9 Things to Do in Cascade That You Shouldn't Miss

November 14, 2017 Jacquiline Delozier

Cascade is a rural city in and the county seat of Valley County, Idaho, United States, in the west central part of the state. The population was 939 at the 2010 census, down from 997 in 2000.
Restaurants in Cascade

1. Gold Fork Hot Springs

1026 Gold Fork Road, Donnelly, ID 83615 +1 866-453-3675
Excellent
50%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 161 reviews

Gold Fork Hot Springs

Reviewed By CalifTravelerOne - San Jose, CA

As we drove over miles of dirt road, we wondered if Gold Fork Hot Springs stays open during the winter. I hope someone clears the roads because this is a great place to visit any time of year.
You might expect something seedy or rundown, but the place is very nice and clean. The 5 pools are wonderful, with different temperatures for all preferences. They also provide patio tables with umbrellas so you can eat or rest out of the sun. The only staff person we met was very friendly and helpful, too.

2. Kelly's Whitewater Park

Enter at Mile Marker 114.44, Cascade, ID
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 27 reviews

Kelly's Whitewater Park

Reviewed By Deanne A - Arizona

A nice surprise - I parked at the Pond area and took the bike trail from there to the Park and a little beyond. It's only paved for a part of the way and then it's rocky, so for my taste, best on foot or if you have a mountain bike (which I do not). Lovely water and mountain views.

3. Tamarack Canopy Zipline Tour

311 Village Dr, Tamarack, ID 83615-5014
Excellent
86%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 13 reviews

Tamarack Canopy Zipline Tour

Reviewed By HeyLookeeHere - Boise, Idaho

My first zip line adventure was at the Tamarack Resort near Donnelly, Idaho. The zip line is called the Tamarack Zip Line Canopy Tour. Nestled above the Tamarack Resort. The drive to Tamarack is very peaceful and full of the beauty that driving through forests can provide. You can stop off at Cascade or McCall of breakfast or lunch – depending on your reservation. The staff at Tamarack are very friendly and easy to engage conversation. After signing in, we go to a back room where we’re fitted with our harnesses and trolley. Tamarack Zip Line Canopy Tour uses a gravity break. So, compared to other zip lines. Tamarack doesn’t employ the use of a break lever to slow down and stop. After our fitting we’re given a brief on safety procedures and a little brief on what to expect. From there we got on to a van and took off for the first zip line.

The Tamarack Zip Line Canopy Tour consists of 6 zip lines, including what the tour guide called the “mystery line”. There are also suspension bridges and what I call little tree houses. Given that this was my first attempt to ride a zip line, I was scared. The feeling of letting go of the ground was new to me and I was wondering how I was going to take it. I let other people in my party go first, to see how it’s done. I didn’t want to look foolish, so I took mental notes on what to do. As my turn came, I received another brief on the hand signals that would tell me if I’m coming in to fast and how to land. Then I just grabbed the carabiner underneath my trolley and ran off the platform. The sensation was immediately electric. I was going fast, and it felt it. I was so caught in the moment, I didn’t have time to truly appreciate the view.

After that first zip line, the following lines got easy. None of the lines felt repetitious, each line had varying lengths, heights, grades, and even landing zones. Some lines began and ended on a platform up a tree. Those tree platforms gave me a childhood feeling of wanting a tree house and having an adventure in it. My favorite zip line at Tamarack was the line that had the view of Cascade Reservoir. Of course, while on a zip line you tend to twist left or right. Fortunately, the tour guide told us how to twist or carabiner to change our orientation. The view of the reservoir at that height was beyond awesome, I was so entranced that I almost forgot to face forward and get ready for my landing. The final zip line, the “mystery zip line” required us to cross a wooden bridge. This zip line was unique in the way that the line went “through” the trees and brush. I was almost zip lining in a cave of vegetation. My only regret in this adventure is that I didn’t have a camera. I guess I’ll just have to go back.

4. Tamarack Resort

311 Village Dr, Donnelly, ID 83615-5014 +1 208-325-1000
Excellent
52%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
9%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 54 reviews

Tamarack Resort

Reviewed By Robin P

Amazing accommodations, beautiful lodge with heated parking garage!! Also came with a passport that included ski wax, snowshoeing, and nordic. Was able to alpine ski two days, and the conditions were awesome! Tons of snow, great groomed runs, and a lot of untouched terrain. Can't wait to return. Friendly, helpful staff.

5. Lake Cascade State Park

970 Dam Rd, Cascade, ID 83611
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Lake Cascade State Park

Reviewed By T9-Orca - Seattle, Washington

I don't usually think of state park campgrounds as peaceful relaxing places, but this is an exception.

