Welcome
To Spring in Boise County, the gateway to an authentic Central Idaho Mountains adventure. The grass is greening up and beckoning the wildlife from the surrounding mountains. A true delight for those that venture along the roads, trails and waterways within the County
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Wildlife is abundant for viewing this time of year. Deer and elk will remain in the area into April when grasses begin growing and will begin migrating back to higher elevations as the snowline recedes. Late afternoon hours are best times for visitors to view wildlife; however, many will be visible at any hour. Male (buck) deer will have shed their antlers by this time of year. Male (bull) elk may still have their antlers, as they generally lose them in late March.
One Hour From Boise!
By travelling on three designated scenic byways, you can make a loop trip. From Boise, take Highway 55 to Lowman (be sure and stop in Garden Valley/Crouch). Then go west on Highway 21 through historic Idaho City. The loop is 120 miles.
HOT SPRINGS
Early spring is the perfect time to enjoy one of several unimproved hot springs that dot the area. The local merchants, USFS Ranger Stations, and the local Chamber of Commerces can provide more information. Additionally, there are several improved resort hot springs facilities, including Terrace Lakes, Silver Creek Plunge, and The Springs at Idaho City.
SPRING SKIING & SNOWSHOEING
Idaho City
-- Boise County Guide - March-April 2026 Issue
Idaho City
Just an hour drive from Boise, along scenic Highway 21, is the classic western town of Idaho City. Go for the drive....Stay for the experience.
* If you live within 83716, 83622, 83629, 83631, 83637, or 83666 just ask for the Local discount on Tuesdays (Excludes Liquor, Lottery, State & Federal Licenses and Permits)
MONDAYS Get our Famous Ribeye Steaks for $11.99/lb when you buy $30 worth of Groceries (Excludes Liquor, Lottery, State & Federal Licenses and Permits) 10% off Local Tuesdays!*
• Wide Variety of in House Made Grab-n-Go Foods
• Deli Sandwiches Made Fresh Daily & Daily Specials Made with Bobby’s House Smoked Meats
• Wide Selection of Craft & Domestic Beer
• Wine & Spirits
• House Smoked Cheeses
• In House Made Take & Bake Pizzas
• Hand Crafted Souvenirs Made in Idaho City
• Hunting & Fishing Licenses
• And so much more..... @IdahoCityGrocery.com www.IdahoCityGrocery.com
Horseshoe Bend, named for the giant sweeping bend that the Payette River makes in the southern end of the watershed, is fast becoming a bedroom community to Boise and an early stop for tourists following the Payette River Scenic Byway. The Bend has one of the most popular kayak play waves in the West at “the Gutter,” next to a hydroeclectric project. Local restaurants draw many a hungry boater or camper as they travel through town on their way into the woods or back home.
Horseshoe Bend
Belated* Congratulations!!
Horseshoe Bend HS Lady Mustang Volleyball TeamSTATE CHAMPIONS AGAIN!! 2025
*This was the Boise Co. Guide’s first new edition since their victory!
Boise County Guide - March-April 2026 Issue
Lowman
Hot Springs -- Lowman Area
Bonneville Hot Springs
Private bathing and communal soaking in a scenic canyon. 19 miles northeast of Lowman on Highway 21. .3 miles north of Bonneville Campground. Great place to ski or snowshoe to. The aging bathhouse straddles the outflow, and hoses channel hot water into a tub that you can drain and refill after each use. The springsy flow past the bathhouse and tumble dfirectly over a rocky cliff into a giant soaking pool on one arm of Warm Springs Creek. More hot water flows down the bank into more pools downstream as well as a secluded waterfall pool or two upstream. The bath house is usable year-round.
Kirkham
In plain view below the highway, these popular pools are frequently filled with people. 4.3 miles east of Lowman on State Hwy 21. Cross the bridge to Kirkham Campground and park at the west end. The Forest Service collects a day-use fee. Large pools with moderate temperatures. Worth trying either during the early mornings or early spring, when congestion in the campground and number of users is at a low point.
Sacajawea
21 miles northeast of Lowman -- pull-off to Grandjean. Ski or snowmobile in approximately 5.3 miles, just past the Wapiti Creek Bridge. Climb down the rocks to the pools. A number of soaker-friendly pools line the shore along the scenic South Fork of the Payette River. The outflow comes from several springs at temperatures up to 153 degrees as it fans out down the bank. Finetune the pool temperatures by adding river water. Welcome refuge for a great warm up during early spring!
