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When RVers plan a trip to the Mountain West, it’s often to explore Yellowstone or the Rocky Mountains. But don’t skip out on experiencing the smaller rural areas. These hidden gems offer endless outdoor recreation and breathtaking landscapes. Cascade, Idaho, is one of those locations.
You’ve probably never heard of this small town, but we’re here to tell you the best things to do to enjoy your visit. Let’s dive in!
Where Is Cascade, Idaho?
Located on the shoreline of Lake Cascade, the town of Cascade, Idaho, has only about 1,000 residents.
This rural town is situated just north of Boise, approximately 70 miles up Highway 55. This region of the central-western part of the state is clothed in national forests.
How Large Is Cascade, Idaho?
Cascade, Idaho, is a small town but is the county seat of Valley County. It sits at about 4,700 feet in elevation and contains just over 4 square miles of land. The residents here experience long, cold winters and short, mild summers.
The 9 Best Things to Do in Cascade, Idaho
With a town this small in population and size, you probably think there isn’t much to do in Cascade, Idaho. But today, we have nine great ideas for exploring and enjoying this small rural town. With the surrounding mountains and neighboring lake, this area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise!
1. Visit Kelly’s Whitewater Park
If you love the thrill of whitewater rafting, visit Kelly’s Whitewater Park. The park is a playground for rafters, kayakers, tubers, and paddlers. It’s open daily from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. And it’s free!
Enjoy the five in-water features at the whitewater park or play a game of volleyball, bocce ball, or horseshoes. Bring a picnic and have a day of family fun.
2. Spend a Day on Lake Cascade
You can’t visit Cascade, Idaho, without spending at least one day on the beautiful Lake Cascade. This man-made lake is what draws so many visitors to this rural town.
The dam was built in 1948, and now the lake offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Try catching smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, or coho salmon. Take out the kayak or paddleboard.
Or spend a day on the shoreline basking in the sun and swimming in the cool waters. There’s plenty to do on Lake Cascade!
3. Play a Round of Golf at Cascade Golf Course
The Cascade Golf Course is a beautiful course along Lake Cascade. The views of the lake and the snow-capped mountains are unbeatable. This nine-hole golf course has two tee boxes, which allows golfers to play an entire round of 18 if they choose.
Prices for a round range from $20 to $35, depending on the day of the week and whether or not you choose nine or 18 holes.
4. Take the Kids to the Armstrong Park and Playground
If you have kids and want a safe place for them to play, check out the Armstrong Park and Playground. It has picnic tables, restrooms, and benches on-site, so you can spend an entire afternoon letting the kids run around and get out some energy.
The park also has an open field and a walking trail. It lies in the heart of Cascade, Idaho, convenient to other attractions and dining opportunities.
5. Book a Whitewater Rafting Excursion
If you’d rather book a guided whitewater rafting trip, check out Cascade Raft & Kayak. This company offers trips for all skill levels, but even the most chill adventures require everyone to be at least five years old.
The South Fork trips have more intense rapids for the more adventurous crew. Participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh 100 pounds. Book a half-day or full-day whitewater rafting excursion along the Payette River.
6. Bike the Crown Point Trail
The Crown Point Trail is open to hiking and mountain biking. This almost 6-mile out-and-back trail has very little elevation change for an easy ride.
You’ll pedal around Lake Cascade and enjoy beautiful views the entire trip. If you’d rather walk, bring your furry friend as long as they remain leashed.
7. Hike the Skein Lake Trail
The Skein Lake Trail is a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike in the Boise National Forest. It has over 700 feet in elevation gain but is still considered kid-friendly and pet-friendly.
Trek through the shaded forest while enjoying views of Campbell Creek, Raft Lake, and Skein Lake. However, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead.
8. Explore Lake Cascade State Park
We love to explore local state parks as we travel. Lake Cascade State Park offers various campsite locations, including full hook-ups, dispersed camping, and yurt accommodations.
The park is ideal for fishing, mountain biking, hiking, windsurfing, and boating. It has a $7 vehicle entrance fee, but the park remains open year-round for ice fishing, winter camping, and snowshoeing.
9. Relax in the Natural Hot Springs of Warm Lake
Trail Creek Hot Springs is located in a canyon in the Boise National Forest. It’s easily accessible from NF-122/Warm Lake Road. It has an upper pool and a lower pool.
Once you park, head down the steep dirt path to the springs. This may require some rock scrambling, so be cautious. Relax, soak, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Keep in Mind: At the end of a long day, we love spending time in a hot spring! These are the Best Hot Springs in the US
Where to Camp in Cascade, Idaho
If you want to explore Cascade, Idaho, you can find beautiful locations to park your RV for a few days. Immerse yourself in the forests or set up camp along the shoreline of Lake Cascade.
1. Lake Cascade State Park
Lake Cascade State Park has almost 300 campsites in developed campgrounds, and you can go primitive camping in two locations. You get full hookups at Ridgeview and Poison Creek for RVers who need water, electricity, and sewer.
These campgrounds offer beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. It has non-resident and resident rates, and everyone must pay the $7 entrance fee per vehicle.
2. Alpine Lodge and RV Park
The Alpine Lodge and RV Park has hotel rooms and campsites to accommodate all types of travelers. You can get single and two-bedroom options as well as full hook-up sites.
At the campground, guests can access a fish cleaning station, a clubhouse, laundry facilities, and a bathhouse. You can get pull-through and back-in sites as well.
3. Water’s Edge RV Resort
Water’s Edge RV Resort offers seasonal sites from April through October. They range from $43 to $46 per night, or you can stay a week for $258 to $276. Sites feature full hook-ups and include a picnic table and a fire ring.
Plus, you can access laundry facilities, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Water’s Edge is close to everything you want to do in Cascade, Idaho.
Keep in Mind: When you’re staying at a campground with a laundry facilities, Would You Remove Someone’s Clothes at a Laundromat?
When Is the Best Time to Visit Cascade, Idaho?
Idaho experiences long winters and short summers. So if you want the best weather to enjoy the outdoor recreational opportunities here, you’ll want to plan your visit for July or August. By then, the snow has melted, and attractions are open.
If you want to experience winter recreation like snowshoeing and ice fishing, be prepared for fewer accommodations and activities, as many places only operate seasonally. But you’ll enjoy the breathtaking beauty of icicles, a glistening frozen lake, and snow-covered mountains.
Explore the Beauty of Cascade, Idaho, on Your Next Road Trip
If you’re planning a road trip through Idaho, don’t skip out on the small rural town of Cascade. You could spend a week here and never get bored. It’s only about 90 minutes from Boise, so you could even plan a day trip or two from the city.
If you want adventure or solitude, you can find both in this beautiful part of The Gem State. What will you do first when you visit Cascade, Idaho?
