The Boise and Treasure Valley region delivers an unparalleled quality of life not found anywhere else in the nation.
THE TREASURE VALLEY IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL
The Boise and Treasure Valley region delivers an unparalleled quality of life not found anywhere else in the nation. That statement isn’t unsubstantiated hype. It’s the reason Idaho is the fastest growing state in the country.
Boise has a lot of things going for it: an urban/ metropolitan economic and educational base, 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.
Boise & Surrounding Valleys by the Season
If you like sunshine, you'll love the Treasure Valley. With an average of 220 sunny days, low humidity and just 12.1 inches of precipitation, the climate here is ideal for spending time outside. Weather in the Treasure Valley is influenced by Pacific weather patterns, which helps moderate temperature extremes.
Spring gives way to warmer afternoons with cool early mornings and evenings. As the days slowly get longer you'll have more time to enjoy the best of the Treasure Valley from camping to downtown entertainment.
Nothing quite compares to a Treasure Valley summer. Float the Boise river, plan BBQ's with friends, or relax outdoors on the patio of family friendly local restaurants. And don't forget about the natural beauty of Idaho - Get outside
You'll love the vibrant colors of a Treasure Valley fall. Thee local hills are packed with mountain bikers and hikers taking advantage of perfect cooler temperatures shared with abundant wildlife preparing for winter.
Even though the weather gets chilly, there's no reason to stay indoors. Walk, run or ride on the Boise River Greenbelt or head up to Bogus Basin for the day with a variety of runs for all different abilities.
Your Career
With few exceptions, Boise and the Treasure Valley area boasts a diverse and evolving economic landscape. This provides opportunities for everyone. The region is becoming a popular destination for start-ups thanks to a growing pool of young talent and experienced entrepreneurs.
Your Education
Throughout the Treasure Valley, you’ll find colleges and universities setting themselves apart. There is simply no denying that Boise State University is the most visible higher education institution in the valley. With their 24,000+ students and over 200 fields of study ranging from undergraduate programs to post-graduate programs it’s easy to see why.
Your Recreation
If your idea of recreation requires being outside, then Idaho will exceed your expectations. Surrounding the valley are hundreds of miles of public lands; from forest to high-desert, hills to mountains, calm streams teeming with trout to varied ranges of whitewater waiting for a kayak or raft.
Welcome to
BOISE
Where wilderness and adventure are only minutes from an energetic downtown with gourmet restaurants, funky local shops, and craft breweries galore. It’s a city where a river runs through it, dirt trails are out your front door.
welcome to
Meridian
View Meridian Idaho on Google Maps and you’ll see Meridian is smack dab in the center of the Treasure Valley. Bordered by its neighboring cities of Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton, Eagle, Kuna, and Boise, Meridian is the central location for family fun.
TOP 7 Idaho HIKES
With 13 major hiking trails surrounding Priest Lake, your day trip is bound to be full of wildlife sightings and crystal clear water.
The Upper Priest Lake Trail is an easy day hike that showcases North Idaho’s wilderness, as well as the shoreline of Priest Lake. Your kids will be thrilled to pass an old mine shaft along the trail, with the potential to see caribou in the wild.
The Military Reserve trail system, just 15 minutes from downtown Boise, is land that was originally used for military maneuvers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Since it’s now managed as a wildlife reserve, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Boise’s cityscape, native plants, and catch glimpses of the local wildlife.
This trail system originates from the Central Ridge Trail, allowing runners, hikers and mountain bikers to create their own loop from a cardinal path. Take Central Ridge to Cottonwood Creek to wind through the sagebrush and cottonwood trees, or cross over to Ridge Crest Trail to explore the lower half of the trail system with your running buddies.
If you’re looking for an adventurous day hike, the Saddleback Lake Trails are your answer. The trailhead can be accessed from the Redfish Lake Creek Trail, which is just a short boat ride from the north shore of Redfish Lake.
Although it’s not an official U.S Forest Service trail, the Saddleback Lake Trails are infamous for their moderately challenging routes that outline the pristine Saddleback Lakes and give direct access to Elephant’s Perch, one of Idaho’s rock climbing gems. While Elephant’s Perch caters to the more experienced climber, the views from the bottom are just as breathtaking.
This family-friendly hike follows peaceful ponds and includes multiple points to stop and enjoy the natural beauty of the Stanley area. The 5-mile roundtrip hike is enjoyable for all activity levels and ages, making it an easy combination of recreation and relaxation during your family trip to Redfish Lake.
After a short walk through a sagebrush-lined path, the trail leads you through forests and meadows where you’re surrounded by a variety of gorgeous greenery and bright wildflowers. Now, just 30 to 45 minutes later (depending on how many scenic stops you take along the way) you and your trail buddies will come to beaver ponds. With Fishhook Creek Meadow in the forefront and Mount Heyburn in the background, the perfect family photo is just waiting to be taken.
Craters of the Moon’s active lava flow over 2,000 years ago resulted in a unique basalt terrain, making it a national monument unlike any other on the continent. Here, you can play the “floor is lava” game, and this time, you won’t be kidding!
The Caves Trail leads you and your kids on a 1.6-mile hike through four lava tubes and along fissures. The half mile, Inferno Cone Trail circles the summit of a cinder cone in the center of Craters of the Moon National Monument.
Located in Almo, Idaho, the City of Rocks National Reserve was a stopping point for thousands of emigrants on the California Trail in the 1800s. Today, it beckons explorers of all ages to delve into in its rich history and unique views.
Whether you are looking for a short walk to a scenic point, or a more adventurous day hike, The City of Rocks has a trail for the explorer in all of us. If you’re up for a longer hike and unbeatable scenery hit theNorth Fork Circle Creek which totals 6.3 miles between trailheads or take a shorter adventure on the 1.2 mile Geological Interpretive Trail loop.
A nearly 15-mile loop, the Redfish Lake Trail is an awe-inspiring hike to do with your most adventurous family and friends. Leave any tuckered out tykes at home for this one, and venture into the Sawtooths for an up close and personal encounter with all the natural beauty this trail has to offer. Be sure to stop and smell the wildflowers as you enjoy views of Redfish Lake from the many scenic overlooks that line the trail.
Idaho is famous for its blue-ribbon trout fishing streams, shimmering lakes and expansive reservoirs that tempt anglers with the promise of diverse fishing
Department of Fish & Game
The Forest Is Waiting
Idaho is home to a significant stretch of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Snake River Plain, all of which feature spectacular, scenic and tranquil bodies of water to explore and enjoy. Add to these untouched mountainous terrains, fantastic parks and recreation areas, magnificent lakes, the deepest gorge and the highest waterfall in the country, and you have a wealth of incredible scenic landscapes to explore.