Idaho – Syndication Server

This May, see Idaho in a new light at Shoshone Falls After Dark

See the falls in a new light.

What’s loud, colorful, and only happens in Twin Falls, Idaho, during May? It’s Shoshone Falls After Dark, an event showcasing what boosters like to call the “Niagara of the West.” This spectacular waterfall on the Snake River is 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide. It’s a good deal taller than Niagara’s highest falls (Horseshoe Falls at about 180 feet high).

For the fourth year running, people can enjoy light shows at the falls Thursday through Sunday during the month of May. Midnight Production Studios choreographs the lights to a recorded soundtrack by Idaho DJ Eric Rhodes. The display is a partnership between Southern Idaho Tourism, the City of Twin Falls, the Idaho Central Credit Union, and Idaho Power. Seems like a good time to have the power company on your side.

Multicolor lights on Shoshone Falls waterfall in Idaho at night. — *Photo courtesy of Southern Idaho Tourism*

Waterfall lovers come from all over the country to see the lit-up falls. “Shoshone Falls After Dark has quickly become one of the region’s most popular events, and we’re thrilled to expand it so even more people can experience this breathtaking spectacle,” Haley Evans, Southern Idaho Tourism marketing and event coordinator, said in a statement. “Shoshone Falls is one of Idaho’s most iconic and beloved landmarks, and showering this magnificent high-desert landscape with a symphony of lights and music under the stars is truly magical and mesmerizing.”

Three shadowy figures against a waterfall lit up red at Twin Falls, Idaho's Shoshone Falls After Dark light show. — *Photo by Brayden Weeks, courtesy of Southern Idaho Tourism*

Tickets are sold at $20 per vehicle, with timed entries between 9:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. to avoid overcrowding. The show lasts about 10 minutes and the passes are for 15-minute slots. Evans says that the event usually sells out, so buy your ticket ahead. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the falls will light up rain or shine.

A waterfall lit up blue at night. — *Photo courtesy of Southern Idaho Tourism*

“The vibrant music and light show illuminating the falls at night takes it to a next-level magical experience,” Michael Watson, chief marketing officer at Idaho Central Credit Union, said in a statement. “If you haven’t had a chance to check this out yet, now is the time.”

Shoshone Falls After Dark, a waterfall lit up pink and blue at night. — *Photo courtesy of Southern Idaho Tourism*

While Shoshone Falls is the area’s best-loved attraction, there’s lots of other outdoorsy stuff to do in Twin Falls. You can bike the Canyon Rim Trail, zipline across the Snake River, rock climb, or rent a kayak in Centennial Waterfront Park to watch BASE jumpers throw themselves off I.B. Perrine Bridge.

Shoshone Falls, a waterfall in Idaho. — Shoshone Falls shines even without lights. / *Photo by Teresa Bergen*

Giants interview Saints RB coach Joel Thomas for a possible lateral move

The Giants are interviewing Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas for the same position. Approving a lateral move suggests changes are coming for New Orleans:

This is interesting: NFL Network’s Ian Rapport reports that the New York Giants are interviewing Joel Thomas for their open running backs coach job. That’s the same position Thomas has held on staff with the New Orleans Saints, meaning the team has given him permission to seek a lateral move — which suggests changes are on the way on Airline Drive.

Thomas is one of the longest-tenures members of the Saints coaching staff, having held his current post since 2015, and he’s the only position coach that Alvin Kamara has had during his storied career. Moving on from him would be a big shakeup.

But the New Orleans rushing attack has struggled to get going in recent years. As a team, they averaged the second-fewest yards per carry (3.6) in 2023. The Saints ranked 21st in rushing yards per game (102.5) and they didn’t have a single carry gain 20 or more yards by their running backs all season. It’s true that their offensive line hasn’t met expectations, but their running backs haven’t done enough to make a difference, either.

Thomas has drawn attention from other teams before. He interviewed for the Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator job last offseason. Before that, he was a candidate to take over as head coach at his Idaho alma mater. He’s a respected coach and this interest from the Giants suggests he’ll land on his feet if the Saints are intending to make a change in the weeks ahead.

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Watch dogs tear it up in the 2024 Idaho Sled Dog Challenge

On your mark, get set, mush!

Do you love dogs? And snow? The sixth annual 2024 Idaho Sled Dog Challenge is beckoning.

“The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge showcases the remarkable partnership that’s possible between humans and canines and has become one of the West Central Mountains’ most iconic winter events,” race founder and organizer Jerry Wortley said in a statement.

Events kick off with Meet the Mushers on January 20 at the Ponderosa Center in McCall, Idaho, where the public can get up close to the people who drive the dogs. The 52-mile Warm Lake Stage Race runs January 24-25, starting and finishing at North Shore Lodge & Resort. Then come the main events, 100- and 300-mile races starting on January 29.

