IDAHO

If you could only use one word to describe the state of Idaho, it would undoubtedly be ‘wild’. The incredible and often challenging terrain of this often-overlooked state was once faced by intrepid explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they forged their way westwards. Today people head here to witness the same breathtaking vistas and experience adrenaline-inducing adventures. Simply contact our team and we'll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Idaho.

Idaho is a fantastic destination for outdoorsy types. The state boasts millions of acres of wilderness, with mountains, river plains, canyons, forests, high desert and agricultural land making up the majority of the state. With an estimated population of just 1.68 million people (only slightly more than Manhattan), the state feels gloriously uncrowded whether you’re hiking trails, rafting rivers, skiing pistes or driving scenic byways.

At its narrowest, the state is just 50 miles wide. North Idaho, also known as the Panhandle, is bordered by Washington State to the west, Montana to the east and the Canadian Province of British Columbia to the north. This northernmost part of the region boasts mountain peaks, dense pine forests and the breathtaking lakes of Priest, Pend Oreille and Coeur d'Alene. There are cool towns such as Sandpoint, three popular yet laidback winter resorts and once-thriving gold and silver mining settlements that are now atmospheric ghost towns. Head a little further south and you'll reach the rugged river country, a hotspot for rafters, paddlers and fishermen.

Known as the ‘River of No Return’, the Salmon River cuts through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. The river's relatively steep gradient creates many tumbling rapids, making this a well-renowned playground for daring rafters and kayakers. Between late spring and early autumn, you can join multi-day, expert-led trips to run rapids, camp on beaches, hike trails and experience true wilderness. Another popular rafting spot is Snake River, which follows the state line between Idaho and Washington or Oregon and cuts through North America's deepest gorge, Hell’s Canyon.

For those looking to enjoy more sedate pursuits, fishing is taken almost as seriously as white-water rafting. There are numerous hidden spots along the region's many rivers and streams where you can cast your line for steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, bass and even giant sturgeon. If you’re more interested in US history than angling, drive along the North West Passage Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 12) following the route Lewis and Clark took through the state over 200 years ago.

The state's capital and largest city, Boise, is its politics, arts and culture hub. The sophisticated downtown district boasts several museums, entertainment venues and a handful of summer festivals and events, including the popular Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Even around the urban centres, the outdoors is a way of life. Drive east and you'll reach the Boise Foothills’ miles of hiking trails; continue into Central Idaho to reach the beautiful Sawtooth Range of the Rocky Mountains, once a favourite destination of Ernest Hemingway. This is serious mountain country – there are 3,000-metre peaks, alpine lakes carved out by glaciers, world-class winter resorts and the source of the Salmon River.

Idaho’s eastern region is a gateway to Yellowstone National Park, which is located just across the state line in Wyoming. You can also easily reach the spectacular Grand Teton National Park, while returning each night to one of Idaho's quiet and charming towns away from the crowds. Back on the west side of the state line, there are more scenic byways to follow, a few state parks to explore and the seemingly ever-present Snake River.

When it comes to accommodation, Idaho offers fantastic rural resorts that are close to nature. Alongside plenty of mountain and lakeside hideaways, the state’s lively cities boast boutique hotels while smaller towns have welcoming inns.

Idaho's vast wilderness areas mean it has fewer airports than you may find in other similar-sized states. Options include Boise Airport and Idaho Falls Regional Airport, while if you’re visiting the Panhandle region, Spokane International Airport in Washington is a convenient choice. Simply contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Idaho.