Looking for a different way to enjoy the mountains this winter? Try Nordic skiing or snowshoeing on groomed trails in the Cascade area, north of Boise. The Southern Valley County Recreation District, in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, maintains three beginner/intermediate trail systems accessed off of Highway 55 for both!

Hasbrouck Ranch 

        Located in the southern portion of Long Valley, this site offers five miles of trails meandering through open flats and along the edge of the forest. Most of the terrain consists of beginner trails with views of the Boise National Forest. The area has an isolated feeling to it, yet is immaculately groomed for skate skiing and track skiing. Trail use is free and dogs are permitted.

        Directions: From Boise, take Highway 55 north approximately 65 miles. Turn left on Cabarton Road. Go about one mile, then turn left into the plowed area where you see a porta-potty. Information at www.svcrec.org.

Van Wyck Unit at Lake Cascade State Park  

        This popular site is the best one for novices and families with small children. It’s conveniently situated near the town of Cascade and the Lake Cascade State Park’s headquarters. Start at the trailhead near the vault toilet at Van Wyck Unit. The 1.2-mile Park Loop Trail consists of two trail loops along rolling terrain tied together by a straight stretch of trail. It offers a beginner’s loop at the start, followed by the intermediate terrain through the Ridgeview Campground. Panoramic views of West Mountain and the lake dominate the scenery. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

       Visit this trail for free on January 7 during Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s annual Free Ski Day. Free lessons, equipment loans, snacks, and hot drinks are planned.

        This site requires a $5 day-use fee per vehicle, or purchase the $40 annual day-use pass from the headquarters or online. The day-use fee is waived on Free Ski Day.

        Directions: Follow Highway 55 north through Cascade. At the gas station at the north end of town, turn left onto Old State Highway. Drive about a mile, crossing over Lake Shore Drive and into the Van Wyck Unit parking area at the waterfront. Information at (208) 382-6544 or parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.

Crown Point Trail at Lake Cascade State Park

        Enjoy views of Cascade, West Mountain, and Lake Cascade while gliding on the 5.4-mile out-and-back lakeside trail. Located northwest of the town of Cascade next to the Crown Point Campground, this flat multi-use trail offers trailside nature interpretation signs. Snowmobilers and dog sled teams also use the trail.

        Directions: From Cascade, take Highway 55 north, cross the bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River, and drive 0.5 mile to Vista Point Boulevard. Turn left and go 1 mile to Crown Point Parkway. Turn left at the intersection, then left into the free parking area with a vault toilet. The trail starts across the road near the campground. Information at (208) 382-6544 or parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.

Natalie Bartley is a Boise-based author of the recently released mobile app travel guide Boise’s Best Outdoor Adventures, available at http://sutromedia.com/boise and the trail guidebooks Best Easy Day Hikes Boise and Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest.