The shadowy St. Joe River is a many faceted river, with a fascinating history. We also explore grizzly bear and mountain goat trapping, kayaking and a Priest Lake outfitter.
For much of Idaho's history, we have turned to the force of falling water to satisfy our energy needs. But today we are a net importer of energy. We must now supplement the electricity generated by our hydropower dams with power created by fossil fuel plants from other states. As pressure mounts to curb carbon dioxide emissions, many are suggesting that Idaho needs to emphasize renewable energy, like wind, solar, and geothermal. Outdoor Idaho explores the challenges and the opportunities of being powered by nature.
Idaho is full of fluttering hummingbirds, fearsome hawks, elusive owls, and the dedicated people who spend so much of their time studying, observing, and appreciating these special creatures. On this program we take to the field and try to find out why so many people are watching birds.
It was a trust forced on the West more than 100 years ago, one that has defined us ever since: our public lands. They are a playground for many, the source of our water and wildlife. But there is a price to be paid when more than 60% of your state is federally owned.
This program documents a journey down the Main Salmon River through the wilderness section starting at Corn Creek, traveling by raft and jet boat to rustic lodges on the river. Along the way we learn about the early settlers and meet folks who are keeping the pioneer legacy alive. The lodges include The River of No Return Lodge, Whitewater Ranch, China Bar Lodge, Mackay Bar Lodge, and Shepp Ranch.
This program documents a journey down the Main Salmon River through the wilderness section starting at Corn Creek, traveling by raft and jet boat to rustic lodges on the river. Along the way we learn about the early pioneers and meet folks who are keeping the legacy alive.
Outdoor Idaho spends time with young writers at a unique camp on the grounds of Harriman State Park. The young writers not only get instruction in their craft, but also enjoy the scenery and wildlife of one of Idaho's most beautiful parks.
Idaho's outdoor enthusiasts can be a gritty bunch -- especially this time of year. Cowboys on horses pull skiers on a snow-packed track, reaching speeds up to 40 mph. Climbers scale 100-foot columns of ice along basalt cliffs. And powder hounds hitch a helicopter ride to a mountaintop in Palisades range. Together, these adventure-seekers demonstrate it takes true grit to brave Idaho's elements.
Ours is not a landscape for the timid. In this explanation of a geology that has inspired and frustrated every generation, we examine the forces that unite us and divide us, and bind us together as a state.
Home to the largest nesting population of bald eagles in the state, eastern Idaho's Palisades region is a favorite for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts of all kinds.
Home to wildflowers found nowhere else in the world; the Boise Foothills offer recreational opportunities, solitude and the chance to teach the value of being in nature. The Foothills’ story tells of heroes stepping up to save land when no one thought it could be done and of public agencies coming together in ways unheard of in the West. Come explore Boise’s backyard, Outdoor Idaho: The Foothills.
They once flooded Idaho's rivers and streams by the millions, an army of migrating fish, hell bent on returning to the place of their origin. But today they are all but gone, their abundance lost to human needs and excess. Outdoor Idaho explores the decline of Idaho's remarkable salmon and what is being done to bring them back from the brink of extinction.
Journey across Idaho with men and women who use horse and mule power to tour the state’s back country. From teamsters pulling wagons, to a horse trainer setting a new pack record, to riders heading high into the Selkirk Mountains these Idahoans love traveling with their animals.
"Climbing Idaho" profiles some of Idaho's unique rock climbing areas and the climbers who use them. Climbing meccas like the Elephant's Perch in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, The City of Rocks in Eastern Idaho, Chimney Rock in northern Idaho, and the boulder fields of southwestern Idaho. We meet up with some pioneers of Idaho rock climbing who led the way for younger generations.
Idaho is full of people who love to tinker with their outdoor gear -- and some of them have made a living at it. Companies as big as Scott Sports, Smith Optics and Buck Knives have Idaho ties, and they're joined by hundreds of smaller businesses making the outdoor experience better for all of us.
We celebrate thirty years with a program filled with fascinating people and places, history and humor, issues and wildlife, and remarkable videography.
Outdoor Idaho highlights the stories of people with serious illnesses and injuries who gain strength and solace from being in nature, on trips organized by four nonprofits: Reel Recovery, Casting for Recovery, River Discovery and Higher Ground.
