmasters take great pride in the quality of their product. My two favorite breweries so far were Sawtooth Brewery in Sun Valley and Salmon River Brewery in McCall. I didn’t try nearly enough my first time I was here, so I better start tasting some of the local Boise breweries!
Sawtooth Brewery in Sun Valley knows how to get your attention. Photo by Ray J. Gadd.
The Snowboarding & Skiing
I have been snowboarding for 20 years now, and there are few activities I enjoy more than flying down a mountain through soft fresh powder. I was spoiled when I got my first taste of Idaho snowboarding. Nonstop early winter storms gave me plenty of powder days as I rode the mountains in Sun Valley and Schweitzer Mountain. Sun Valley is a popular vacation destination year round and is perhaps the best-known location in Idaho. The main town of Ketchum houses great restaurants (and that awesome Sawtooth Brewery!) so there is plenty to do when the chairlifts stop running.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort, located just 60 miles from the Canadian border, has the most rideable terrain of any mountain in Idaho, and I covered every inch of it while experiencing daily fresh powder for over a week. The resort itself is a mini town with condos, lively bars, and delicious restaurants. But the mountain sits just 30 minutes from Sandpoint, a quirky and super fun town that sits on the shores of Idaho’s biggest body of water, Lake Pend Oreille. While in town, grab a burger and a beer at either Eichardts or MickDuff’s before heading to a show at the infamous (and newly renovated) music venue, The Hive.
And of course, living in downtown Boise affords me the luxury of having a pretty incredible ski mountain, Bogus Basin, just 18 miles up the road. The convenient location lets me tackle fresh tracks in the morning, and be back in my home office sending emails and editing photos by lunch time.
Ray J. Gadd from Visit Sun Valley tears up some soft stuff as the blue sky begins to make an appearance over Bald Mountain.
Backcountry CAT Skiing with Selkirk Powder Company was one of the highlights of my 20 years of snowboarding.
Ray J. Gadd shows off as the mountains behind Sun Valley show a light dusting of early winter snow.
The powder we found while CAT boarding with Selkirk Powder Company was pristine.
Ray J. Gadd gets some air as he finishes up a long, exciting day at Sun Valley.
X-Games Snowboarder Pat Holland slides down a wall of powder at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
Groomers work through the night at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
The Snowmobiling
I wasn’t very good on a ‘sled’ before my winter adventure in Idaho, and I am still no good, but what a fun time it was. In McCall, I went out in a massive blizzard with my friend Cody from CM Backcountry Rentals, where I proceeded to get buried no fewer than 7 times, but feeling that fresh powder under the machine’s skies was exhilarating. During my time at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, I explored some of the 30,000 acres of backcountry that Selkirk Powder Company has access to, and the views were incredible!
Cody Monroe from CM Backcountry Rentals assess the route as snow falls during a Snowmobile trip in the mountains around McCall.
Selkirk Powder Company has access to over 30,000 acres of backcountry wilderness in Northern Idaho.
Ken from Selkirk Powder Company enjoys the view from atop a peak.
Early morning at the Selkirk Powder Company base at the top of mountain.
Cody Monroe from CM Backcountry Rentals turns his headlight on as dark clouds and thick snow make mid-day visibility low.
The Road Trips
I love road trips. I thrive off of them. Either by myself or with friends, I am usually most happy while getting lost on some desolate road in the middle of nowhere. And Idaho was made for road trips. For a photographer, it can be both a blessing and a curse, however, as you will find yourself stopping every five minutes as another dramatic landscape appears around every bend. Not only is Idaho a perfect and beautiful location to road trip, but the entire Pacific Northwest region is equally as adventurous and beautiful. Idaho’s immediate neighbors include Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Alberta, Canada (home to Banff) so the photography and opportunity to get lost on the road is no better than in Idaho.
It’s not uncommon to find remote roads with perfect backdrops.
Scenes like this just 30 minutes outside of Sun Valley are normal in Idaho.
Road trips and great light make for great photographs. This road is close to the town of Hailey.
The road past Red Fish Lake is almost as photogenic as the Lake itself.
Low light pollution makes the stars in Idaho shine even brighter.
The long, empty roads and dramatic scenery make Idaho an ideal road trip state.
The solitude and the Night Sky
Granted, I explored Idaho in the cold winter months, but from what I hear, even during the summer, it’s not hard to find your own little slice of outdoor heaven, as tourism here still is not as busy as some of the above-mentioned neighboring states. I found the solitude welcoming and therapeutic, and it allowed me to also concentrate on my photography without having to worry about others.
A self-portrait as the moonlight illuminates Bald Mountain at Sun Valley.
The town of Stanley only has 62 residents, and this is one of them.
Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho.
I was the only person standing on this frozen lake in Cascade.
The People
This, above all, is the most enjoyable aspect of life in Idaho. The people here are real. They are passionate. And above all, they are friendly. As I said before, Idahoans are proud of their state, and love showing it off to people who have not yet found the hidden treasure of the Pacific Northwest. But with that said, they will never forgive me if I don’t finish with this.
“Please, please don’t tell anyone about how amazing Idaho is. We like our beautiful state just the way it is”
I apologize, but I have to tell people. Beauty like this deserves to be seen and experienced. But hopefully not TOO many people read this. Cheers!
Rick Welliver teaches boxing to the children of gritty Wallace, Idaho. Every April, the town of 700 gets together to attend Rick’s pride and joy event, Wallace Fight Night.
