Why You Need to Have One Last Paddling Adventure

Why You Need to Have One Last Paddling Adventure

Autumn is officially here.  Well, maybe not officially, but it certainly feels like it.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know autumn has arrived when the nighttime temperatures dip into the low 50's, the leaves start to change, and school buses greet us every morning.

It seems like only yesterday soaring high temperatures drove us to the lakes and rivers in hordes, desperate for relief from the heat.  Now, many of those same lakes and rivers stand empty or host solitary fishing boats that sit quiet and still in sheltered bays.

fishing in autumn

Which is one of the many reasons why you need to grab your SUP and hit the water one last time (or two or three if you can manage it).

Think about it -  no more rambunctious PWCs zooming in and out with little regard for the man-powered vessels slowly making their way across the water.  And those boat launches that always seemed to be full?  Now they're mostly empty with no lines at the ramp and no delays before you get out on the water.

Sure, it's a bit colder.  And yes, rain is coming.  But are those reasons to ignore one of the most beautiful (and my personal favorite) season of the year?

I think not.

autumn by lake

Of course, there are some of you who laugh in the face of frost and aren't at all intimidated by ice or snow.  Those same people venture out into the wilds and hit the water regardless of season and can no doubt tell you hundreds of amazing reasons why you should do the same.

We understand, however, that some of you may exchange SUPs for skis/snowboards and boats for snowmachines.  Before you do so, we want you to consider taking one last paddling adventure.  Believe us, it is definitely worth it.

Why?  Here are four of our favorite reasons why you shouldn't pack away that SUP yet.

autumn along a river

1.  See above.  It's beautiful.  Need we say more?

2.  Crowds?  What crowds?  With many sticking close to home as children return to school, most of those fan-favorite destinations that were crowded all summer now stand empty.  

3.  Now that the water isn't as crowded and you aren't being bombarded by waves, you might consider trying something new with your SUP.  Those SUP yoga positions you've been hesitant to attempt?  Now is the time to give them a try.  Those new strokes for maneuvring through tight spaces?  Feel free to practice all you want.  For those of you with touring SUPs, that venture across the entire lake won't be as hazardous now that there is less traffic on the water.

4.  It's a great time to introduce someone new to the the sport.  Grab a pair of SUPs, head down to the lake, and practice with ease all the while enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons.  When you're finished, crack open that thermos of hot cocoa and enjoy.

Although the allure of snow is difficult to ignore, don't be so eager to give up on your SUP just yet.  Take advantage of all that autumn has to offer and enjoy the beauty of the season by taking one last paddling adventure.  When you're done, we are sure you'll be hooked.

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10 Reasons to Visit Idaho

10 Reasons to Visit Idaho

Idaho is definitely one of those states that gets overlooked, which is a shame when you consider just how much it has to offer.  For those looking for adventure, wanting to escape into the wilderness, or just planning to enjoy the view, Idaho needs to be your next stop.

Here's why ...

Indian Tunnel, Craters of the Moon

1.  Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

A mouthful, but this is guaranteed to offer a unique experience.  There are plenty of hiking trails for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the unique terrain features formed by lava flows.  Or, for the more adventurous (and experienced) types, there are five caves to explore.  Some are difficult to traverse, so be sure to grab a cave guide at the trail head.  The Indian Tunnel (pictured above) is rated easy and has steels stairs at the entrance.  At over 40 feet high and 800 feet long, it provides a great chance to explore a cave without the claustrophobia.

2.  Route of the Hiawatha Rail-Trail

This 15-mile route crosses the Bitterroot Mountains between Montana and Idaho.  It passes through 10 tunnels and goes over 7 high steel trestles.  The best part?  It's all downhill with a shuttle service to take you back up to your car.  The "Taft" Tunnel stretches for 1.66 miles, so remember to bring a headlamp or other flashlight.  If you don't have a bike, don't worry.  You can always rent one from the Lookout Pass Ski Area (which offers great skiing come winter).  This is a prime example of how we can reinvent pieces from history - the Milwaukee railroad went bankrupt in 1977 and in its place the Route of the Hiawatha was born.