Outdoor Idaho joins four groups of mountain climbers on treks to Vienna Peak in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Gilmore Peak in the Lemhi Mountain Range, He Devil in the Seven Devil’s Mountains, and Scotchman Peak in the Scotchman Peaks proposed wilderness in Idaho’s Panhandle.
Idaho could be in for some interesting battles over water, and it will be the state’s unique water laws that will help determine the winners and losers in the fight over this precious, finite resource.
The story of Idaho can be told in its state parks. We explore the history of the parks movement and how parks are faring in today's economy. In a state famous for its stunning federal lands, some of Idaho's state parks have struggled to stay open.
The story of Idaho can be told in its state parks. We explore the history of the parks movement and how parks are faring in today's economy. In a state famous for its stunning federal lands, some of Idaho's state parks have struggled to stay open.
The McCall area is a winter paradise, but the short days and the long nights take their toll on even the most enthusiastic recreationalist. So what does an entire community do to fight cabin fever? They throw the biggest winter party in the state. Outdoor Idaho: “Winter Carnival” showcases some of the fun and offbeat events of this 10-day party and finds side trips unique to area and the season.
Idaho's landscape beckons to the adventurous. From Lewis & Clark down to the present, adventurers have tested themselves on Idaho's untamed geology.
Idaho's landscape beckons to the adventurous. From Lewis & Clark down to the present, adventurers have tested themselves on Idaho's untamed geology.
For more than 100 years, trophy trout have lured anglers to the world-famous Henry's Fork of the Snake River. But you don't have to be a fly fisher to appreciate this famous eastern Idaho watershed.
Outdoor Idaho's, "Inspired by Nature," showcases a variety of artists from around the state who use nature as their muse. A fused glass artist from Challis, a wild fowl wood carver from Nampa, plein air painters in the Sawtooths, and a famous mixed media artist from Clark Fork share their talents, techniques, and inspiration.
Adventure calls to any age. Those who can still hear the call are more than ready to get out.
Outdoor Idaho joins a group of intrepid canyoneers as they explore the narrow canyons and caves, rappel into spring-fed pools, and backpack deep into Idaho's outback in the Pole Creek Wilderness.
We visit each of Idaho's designated Wilderness areas to explore what we've learned since the passage of the 1964 Wilderness Act.
Outdoor Idaho explores what it takes to be a volunteer for Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue and how important their service is to Idaho 's outdoor community. Communities rely on them; law enforcement welcomes their helpÂ…and the rescued are grateful. Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue answers the call when people get lost or hurt in Idaho's wild places.
Ranching, recreation and natural resources. Those three elements help Teton County thrive year round from the valley floor to the tip of the Tetons.
The fight over the creation of the River of No Return Wilderness was one of the pivotal battles in the state's history. We explore the fascination with this crown jewel of the nation's wilderness system.
Outdoor Idaho explores the hobby of Rockhounding, taking viewers to north Idaho for fossils and star garnets, eastern Idaho for opal, and the Owyhees for agate and jasper.
We visit Idaho's designated Wilderness areas to explore what we've learned since the passage of the 1964 Wilderness Act.
Caves were home to our ancestors, providing shelter from the elements, their walls a canvas for memories. Today, we are still drawn to the dark, the unknown, and even the beauty of what lies beneath our feet. Outdoor Idaho goes under Idaho to discover and illuminate the pitch black world of wild caves.
We are a state rich in rivers. And the waters that feed those rivers -- Idaho's headwaters -- are truly some of the West's sacred places. From the Snake, the Salmon, and the Selway to the Boise, the Owyhee, the Malad and the St. Joe, headwaters help define these rivers and remind us what it is that’s worth protecting in this world of ours.
We are a state rich in rivers. And the waters that feed those rivers -- Idaho's headwaters -- are truly some of the West's sacred places. From the Snake and the Salmon, to the Selway, the St. Joe, and the Boise, headwaters help define these rivers and remind us what it is that’s worth protecting in this world of ours.
"Is there an adventure that you’ve always wanted to experience? That’s the question Outdoor Idaho posed to their Facebook friends in 2015. My Excellent Adventure,” a collection of eight stories, takes viewers to some of Idaho's best loved parts of the state."
Is there an adventure that you've always wanted to experience? That's the question Outdoor Idaho posed to our Facebook friends. Here are four stories that take viewers to some of Idaho’s best loved parts of the state.
Bear Lake, the Caribbean blue water straddling the Idaho-Utah border, is known for family, farming and folklore. This show explores the varied ways in which the lake's water is used year round.