Garden Valley - Area Attractions
Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway and Recreational Drives:
The Garden Valley area is nestled along the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, hosting exceptional wildlife viewing, hot springs and picturesque mountain scenery.
This is an Idaho road winding through country so splendid that it has achieved a special status. The road passes through breathtaking scenery, historic places, and intriguing landscapes. And though it offers incomparable glimpses of wilderness, it is easily and safely traveled by most vehicles.
The beauty of the South Fork of the Payette River Canyon, the power of the river, and the abundance of wildlife will create lifelong memories.
Some featured points along the Byway, include:
Staircase Rapids -- one of the most famous along the South Fork.
Crouch -- Historic old city north of the Byway.
Pioneer Cemetery -- brings reminders of days long past of the rich heritage of the area.
Alder Creek Bridge -- homesite of artist Charles Ostner.
Grimes Pass Dam -- powered mining dredges in the Boise Basin.
Danskin Station -- big game viewing, info and whitewater access.
Gallagher Flat -- Original Civilian Conservation Corps camp foundations.
Big Falls -- Drop in the river of 40 feet --requiring portage for boaters.
Pine Flats -- Hot springs for plants, animals and people!
Deadwood Campground -- Campsite was occupied as early as AD 534.
Along the river banks watch for eagles, osprey, herons, Canadian geese, wild turkeys, elk, deer, fox, and sometimes even a black bear. The area is known for the winter migrations of large herds of elk and deer.
Garden Valley - Area Attractions
Early Spring Hot Springs -- South Fork of the Payette River. Lowman and Garden Valley Areas
Hot Springs Campground
A popular soak between Hot Springs Campground and the South Fork of the Payette River, 6 miles southeast of Crouch on Hwy 17. Near milepost 14. There’s a pullout on the bank, and steps lead down to the pool. A comfortable soaker big enough for a family group has been dug out of the bank well above the river. The shallow pool, dammed with rocks, offers a toasty soak year-round courtesy of a shower pipe that transports the hot water from the 100-degree springs.
Pine Flats
Hot dips and cliffside showers near a family campground on the South Fork of the Payette River 5 miles west of Lowman. Pine Flats Campground is located below the BanksLowman Rd. 5.7 miles west of Lowman and 28 miles east of Banks. Look for the hottest pools on paths that wind up the backside of a cliff, and cooler soaks at the bottom. A cascade pouring over a cliff delineates one side of a pool hidden 20 feet above the river. Hot! Cooler pools at the bottom collect the runoff, leading to a large swimming hole at the river’s edge.
Bands of Shoshone, Northern Paiute, and Nez Perce Indians discovered the hot springs in this region and were the first people to use them. Hot springs made good hunting areas because the water’s high mineral content attracted game such as deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Hot springs also provided for food preparations, bathing opportunities, and some springs were regarded as important spiritual sites.
Kirkham
In plain view below the highway, these popular pools are frequently filled with people. 4.3 miles east of Lowman on State Hwy 21. Cross the bridge to Kirkham Campground and park at the west end. The Forest Service collects a day-use fee. Large pools with moderate temperatures. Worth trying either during the early mornings or during the winter, when congestion in the campground and number of users is at a low point.
Garden Valley - Area Attractions
Bonneville Hot Springs
Private bathing and communal soaking in a scenic canyon. 19 miles northeast of Lowman on Highway 21. .3 miles north of Bonneville Campground. Great place to ski or snowshoe to. No time when a hot soak is more welcome! Bonneville is a haven. The aging bathhouse straddles the outflow, and hoses channel hot water into a tub that you can drain and refill after each use. The springs check in at temperatures up to 185 degrees. They flow past the bathhouse and tumble dfirectly over a rocky cliff into a giant soaking pool on one arm of Warm Springs Creek. This is a sandy-bottomed gem that measures a good 25 by 30 feet. More hot water flows down the bank into more pools downstream as well as a secluded waterfall pool or two upstream. The bath house is usable year-round and excellent for a quiet retreat during the early spring months.
Sacajawea
21 miles northeast of Lowman -- pulloff to Grandjean. Ski or snowmobile in approximately 5.3 miles, just past the Wapiti Creek Bridge. Climb down the rocks to the pools. A number of soaker-friendly pools line the shore along the scenic South Fork of the Payette River. The outflow comes from several springs at temperatures up to 153 degrees as it fans out down the bank. Fine-tune the pool temperatures by adding river water. Welcome refuge for a great warm up during the winter months!