Sawtooth Mountains

3.  The Sawtooth National Forest/Recreation Area

Considered to be the "crown jewel" of Idaho, the Sawtooth Recreation Area has over 700 miles of trails, 50 peaks topping 10,000 feet, and nearly 400 alpine lakes, many of which have no trails to access them.  There are plenty of opportunities for adventurers - hiking, horseback riding, snowmachining, downhill skiing, camping (at campsites or dispersed), and more.  This area has made headlines as being part of the first dark sky reserve - making it one of the best places for gazing at the night sky.  

4.  International Selkirk Loop

Not into camping?  Prefer a scenic drive instead?  This has got to be on your bucket list.  The loop itself crosses the border into Canada, so be sure to have your papers in order, but the extra red tape is definitely worth it.  You'll be able to view stunning mountain vistas, crystal clear lakes, caves, rivers, and don't forget wildlife.  With plenty of options for staying overnight, you can take your time and enjoy all the Loop has to offer - cruises, wine tasting, canoeing, wildlife viewing (including some amazing bird watching), skiing and sleigh riding, horseback riding, fishing, and more.

Minidoka Internment Camp, Idaho

 5.  Minidoka National Historic Site

During World War II, President Roosevelt signed an executive order that forced 120,000 people of Japanese descent to leave their homes, jobs, and lives in order to be moved to one of ten internment camps around the country.  Minidoka is one such camp and allows visitors to see what life was like inside the camp.  It's a powerful place to visit, one that echoes the words of those held there - Let it not happen again.

Climbing Bread Loaves in City of Rocks, ID

6.  City of Rocks National Reserve

Get your hiking boots, climbing gear, and sense of adventure ready.  Here you will find unusual geological features that inspired the pioneers passing through to call this region the "silent city".  There are over 600 routes to follow, or you can scramble around on your own.  Don't own climbing gear?  Don't worry.  Try their Climbing Experience Program where all gear and training is provided.  If climbing doesn't interest you, there are over 22 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous throughout the park.

View of Lake Pend Oreille from Sandpoint, ID

7.  Lake Pend Oreille

It's 43 miles long with nearly 200 miles of shoreline and, at its deepest, is 1,158 feet deep.  Surrounded by mountains and national forests, much of the lake offers pristine shoreline with sheltered bays and plenty of open water.  Stop in to Sandpoint on the northern end of the lake and consider taking a cruise.  Visit Farragut State Park (Idaho's largest state park) on the southern end of the lake to enjoy camping with easy access to the water.  While there, visit Bayview and stop by the Tree to Tree Adventure Park and experience a truly unique adventure up in the treetops.

 8.  Ghost Towns ... Need We Say More?

Although we can't guarantee actually seeing a ghost, Idaho offers several chances to visit ghost towns.  Most were constructed during the gold rush and were just as quickly abandoned when the mining stopped.  If you want an interactive experience, try visiting the Custer Ghost Town where many structures were restored and workers provide historical information about what it was like to live there.  If you want a more raw experience, check out the Gilmore Ghost Town which used to be a silver mining town.  Now, eight log and frame structures remain in their original state (except for pieces added for stability and safety).

River Rafting, Snake River

9.  Snake River

It's the largest tributary of the Columbia River and spans over 1,000 miles beginning Wyoming and ending in Washington.  Besides the obvious benefits of visiting a river (swimming, boating, fishing), the Snake River offers a few unique opportunities.  One - Hells Canyon is 10 miles long and almost 8,000 feet deep, making it the deepest river gorge in North America.  Besides its beautiful vistas, it offers some excellent rafting experiences.  Two - Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey.  A mouthful to be sure, this national conservation area boasts the nation's (if not the world's) largest concentration of nesting birds of prey.  

Fun Unlimited on the Spokane River just outside of Coeur d'Alene

10.  Lake Coeur d'Alene

This lake truly has something for everyone.  Bring your golf clubs and check out their famous floating green.  Stop by Sherman Street for a bit of shopping, fine dining, or just to enjoy the view.  Hike or bike along the North Idaho Centennial Trail, Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, or Tubbs Hill.  And, of course, stop by to see our sister company, Fun Unlimited, in Post Falls, just down the Spokane River from Lake Coeur d'Alene.  There you can rent SUPs, kayaks, PWC, and boats to take upriver and enjoy all the lake has to offer.

Or just stop in to say hi.  We're always glad to make new friends.

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