From the air, northern Idaho’s lakes appear as pools of blue, shimmery water. But if you look at a microscopic level, you’ll find signs they are in trouble. A microscopic organism threatens the water quality of these lakes. Outdoor Idaho:The Health of Our Lakes follows scientists and lake managers as they investigate increasing levels of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae and search for solutions.
Idaho's outfitting industry has always attracted colorful characters, modern-day mountainmen and women, whose job it is to connect city dwellers to the outdoors. We profile some of these individuals and examine some of the challenges they face.
Follows various groups adventures through the Owyhee Canyonlands area. Featured segments include floating Owyhee River tributary Deep Creek, packrafting through Lambert Gorge, canyoneering in a slot canyon, and rafting down the mid-Owyhee River with Barker River Expeditions.
We visit the three new wilderness areas in central Idaho -- the Cecil Andrus-White Clouds, the Hemingway-Boulders, and the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak wilderness -- to tell the 50 year story of how the threat of an open pit molybdenum mine eventually led to a unanimous vote for Wilderness in Congress. And we examine some of the major battles yet to be decided.
We visit the three new wilderness areas in the center of Idaho – the Cecil Andrus-White Clouds, the Hemingway-Boulders, and the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness – to tell the fascinating 50 year story of how the threat of an open pit molybdenum mine eventually led to a unanimous vote for Wilderness in Congress.
We explore some of Idaho's out of the way places at the end of the road: Paradise in the Selway wilderness; Bay View, perched on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille; Big Creek, so remote that an airplane is the best way in; 150 year-old Joyce Ranch on the Owyhee Front; the Mormon ghost town of Chesterfield; Atlanta, where freedom of expression is revered; and Castle Peak, a mountain in wilderness.
We explore some of Idaho's out of the way places at the end of the road: 150 year-old Joyce Ranch on the Owyhee Front; Big Creek, so remote that an airplane is the best way in; the Mormon ghost town of Chesterfield; and Castle Peak, a mountain in wilderness.
Highlights the terrain and activities in the northern section of the Idaho panhandle that borders Canada. Features the Boundary-Smith Creek Wildlife Management Area, rafting the Moyie River, The Kootenai Tribes work with sturgeon, the Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area, American Falls at the end of the Centennial Trail, fishing on the Kootenai River, and horse packing to the Shorty Peak Lookout.
For singer-songwriter Casey Kristofferson, the mountains of central Idaho are a majestic backdrop to write and record his mountain music. Sculptor John Grade found his muse in the form of a lava tube at Craters of the Moon National Monument. Alexandra Paliwoda forges iron into functional art from her blacksmith shop in the valley of the Tetons. And Jon Mills captures stunning digital images.
Mustangs are a symbol of our western tradition; yet they are often reviled, as they compete for resources with livestock and wildlife in an ever changing environment impacted by range fire and drought. Thousands end up in holding corrals far from home, never to return. Outdoor Idaho takes a look at what is happening to the mustang herds in Idaho and beyond.
Positioned between glamorous Sun Valley and desolate Craters of the Moon, the Pioneer Mountains are, for many, just a blank spot on the map. We explore the low lands and the highest peaks of Idaho's second highest mountain range, with a rich history and diverse wildlife that will both inspire and intrigue.
For many, the Pios are just a blank spot on the map. But to geologists, the mountain range represents complexity. Climbers seek out the high peaks of Idaho’s second highest mountain range. And in the winter, energetic skiers enjoy perfect snow conditions near 12,000 foot Hyndman peak.
Not everyone works inside four walls. For some, the great outdoors is their office. Some pick this type of work to improve the environment or to celebrate history. Others see it as a way to help people or to bring joy to a whole country. Outdoor Idaho: “Jobs Without Walls” profiles five extraordinary Idahoans who make a difference.
This hour-long special revisits some of the scenic wonders we’ve uncovered in 35 years. We also take viewers behind the scenes, and we remember the folks who have shared their stories with us over the years. We’ve changed a lot in three and a half decades. Of course, who hasn’t? Welcome to our 35th Anniversary Special!
We profile some places -- like the Yankee Fork, the Blackfoot, Curlew National Grassland, the Kootenai and the Portneuf -- where we're working With nature, instead of against her, to restore waterways.