The Sugerloaf unit campground is on a peninsula, with pines shading parts of each site and gentle breezes to cool you on a hot day. There is a boat put-in and a beach, and the campsites are far enough apart to have a feeling of space and openness.

The Crowne Point unit campground has amazing shaded sites on a steep rocky slope just immediately above the water - wow! There is also a beach.

Both sites are well maintained and clean. The toilets are pit toilets (sigh) and do not have running water, though they are in clean and well maintained buildings with fans (almost no smell, cleaned every day)

A tap to supply water is located near each camp site, but is not associated with the toilets.

This was a pleasant camping experience in both cases, though you can't avoid the sounds from neighboring campsites - at least the aren't too tightly packed together.

6. 4D Longhorn Guest Ranch

High Valley Road, Cascade, ID 83657 +1 208-989-5851
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 12 reviews

4D Longhorn Guest Ranch

The 4D Longhorn Guest Ranch is a dude ranch, or working ranch, located in the scenic mountains of Idaho. Here you can experience authentic cowboy life with all the comforts of home. The 4D Longhorn Guest Ranch caters to all skill levels of horsemanship from novice to experienced riders. We also cater to groups for corporate retreats, weddings and family reunions. Enjoy the clean, crisp mountain air, while at the same time learning the cowboy way of life. Some of the activities that are offered during your vacations or event at 4D Longhorn Guest Ranch are:Weekly Cattle DriveGuided Trail RidesHorsemanship Skills such as Horseback Riding, Roping, Cutting, etc.Riding and Roping LessonsTeam Building Programs and More

Reviewed By Kate E - Southampton, England, United Kingdom

There are not the words to describe how great this place is; log cBins, stunning scenery, riding that is outstanding. The horses are matched to the rider based on skill, experience and temperament, the tuition is excellent and the rides out have views that you won't get anywhere else.

The ranch itself has a great family feel and everyone mucks in as much or as little as they wish. Brad and the team there embrace you into the 4d family and you couldn't wish for better hospitality (try the cookies and you won't want to leave)!

The ranch is true to its cowboy roots meaning no internet, phone signal etc etc, and be prepared to take a torch as electricity is really only in the main lodge with paraffin lamps in the cabins but don't let this deter you, there is everything you need with 3 good meals a day plus snacks, camp fires, comfy beds, beautiful surroundings and horses and hospitality that is unbeatable. I would recommend this to anyone and we will definitely be going back.

7. Hap and Florence Points Sleigh Rides

Gold Fork River, Donnelly, ID
Excellent
86%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Hap and Florence Points Sleigh Rides

Hap and Florence Points Sleigh Rides is a chance to view Rocky Mountain Elk and other wildlife on the scenic surrounding mountains in Long Valley located near Donnelly and the Tamarack Ski Resort and Recreational Area in the heart of the mountains of central Idaho.

Reviewed By Fabvagtrp

Dress warm and bring blankets. Sleigh operates rain, snow and shine. Take your camera. Gorgeous elk and a few bulls make for great photos. They put down bales to sit on and the best seats are on the sides as the elk will graze on bales underneath you. The driver will talk for most of the trip about everything elk and it's very informative, however, the elk were much more captivating. You are told to not touch the elk or pull food off bales to give them but they are so close anyway. You must sign a waiver before you ride and pay the fee, cash or check only. Ride is about an hour long. Very fun and well worth the cost. Will definitely ride again.

8. Payette River Flyer

Cascade, ID 83611
Excellent
62%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 17 reviews

Payette River Flyer

The Payette River Flyer adventure offers a unique journey into some of the best scenery in Southwest Idaho along the North Fork Payette River. Our train will travel along remote stretches of the Payette river and through the dense Boise National Forest. Adventurers can relax and enjoy the pristine scenery with glimpses of native Idaho wildlife along the way. Train service June- September

Reviewed By BMVenable - Cascade, Idaho

The trip from Smiths Ferry to the put-in of the Cabarton section of the NF of the Payette is truly an amazing experience. Bring your gear and enjoy the convenience, hospitable staff, beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and a fun, unique way to get your shuttle done!


9. Intermountain Power Sport Rentals LLC

820 S Main St, Cascade, ID 83611-5220
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Rental of Boats, Jetskis, Atv's, Dirt Bikes, Side By Sides, Paddle Boards, Kayaks, Canoes and Snowmobiles with Cascade Lake,Kelly's Whitewater Park and miles of trails just a short distance from our shop.

Reviewed By D8747IHheidis - Benicia, United States

The boat ran perfect, and the customer service was top notch! They explained everything that needed to be done and had us out of the office and on the lake enjoying the wonderful water quickly.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.