Mushing dogs in the snow. — *Photo by Melissa Shelby, courtesy of Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*

“Mushers will tell you this is a very, very atypical race,” Idaho Sled Dog Challenge co-founder and trail coordinator Dave Looney said. “Our elevation change is 36,000 feet, which is greater than the Iditarod. They call it a 500-mile race packed into 300 miles. So the dog care and the pacing and the attention they have to pay to the terrain is really important, because there’s a lot of up and down. One musher said the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge is like climbing Mt. Everest — twice.”

Dogs pulling a musher through the snow. — *Photo by Melissa Shelby, courtesy of Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*

The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge is the only 300-mile Yukon Quest qualifier in the lower 48 and one of only three such events for the Iditarod in the contiguous continental U.S. So you can expect to see some of the world’s top mushers in action.

A person in a coat holding a dog. — *Photo by Melissa Shelby, courtesy of Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*

How long does it take to finish such a long and grueling race? Well, that’s a bit unpredictable. Organizers expect the 100-mile race to end January 30, while the 300-milers will cross their finish line somewhere between January 31 and February 1.

A dog sled racing through a snowy forest. — *Photo by Melissa Shelby, courtesy of Idaho Sled Dog Challenge*

If you are feeling the call of the Idaho wild, consider volunteering. The race needs more than 200 volunteers to help with handling dogs, managing parking, setting up and staffing checkpoints, providing food, operating ham radios, and assisting at the start and finish lines.

Warm up in the glorious pools at Idaho’s Goldbug Hot Springs

Take a dip.

Amid Idaho’s rocky mountain landscapes, a hidden treasure awaits hikers who are curious and determined enough to find it. This gem of a destination is called Goldbug Hot Springs. Nestled within Salmon-Challis National Forest, Goldbug’s geothermal pools are the reward for visitors who make it to the end of a challenging two-mile trail complete with steep switchbacks.

Want to see if you can handle the trek out to the hot springs? If so, this Outdoors Wire guide can help you scope out the area. Get an idea of what sights you’ll see and the terrain you’ll encounter with this photo guide to Goldbug Hot Springs. Plus, discover other hot spring destinations in this list of America’s best hot spring resorts.

Massive grizzly bear den site appears to be all about the view

Biologists searching for a dropped collar last fall discovered a massive grizzly bear den overlooking the vast Idaho wilderness.

Grizzly bears are preparing to hibernate and people might wonder what kind of process is involved in choosing a den site.

The question brings to mind a social-media post last fall by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, revealing a massive den site that boasted an expansive view of the forest and river.

“Ever wonder how a large male grizzly chooses a spot to dig a winter den? The view of course!” the agency’s Upper Snake River division joked via Facebook.

Officer Chris Johnson poses inside the den. Photo: IDFG

The den was discovered by biologist Jeremy Nicholson, who was searching for a dropped collar from a research bear.

The collar’s signal led Nicholson and two IDFG officers to a den excavated by a grizzly bear that weighed more than 600 pounds.

Officer Chris Johnson is pictured “enjoying the ample head room inside the bear’s den.”

Entrance to the grizzly bear’s den. Photo: IDFG

The bear was not in the den at the time and Nicholson and crew retrieved the collar without incident.

“Check out the spectacular view from the den and what it takes to excavate a den large enough to hold a grizzly bear,” the post concluded.

Grizzly bears can move up to a ton of earth to excavate dens comfortable enough to support them during the winter. They typically begin preparing for hibernation in mid- to late November.

Idaho elk hunters latest to kill protected grizzly bear

In the past three weeks, sportsmen in Montana and Idaho have killed three protected grizzly bears in apparent cases of self-defense.

The latest incident occurred Sept. 1, when two elk hunters in Idaho killed a grizzly bear after a surprise encounter in dense brush west of Island Park Reservoir.

The hunters were targeting elk with archery equipment but used sidearms to dispatch the bear.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game stated in a news release that after “a thorough investigation” the hunters’ actions were deemed to have been in self-defense.

(Grizzly bears are protected by state and federal law.)

On Sept. 2 in Montana, an angler shot and killed a grizzly bear after a surprise encounter on private land along Tim Miner Creek, north of Yellowstone National Park.

On August 26, two Montana hunters shot and killed a female grizzly bear while scouting in the Whitefish Range in advance of fall hunting seasons for legal game.

Both hunters opened fire when the bear charged; one was accidentally shot in the shoulder and required hospitalization.

The bear’s cub ran off and it’s unclear if it has since been located.

Each incident involved a bear being surprised in close quarters and charging in a defensive behavior.

With fall hunting seasons getting underway, the IDFG advised hunters to be on the constant lookout for signs of bear activity and heed this advice:

“When not hunting, make noise, especially around creeks and thick vegetation. Most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.”

–Generic grizzly bear image courtesy of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Bike from Montana to Idaho on the Route of the Hiawatha

It’s a ride to remember.