I cannot thank Visit Idaho enough for the support they have given me. In addition to being the friendliest tourism board I have ever worked with, they also have the slickest and most informative website I have ever seen. Check them out and start planning your Idaho getaway at https://visitidaho.org/.
And make sure to tell me when you come through town. Would love to try some of the crisp craft beer and delicious food with you!
Created in Partnership with Visit Idaho
26 comments
I enjoyed reading this and marveling at the wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing your experience. Best wishes from Australia.
Thanks! Love it down under too. I will be back soon!
Awesome Article. I moved my family to the Treasure Valley from San Diego County at the end of 2014. We Love Idaho and only wished we left California sooner. It’s a great place to live and play!!
Awesome! Yeah, I am feeling the same. Why didn’t I do this sooner?
Congrats on the move man, Ill be visiting you soon so we can go tear up the mountains :)
Thanks Edin! Yeah man, get out here!
That looks just like the areas surrounding Anchorage Alaska and the Matanuska valley, but with fewer people, very nice.
Wow I have been a few times. Is truly beautiful. Congratulations on your heaven.
Thank you Vincent!
Perhaps Michael Bonocore didn’t take the time to visit all of California. If it was snow he wanted there is Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley, Bear Mountain, etc. If he
simply wanted a hike into the mountains how about hiking to the top of Mount Whitney? Wild life is his passion he
could have hiked the Pacific Crest Trail that was hike by Reese Witherspoon where the opportunities to see wild life are superb. I have visited Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming three times and found the summer mosquitos delightful insects (LOL). Perhaps Michael Bonocore just likes to be alone because that is very doable in Idaho.
I actually lived in California for 26 years in total, and have done everything you have said. Perhaps just a change of scenery and new adventures in a region I haven’t fully explored for 26 years of my life :)
Glad to see you’re loving this state! I’ve been so fortunate to grow up in a place this beautiful. Good choice going to Stanley! One of my favorite small towns in Idaho! (I’m from Riggins, so small towns are my thing haha!) Here are a few shots I got 2 weeks ago in Stanley while I was on spring break from the University of Idaho
https://www.flickr.com/photos/idahofred/25575221920/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/idahofred/25246284413/in/dateposted-public/
Wow, those shots are incredible Frederick! Thanks for the welcome. Maybe I will see you at the Sawtooths? :)
Maybe! Shoot me an email if you ever want to shoot around Riggins area!
I agree with everything you’ve written. As part of a 5,500 mile road trip last summer snapping pics, I passed through Boise. First stop, Big City Coffee then walked around with my pups and was welcomed into Gear Exchange. Those folks were so friendly and informative. She pointed out neighborhoods to check out, gave me the # of people who board dogs in Wyoming, etc. I loved Idaho so much, I later checked out available teaching posts. I live in Austin and Boise reminds me of a very lost vibe we had about 25 years ago. Maybe it’s time to check the teaching openings again. Good luck and keep us updated.
Thanks for reading Ray! Yes, the folks are so welcoming and friendly. They are really really great people.
You’ve reminded me I need to make better use of my family’s cabin on the Salmon River near Challis…
Make sure to invite me please :)
very interesting read. as someone who was raised in (east) idaho, graduated from BSU and lived in boise for 6 years, and now lives in sf, it’s interesting to see you doing the opposite of my life trajectory. boise does have it’s charms, namely downtown and the greenbelt as you mentioned. having a pretty ok ski hill in bogus just 20 mins up the road is amazing. the owyhees are a ton of fun to go get lost in, and mccall is a blast during the summer. idaho north and south is a boon of outdoor opportunities, great wilderness, rugged mtns and amazing white water. i cut my teeth climbing in the whiteclouds and lost river range and learned how to ski in places like sun valley and grand targhee. i will forever be thankful to idaho for teaching me how to love the outdoors. however, since you were raised in california and lived so long in sf, i’d be curious to hear your thoughts on the culture after a year or two of living in idaho. while boise is a bit of an anomaly, don’t be surprised to find idaho has a lot of small towns filled with even smaller minds. red state doesn’t begin to describe some of the staunch opinion and beliefs of most of the state’s population.
Will be writing my next article, “11 Reasons Why I Visited Michael Bonocore in Idaho” soon.
Must go! Gorgeous shots and great article.
I don’t have opportunity to travel as much as I would like, but I thoroughly enjoyed your article about Idaho.
I saw your photo in this month’s ‘editor’s picks’ at 500px. It was one of the few that resonated with me, and here I am reading all about Idaho. I’m a Cali transplant roaming back and forth between here (Ventura County) and a small town in South Carolina where I grew up about 50 miles inland from Garden City beach.
Great photos and really interesting story.
Thanks for sharing!
Great article, Micheal. Next you’ll have to check out Eastern Idaho. Stop by Idaho Falls the first weekend of June for BeerFest. The fly fishing on the South Fork of the Snake is some of the best in the world. Awesome powder skiing on the backside of the Tetons at Grand Targhee. Numerous areas of groomed Nordic trails in Island Park. Then there’s Craters of the Moon National Monument (soon to be that elusive National Park) near Arco. Salmon, in the Lemhi Valley claims to be the birthplace of Sacajawea.
And then there’s nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Idaho truly is an amazing place!
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This is the perfect find for me for my real estate Buyers. Thank you so much for your thoughtful post and remarkable pictures
Thank you for sharing this!! We visited Boise Area for the first time in November and fell in love! God willing, our plan is to move there in summer 2022.