Garden Valley - Lodging
Located one hour North of Boise, The Three Bears Inn is a tranquil destination with mountain lodging and hospitality. We are in the heart of Garden Valley right in “downtown” Crouch. Our beautiful location is perfect for a multitude of activities whether you enjoy fishing, exploring the national forest, Golf, floating the river, whitewater rafting and for winter enthusiasts sledding and snowmobiling.
DOWNTOWN CROUCH • 486 S. Middlefork Rd
Garden Valley, Idaho 83622
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SIDE
• Private Parties for all Occasions
• Facilities for Weddings, • Receptions, Reunions & • Company Parties
Garden Valley - Services
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Business Directory
Allstate Insurance .................................. 208-343-3972
Ambulance -- Garden Valley F.D. ...... 1-800-632-8000
Avimor Clinic, GV Family Medicine 208-801-4282
B & W Fuels, Inc. 365-2291
Berg Plumbing .............................................. 899-9404
Bisbee Dumpster Services ........................... 315-6040
Boise County Guide - Ben Fowler ................ 362-4290
Cascade Refrigeration - Heating & AC 781-0061
Cascade Veterinary Clinic 462-3064/382-4590
Castle Mountain Homes ............................... 462-2882
Charter Mountain Construction..................... 462-3914
Clark’s Concrete Construction 462-5317
Coats Construction Concepts 462-6615
CowboyCampground.com 208-362-4343
Cranberryhill Studio ............................... 970-376-0027
Crouch Merc ................................................. 462-2632
Custom Pump Services ................................ 369-0859
Dolenar Digital Marketing Development 871-8513
Dutch Sisters Bookkeeping 208-614-3082
ERA West Wind Real Estate - Ilene Johnson ..462-3250
EWJ Construction 629-4203
Exceed Legal 297-5959
Fackrell Masonry & Construction ........... 844-406-2766
Fair-N-Square Construction.......... 949-5216/949-1063
GV Center for the Arts 462-6860
GV Chamber of Commerce (208) 803-4409
GV Community Radio 462-4350
GV Family Medicine, PC .............. 462-3533/793-2257
GV Homes & Land Real Estate, Val Jones .. 462-6102
GV Fire Department 462-3175
GV Library 462-3317
GV Market `462-3817
GV Post Office ....................................... 208-584-4929
GV Properties ............................................... 462-4620
GV Ranger Station ....................................... 462-3241
GV Schools 462-3756
GV Senior Center 462-3943
GV Septic 462-5578
Garden Mountain Contractors ............... 208-891-2705
Gentry’s Outpost ............................. Come and Say
Horseshoe
Horseshoe Bend Clinic/GV Family Medicine 793-2257
Horseshoe Bend Library ............................... 793-2460
Horseshoe Bend Post Office 793-2714
Horseshoe Bend School 793-2225
Horseshoe Bend Senior Center 793-2344
Huckle & Sage .............................................. 793-2541
Idaho City School 392-6631
IIdaho City Senior Center 392-4918
Idaho City Visitors Center 392-6040
Idaho Pest Control Crew .............................. 373-4722
Idaho Pre-Cut Homes ................................... 365-1134
Idaho Vacation Cabins 462-3475
Inline Asphalt 369-0583
Inn the Pines 392-9505
Knife River Ready Mix ........................... 208-562-5060
Lamm & Company, CPA 365-2817
Legacy Park, Idaho City ........................ 208-362-4343
Leon’s Cafe ........................................... 208-258-9986
Let ‘er Buck Excavation ......................... 208-830-8786
Longhorn Restaurant & Bar 462-3770
Lovin’ It! Rentals lovinitrentals.com
Lowman Inn 259-3555
Lowman Ranger Station ................................ 259-3361
Majestic Mountain Ranch Idaho City ..... 877-616-6726
Mantis Pest Control ....................................... 954-9305
Medford Services 208-861-7578
Mountain Timber Construction............... 208-936-9252
Mountain West Building Supply .............. 208-365-7580
New View Real Estate, Paul Heim 208-794-8175
Ogata Construction 336-3207
Ol Langers Exteriors ...................................... 830-5643
One Minute Ministries .......... OneMinuteMinistries.com
Paul & Kyle Shepherd Excavation 208-830-2370 208-830-7019