Go on a bike ride to remember on the Route of the Hiawatha. Once the site of a historic railroad, this 15-mile biking and hiking trail travels a scenic path between Idaho and Montana. It’s the ideal location for a serene tour of picturesque forests. Plus, for curious adventurers, the region’s mysterious tunnels and past glories provide enough intrigue to fuel a weekend of exploration.

Before this trail became the Route of the Hiawatha, it was a railroad known as the Milwaukee Road. The line prospered in the 1800s, sailed through a massive forest fire in 1910, and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 1935 (and 1977). Today, cyclists can unravel these stories and more while traveling past miles of thriving trees and bright blue skies. Learn more about these iconic stories and sights with this photo guide to the Route of the Hiawatha.

‘Shocking discovery’ of shark on Idaho river – was it a joke?

The recent discovery of a salmon shark carcass on the bank of the Salmon River in Idaho was cause for alarm, but only briefly.

The recent discovery of a salmon shark carcass on the bank of the Salmon River in Idaho prompted a quick investigation by state biologists.

“First Smallmouth Bass, then Walleye, and now SALMON SHARKS! When are our salmon and steelhead going to catch a break?” the Idaho Department of Fish and Game complained Wednesday in a news release.

But was the agency really concerned?

Yes, a fairly large salmon shark was found on the bank near Riggins. But no, the state does not have a shark problem.

More from the news release, written by Joe DuPont:

“By the look of it, this does appear to be a Salmon Shark. Salmon Sharks can grow up to 10 ft long and weigh up to almost 1,000 pounds. As indicated by its name, Salmon Sharks like to feed on salmon. So, should we be concerned with this shocking discovery and potential impacts to our salmon and steelhead populations?

“Well………. seeing no sharks have been observed swimming up our fish ladders lately, and the only known shark that can live in freshwater is the Bull Shark, I think it is safe to assume that somebody dropped this on the shore for a good laugh. I certainly have laughed about it. This would have been a great April Fools’ Joke.”

The mention of smallmouth bass and walleye alluded to genuine threats those nonnative species pose to salmon and steelhead.

–Generic salmon shark image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Janet Gretzky — Dustin Johnson’s mother-in-law — earns another title at Showcase golf exhibition

For the fourth time in nine years, Gretzky, the wife of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, took home the net title.

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Scoot your hardware over, Dustin Johnson — your mother-in-law needs extra room in the family’s golf trophy case.

For the fourth time in nine years, Gretzky, the wife of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, took home the net title from the tournament at the stunning Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course in Idaho. The event benefits the Community Cancer Fund.

The course is famous for a floating green, which course architect Scott Miller built at the insistence of resort owner and developer Duane Hagadone. It’s all part of a par-71, 6,803-yard layout that opened in 1991 and ranks No. 2 in Idaho in Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play list for best public-access tracks.

Coeur D'Alene Resort's par-3 No. 14 — No. 14 floating island green at Coeur D’Alene Resort in Idaho (Jason Lusk/Golfweek)

According to a story at the Coeur d’Alene Press, Gretzky beat out others like Vince Coleman, Jerome Bettis and Dustin Pedroia to take the crown, and the timing of the victory was noteworthy.

“This one touched home a lot,” Gretzky said. “Two days ago, my older brother Johnny had a big cancerous kidney taken out. And he’s going to fight the war and so it really hit home. A couple years ago when I was here, I had lost my sister, so it touches every family in the world.”

Gretzky won the two-day event with a Stableford score of 57 points, followed by former Spokane Chief and Coeur d’Alene Laker Tyler Johnson with 54.

“I’m here playing golf and having fun and my poor brother is in the hospital fighting cancer,” Gretzky said. “I did it for him this week.”

Janet’s husband — ‘The Great One’ Wayne Gretzky — finished with 39 points.

“We love Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and the people here,” Gretzky said. “We’ve got a home here at Gozzer Ranch and we love golfing with Dustin (Johnson) being our son-in-law, so the entire family loves golfing. Anything we can do to fight the war on cancer and make people aware we need to end this disease.”

Former Major League Baseball star Mark Mulder won the gross title.

Photos: Dustin Johnson and Wayne Gretzky on the golf course

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You’ll be amazed by these 7 places in Salmon-Challis National Forest

It’s a dream camping destination.

Certain images come to mind when you imagine “the great outdoors.” The phrase conjures thoughts of lush forests, serene lakes, and critters roaming the land. If these picture-perfect vistas are what you want out of an outdoor retreat, you can find them all within Idaho’s Salmon-Challis National Forest.

Over 4.3 million acres of land make up Salmon-Challis National Forest. From the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to the top of the Beaverhead Mountains, the region boasts an abundance of breathtaking views. While seeing all these natural wonders would take some time, visitors can witness the area’s top attractions at seven unique spots. Here’s a guide to the forest’s most beautiful places.