West Fork Alder Creek

The west fork of Alder Creek is in the beautiful Boise National Forest. It is mid-way between Placerville to the south and Garden Valley to the north. Placerville is a border-line ghost town from the 1800s and it's by-gone mining and logging prosperity. Garden Valley, with the south fork of the Payette River running through it, is internationally known for its white-water kayaking. The foliage and...

When to go: Summer and Fall typically offer the best window.

Vehicles: Jeep/Truck, SUV. Standard maintenance and a spare tire cover the basics here.

Southwest Idaho context

Southwest Idaho splits across the Snake River. South of the river is Owyhee high desert — sage flats, slickrock canyons, and a million-plus acres of BLM. North is the Boise National Forest, with mining-era roads, ponderosa, and quick out-of-Boise access. Most weekend trips work off Boise, Mountain Home, Marsing, or McCall.

Best for drivers who understand their vehicle and the cost of a mistake in remote country.