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YEAR-AROUND ACTIVITIES
With the exception of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area and the Hells Canyon Wilderness, which have a special appeal of their own, nearly all of the backcountry is accessible by well maintained roads in the summer and fall months and by snowmobile during the winter.
A major portion of the Payette National Forest and a large section of the Boise National Forest lie within the Heartland. Several forest ranger stations and the headquarters of the Payette National Forest are excellent sources of information regarding road conditions, available services, campgrounds and trail systems. The trails within the national forests are available for use year-round: for hiking and mountain biking in the summer and fall, and for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing during the winter.
Wildlife Viewing
If you appreciate and enjoy wildlife, you've definitely come to the right place to experience it! Wildlife is abundant throughout the Cascade area and includes deer, elk, moose, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, antelope and a vast array of smaller animals. The variety of birds is even greater with species ranging from bald and golden eagles to hummingbirds. The streams and lakes host trout, salmon, steelhead, perch, bass and other game fish. In all, the Cascade area is an exceptional place for viewing wildlife as well as for hunting and fishing.
Hot Springs
An abundance of hot springs throughout the Cascade area and the Heartland includes both natural, undeveloped sites as well as resorts. Books are available to guide you to many of the undeveloped sites, but it can be a happy camper indeed who stumbles onto one of these natural spas. When exploring more remote regions, caution should be used as the vast areas make it all too easy to get lost. The National Forest Ranger Stations will also assist you in locating the many natural hot springs in the area. Among those that have been commercially developed are Gold Fork, Zims and Burgdorf.
Mountaineering & Climbing
The majestic mountains throughout Cascade and the Heartland offer abundant opportunities for mountaineering - rock and ice climbing, from gentle bouldering to some of the longest continuous granite wall climbs in Idaho. Keep in mind that some of the best locations for these activities are in isolated areas and present some degree of hazard. Be sure that you have the proper equipment and supplies, and do not exceed your skill level without having expert assistance. You can contact local guides, outfitters or sporting goods retailers for information about locations and degrees of difficulty.
Fishing
Opportunities for fishing in the Cascade area the Heartland are limitless and year-round. From Cascade a day trip will take you to your choice of at least five large lakes or reservoirs, five rivers or countless small streams and small mountain lakes. During the appropriate season you can fish for salmon, steelhead, rainbow or other varieties of trout, bass, catfish or perch, or go for the ultimate and fish the Snake River in Hells Canyon for sturgeon. (All sturgeon caught must be released, but the thrill of catching one can last a lifetime.) Fly-fishing is extremely popular in the region and you will find numerous local businesses that can provide the appropriate gear, the right fly for any location and excellent advice on where the fishing is best. During September on Lake Cascade, the International Game Fishing Association hosts the biggest bass and trout fishing tournament in the Northwest, an event sponsored by the Idaho Travel Council.
Fishing is even popular during the winter when Lake Cascade is frozen over. The lake is one of the most popular locations in the state for ice fishing.