Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/9307
RIVER RIDE East Idaho has bucket loads of pristine waters for quiet reflection, but the real gems of the area’s aquatic recreation are found on whitewater stretches of the upper Snake River above Palisades Reservoir and the famous wild and scenic Salmon River to the northwest. It’s also a death-defying sight to behold. (Ironically, this activity is much safer than many forms of intense recreational activ- ity.) The contest is usually held in July. CATCH DISK GOLF FEVER AT FREEMAN Idaho Falls is proud of its golf courses, and that includes a very special one that runs around and through Freeman Park. It’s a “disc” golf course, actually. Playing disc golf used to be a fringe sport at best. By the latest count, however, there were more the 16,000 players in the Professional Disc Golf Association. Considering the scenic course around Freeman, it’s easy to under- stand why. 208-612-8480 BRING IT ON AT THE BIKE TRACK Bicycle motocross, or BMX, is a largely popular yet under-the-radar sport. For the last 20 years hundreds of people have gathered every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Snake River BMX track in Idaho Falls. If you get a minute, take a chance on a different sport. Spectators are more than welcome. BLAST OFF! Located at 1980 N. Yellowstone, there really is something for everyone at Blast Off! You’ll always find a special rate going with their myriad of combo passes includ- ing Monday-Friday passes for two-hour sessions of play. Activities range from Laser Tag to Phazer Tag, Dodge Tag, Rock Climb, Mini-Golf, various all-access equipment and a whole lot more. In keeping with affordable family fun, their rates for walk- ins, parties and other special events are all quite reasonable. 208-535-0500 GET HOOKED ON THE SNAKE Few family angling opportunities in the Snake River Valley can top a simple one- or two-hour outing to the river in Idaho Falls. The river is highly accessible, most notably around the Greenbelt, but also upstream at Freeman Park and downstream at Gem Lake. Fish in the river include brown, rain- bow and the occasional cutthroat trout. (See related story on flyfishing in eastern Idaho, page 36.) While you’re thinking about it, be sure to mark your calendar for free fishing day in early June. This is the perfect day to take your kids out for that first fishing trip. Licenses are waived for residents and non-residents alike, although tags for steelhead and salmon still apply, as do all general restrictions on bag limits, hours, etc. Before you go, contact the local IDFG office and area tackle suppliers for the best tips on where to go. Try Gem Lake in town, Ririe Reservoir or Roberts Gravel Pond. PLAY IN THE SAND Miles and miles of sand piled in roll- ing hills and crested dunes make up the outdoor playground of the St. Anthony sand dunes, located just 10 miles west of the town of St. Anthony. The dunes are literally a dirt bike and ATV harbor. Most people park at the Egin Lakes Access area, which puts them in the middle of the 30- mile strip. The big dunes are to the west, smaller dunes to the east. A prime camping spot, the Egin Lakes area is jam-packed every Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend. START PADDLIN’ By kayak, raft or drift boat, either fork of the Upper Snake should be in prime shape for casual floaters by midsummer. Novices should definitely consider guided trips, while more seasoned boaters should be able to find easy access for put-in and take- out. Favorite stretches include the canyon stretch of the South Fork starting at the launch point in Swan Valley, the Henry’s Fork between Warm River and Ashton and the famous Box Canyon stretch below Island Park Dam. AMUSE YOURSELF AT FUNLAND Located in the heart of Tautphaus Park, FunLand Amusement Park is a recre- VISITIDAHOFALLS.COM 25