Ponderosa Sports & Mercantile ............. 208-793-3121
Power, Inc. Electrical ..................................... 462-5800
Business Directory
Ragnar’s Earthworks, Inc .............................. 462-3499
Rick Sager, CPA 939-6029
River Bend Handyman 208-859-4360
Riverside Restaurant 793-2651
Rocky Mountain Septic .......................... 208-249-2529
Ryno Engineering .................................. 208-631-5527
Sassy Bassy Painting, Shauna Bass..... 208-870-5306
Severance Sand & Gravel 462-3005
Sourdough Lodge & Restaurant 259-3326
Suicide Prevention Hotline 208-398-4357
Summers Funeral Homes...................... 208-898-0642
Tante Emma German Restaurant 208-849-2936
Team Realty, Mary Vis 208-631-3999
Terrace Lakes Resort 462-3250
The Mud Room Coffee House ...................... 462-6393
The Springs .................................................. 392-9500
The Twisted Turkey ...................................... 392-9757
Three Bears Inn 462-2305
Thunderhill Fitness 208-484-1091/208-954-0121
Title One 424-8511/493-0200
Tom’s Tree Creations ............................. 208-571-0362
Trading Post Hardware .................................. 462-3897
Valley Pump & Equipment 208-365-2972
Walk on the Wild Side B & B ......................... 462-2734
Walulla Coffee Bake & Gift Shop ........... 208-513-9777
Wild Bill’s Bistro, Espresso Drinks 462-3505
Garden Valley - Services
Garden Valley - Services
Septic
Garden Valley - Services/Construction
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Garden Valley - Construction
Remodel Specialist
Interior
• Interior Renovations
• Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
• Wood and Metal Stud Framing
• Doors and Windows
• Flooring- Carpet, Laminate, Wood, Vinyl, Tile
• Drywall. Texture, and painting
• Siding CMH is a full construction and restoration company capable of handling projects of all types and sizes. Let us help you through the process.
Exterior
• General Construction
• Concrete
• Waterproofing/Sealing
• Framing and Structural Repairs
• Doors and Windows
• Dry Rot Repairs
Garden Valley - Retail
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LOCAL INFORMATION CENTER
199 Scriver Woods Rd
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $499,999
MLS 98937776
Ready to move in! 3 beds & 2.5 baths. Considering all offers. Call Laree 208-477-8151
36 Cooski Springs
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $650,000
MLS 98948626
Under construction 3 bed
2.5 bath 1700 SF. Main floor master. SF Landing. Call Laree 208-477-8151
22 Lantz Way
Lowman, ID
Price: $160,000
MLS 98968812
Close to the S. Fork of the Payette River. Updated electrical & plumbing. 2 bed 1 bath. Call Laree 208-477-8151
5 Lucky Circle
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $199,000
MLS 98902048
Newly renovated 3 bed, 1 bath home w/ deck near Terrace Lakes and year round activities. Call Debbie 208-941-2679
182 South Fork
Garden Valley, ID
Price: $1,375,000
MLS 98968313
Nearly 7 acres. Custom home. 5 bed. Geothermal. Spring, Water rights. Borders Forest Service. Call Lara 208-869-4644
117 Alder Drive
Lowman, ID
Price: $575,000 MLS 98953414
Wolf Lodge in Ten Ax. 1980 log cabin . 4 ac. 3,264 SF. 4 bed, 2 bath. Call Lara 208-869-4644
307 Quail Cove
Fruitland, ID
Price: $335,000
MLS 98971264
Cul-d-sac, spacious, split bed layout. Updated. Fully fenced. Motivated Seller. Call Laree 208-477-8151
TBD Lot 17 Blk 7 Singing Stream Wy Garden Valley, ID
Price: $100,000
MLS 98957074
Bring your own builder. Seasonal stream, views. Call Lara 208-869-4644
Ilene Johnson ERA West Wind
Garden Valley Office at Terrace Lakes Resort
Office 208-462-3250
Cell 208-577-1557
www.resortcabins4u.com - www.terracelakes.com
Email: resortcabins@gmail.com
$525,000
Horseshoe Bend Lot 1 Mallard Ln.
$219,000
2.34 acres at north end of Horseshoe Bend in Drake’s Island Crossing. 30 miles from Boise. Lot is close to river and boat launch for jet boats and floaters. Drake’s Island Crossing Sub is a small sub with only 12 lots. This lot is the only one that has been available for resale since the subdivision was sold out in 2020.
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