Cascade–the name evokes cool water plunging over smoothly polished rock. Seventy-six miles (1½ hours) north of Boise, Cascade is an easy day trip for a family interested in exploring mountain trails or a variety of water sports.

             If your family enjoys tubing, canoeing, or kayaking, you’ll find thrills at Kelly’s Whitewater Park. The man-made rapids on the Payette River give whitewater enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels a place to practice in a semi-controlled environment. The park will reopen in June; admission is free.

            If your family likes swimming, sailing, water-skiing, or fishing, calm waters can be found at Lake Cascade. The reservoir is home to three bird sanctuaries as well as trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.  

            For hikers, picturesque Crown Point Trail offers great views of Lake Cascade and West Mountain.  An easy 2.4-mile shoreline trail, the trail also provides access to sandy beaches. To get there, turn off Highway 55 on to Lake Way Road (north Cascade) and go 1/2 mile to Crown Point parking area.  The trailhead is next to the camping area.

            Railroad enthusiasts can board the Cabarton Flyer (depot right behind the Ashley Inn) for a 2½-hour ride down the Cabarton Canyon of the Payette River. As you ride the Thunder Mountain Line, keep your eyes open for wildlife such as fox, deer, elk, blue heron, osprey, and bald eagles.

            Golfers have several options: the 9-hole Cascade Golf Course with magnificent views of West Mountain across Lake Cascade; Osprey Meadows at Tamarack, a challenging par 72 signature course; and the 18-hole course at Jug Mountain Ranch, northeast of Cascade.

            If you didn’t pack a picnic, there are several eateries in town. Try the pepperoni pizza or Hawaiian chicken sandwich at the Whistle Stop Café, a ham steak dinner and homemade pie at The Route 55 Café, or gourmet coffee and a bistro-style soup and sandwich at Payette River Coffee and Bistro.

             For overnighters, you’ll find choices ranging from pleasant inns to campgrounds. Check the Chamber of Commerce website for details.

HEADING TO CASCADE:

Chamber of Commerce
(208) 382-3833
www.cascadechamber.com

Kelly’s Whitewater Park
www.kellyswhitewaterpark.com
   
Hiking Trails
www.valleycountypathways.org

Thunder Mountain Line
(877) IDA-RAIL
www.thundermountainline.com

Cascade Golf Course
(208) 382-4835

Tamarack- Osprey Meadows
(208) 325-GOLF

Jug Mountain Ranch
(208) 634-5072

Whistle Stop Café
109 Main St
Cascade, ID 83611
(208) 382-4700

Route 55 Café
806 S. Highway 55
Cascade, ID 
(208) 382-4496

Payette River Coffee and Bistro
110 E Payette
Cascade
(208) 382-5885

The Ashley Inn
500 North Main Street
Cascade ID 83611
866-382-5621
www.theashleyinn.com

The Water’s Edge RV Resort
www.watersedgeRVPark.com
(800) 574-2038

Summer Activities in the Cascade area include:

Yellow Pine Dutch Oven Cook-Off
May 28, 2011
(208) 633-3300

Thunder Mountain Days Parade
July 2, 2011, 11am

"The Best Show in Idaho" Fireworks Display
July 3, 2011, 10:30pm

Summer Music Festival at Roseberry (About 16 miles from Cascade)
July 14–16, 2011
www.summermusicfestival.com

Valley County Fair and Rodeo
“Barn to Be Wild’
August 3–6, 2011

Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival
August 5–7,  2011
(208) 633-3300
www.harmonicacontest.com

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson went kayaking for the first time in Cascade at the Water’s Edge Resort.  Pamela can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .