We are right on the edge of multiple wilderness areas and an abundance of National Forest and BLM lands to explore. From mountain biking at Sun Valley, to fishing the iconic Silver Creek, and everything in between. While you are in the Carey area visiting us, make sure to put a few of these places on your list to see!
Craters of the moon
If you have yet to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument, it is a must see. Volcanic craters and lava tubes will leave you in awe as your tour progresses. Imagine what it must have looked like when active lava was flowing from this location as you immerse yourself in the barren landscape.
Website: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
Distance from Ranch: 25.7 miles (approx. 25min)
Cost: Private Vehicle – $20.00
silver creek
Silver Creek is a world-class trout fishery. Fed by cool desert springs at the base of the Picabo hills. With many abundant fly hatches yearly, this is a destination for any fly fisherman. Running along highway 20 there are many access points, with plenty of stream in between to find solitude away from the crowds. The brown drake hatch is a bucket list event for sure!
Be sure to stop in Picabo, Idaho before heading out fishing. Grab a bite to eat if the grill is open and visit the knowledable staff at the Picabo Angler to make sure you have the right flies for a successful day of fishing. They also offer full guide service and equipment rentals! https://picaboangler.com/
Silver Creek is also a great family float spot in the summer months. The majority of the river is slow flowing, calm, and not overly deep. Floating from the highway 20 bridge down to point of the rocks offers a bit more fun with a few rapids, some tree lined sections, and some faster moving water through some corners. This is the shorter of the two sections. From point of rocks down to the Picabo cutoff road is the longer section, but it is much more mellow and an enjoyable flot. Some sections are slow, so you may want to paddle some to get through them. Visit Silver Creek Kayaks for kayak rentals and shuttle options for various locations nearby: https://silvercreekkayaks.com
Website’s: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/silver-creek-preserve/ | https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/water/1140111432006 | https://visitidaho.org/travel-tips/fishing-idahos-iconic-silver-creek/
Distance from Ranch: 14.7 miles (approx. 20min)
Cost: Donations to the Nature Conservancy (not required)
Hayspur Fish Hatchery
The Idaho Fish and Game’s Hayspur fish hatchery is a must see if traveling through the area with kids. Walk through the hatchery on a self guided tour to see various life stages of the fish they raise there. Enjoy an afternoon picnic in the family area while watching the kids fish Gavers Lagoon. Gavers Lagoon is stocked with rainbow trout regularly from May through September, so there are typically eager tout to catch. While many waters in the area have gear restrictions, Gavers Lagoon has no gear restrictions and the limit per angler is 6 fish.
Visit website below to see Idaho Fish and Games stocking schedule
Website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/visit/hatchery/hayspur
Distance from Ranch: 14.2 miles (approx. 18min)
Cost: Free (fishing license required if fishing over 14 years of age)
Little Wood Reservoir
Little Wood Reservoir is located just north of Carey. There are many opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying a picnic here. The reservoir typically empties by late summer, so be sure to check conditions before heading up. There are camping spots available at the reservoir, as well as below the reservoir. There is also nearby camping at High Five Campground and Garfield Campground.
Website’s:https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/water/1140407434479 | https://www.co.blaine.id.us/235/Little-Wood-Reservoir | https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/116
Distance from Ranch: 9 miles (approx. 16min)
Cost: Free
Carey Lake
Carey Lake is a great family fishing spot. With an abundance of different species of fish, there are many different opportunities here. There are many places to fish from the bank, as well as a boat ramp to put in your raft or canoe. Carey Lake does have an electric motor only restriction. There is an outhouse on site. Be sure to bring sun screen, food, and water. There is not much shade to be found around Carey Lake.
Website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/water/1139258433310
Distance from Ranch: 3.6 miles (approx. 5 min)
Cost: Free
Shoshone Ice Caves
Take a walk through Idaho’s largest ice cave. At 1,700 feet long it is truly a natural wonder. No matter how hot it gets outside the temperature in the cave stays somewhere around 23 – 33 degrees all year long. Inside the cave you will find a living glacier. The ice block is about 1,000 feet long with a depth ranging from 8 feet to 30 feet in depth, it is a sight to see! After your tour, enjoy walking through the museum, browsing the gift shop, or enjoying some refreshments at the picnic area.
Website: https://shoshoneicecaves.com
Distance from Ranch: 32.6 miles (approx. 33min)
Cost: Adults – $12 | 14 years and under – $8 | 3 years and under – Free
Mamoth Caves
The Mammoth Cave is a short distance down the highway from Ice Caves and can be a great option to visit both in the same day. Here you will follow along the trail on a self guided tour through the cave. Your tour of the cave will take you about 30 minutes. After your tour of the cave, be sure to stop into the Shoshone Bird Museum and Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of Natural History. This is a really unique location in southern Idaho and is well worth the stop on the way through.
Website: https://idahosmammothcave.com
Distance from Ranch: 42 miles (approx. 44min)
Cost: Adults – $15 | 12 years and under – $9 | 5 years and under – Free
Bear Claw Trading Post
Bear Claw Trading Post is directly across the highway from the Shoshone Ice Caves. It has many different gifts and trinkets for sale. Many of them handmade items from the Shoshone Indian tribe. There is a lot of history in this area of Idaho and the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. Be sure to ask for directions to Black Canyon. If you have the time it is worth the extra effort. They also have an onsite RV campground if you’re looking for a place to stay in the area.
Website: https://bearclawtrading.com/bc/
Distance from Ranch: 32.4 miles (approx. 33min)
Cost: Free