From the golden fields of barley in southeastern Idaho to the biggest hops ranch in the world nestled up against the Canadian border, Outdoor Idaho takes you on an exploration of the ingredients, and the craftsmanship behind Idaho beer.
Outdoor Idaho goes “Off the Grid” to explore why many Idahoans choose to unplug from the power company and leave city life. The vast majority of those who go off the grid do so because they want a simpler life, while also gaining self-sufficiency and independence. This program profiles three families around the state who have successfully built their lives without power, utilities, and services.
Lake Pend Oreille is the largest and deepest lake in Idaho, thanks to an ice-age flood of biblical proportions. It's also home to world-class rainbow trout, an impressive ski resort, and a Navy submarine research detachment.
The largest and deepest lake in Idaho with some great stories to tell.
We honor those who use their artistic vision and craftsmanship to make unique creations. Master bladesmith Bill Burke creates high performance Damascus knives. Ashley Delonas tracks down antler sheds for her unique creations. Cary Schwarz's hand-crafted saddles are widely revered for their durability and artistic design.
Wildfires have been a way of life in Idaho for millennia. But, recently they’ve become more severe. Fire seasons are starting sooner, fires are burning hotter and they’re lasting longer. That’s caught the attention of fire and climate experts from the University of Idaho. They warn that a warming climate is adding fuel to an already dangerous problem.
Long gone are the days of the CCC, the army of laborers shipped around the country during the Great Depression as our nation's work relief program. The budget for all that labor is also long gone. Now Idahoans who value natural resources are filling the gap by maintaining trails on public land for free. They are this century’s CCC. We call them Trailblazers.
Idaho’s wildlife plays a major role in our daily lives. From the small to the tall, animals truly live among us and we among them. But to maintain harmony among species, a delicate balance is required. And that’s not always easy. With the help of Idahoans across the state, Outdoor Idaho explores the relationship between humans and urban wildlife and the space in which these two worlds collide.
Every farm has a barn, and every barn has a story. Idaho was built on agriculture and farming, and barns have always played a vital role in that history. Barns come in all shapes and sizes; many are still functional today; others have seen better days. The funny thing is, we love each and every one of them.
Some seek thrills, some seek records, some push themselves to the edge of physical and mental endurance. But for most Idaho climbers, simply standing on the top of Idaho’s tallest mountains is reward enough. Our December Outdoor Idaho explores “Idaho’s 12ers” and the Idahoans who cherish them, from close up and from afar.
Outdoor Idaho explores “Idaho’s 12ers,” with the climbers who cherish them. There are nine peaks in the state above 12,000 feet.
Everybody loves a barn, and each one has a story to tell. Outdoor Idaho takes to the road to seek out some of our state’s most storied and majestic agricultural icons.
From the Bruneau River down south to Chimney Rock up north, Outdoor Idaho goes “Off the Beaten Path” to find places of wonder and delight. We explore landscapes across the state of Idaho that are unknown to many and unexplored by most. Along the way, we’ll tell the story of each place through the voice of the folks who’ve dared to step off the beaten path.
From a desert river canyon to a towering tree oasis, Outdoor Idaho explores the lesser known landscapes of our uniquely shaped state, through the eyes of people who know the regions well.
It’s the taste for meat and a thirst for adventure that drives hunters to dedicate early mornings and dusky evenings to the pursuit of an animal. From elk to pheasant, deer to chukar, hunting is in the genetic makeup of Idaho, both historically and culturally. In this show, we’ll hike along a snowy ridge, scramble across rocks and follow tracks to get inside the heads of Idaho’s women who hunt.
Idaho’s salmon are facing extinction. Congressman Mike Simpson says the only way to save these ocean-going fish is to breach the four lower Snake River dams, all located in the state of Washington. His proposal has generated both condemnation and praise. Outdoor Idaho explores one of the most controversial and consequential issues facing the Northwest.
“The Next Chapter” looks to the future. We meet the new owners of an historic homestead along the Salmon River. We explore how the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the state’s Fish & Game Department are adapting to new challenges. We also hear from farmers trying out soil-friendly solutions, and learn how an outdoor recreation leader is dealing with a changing climate.
Idaho is changing and so are the agencies and organizations that manage our land and wildlife. “Taking Agency,” will look to the future. We’ll see how the Forest Service is evolving and find out how the Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Fish and Game are adapting. We’ll also see how kids and an organization are stepping into the forefront of trail maintenance.
Change is inevitable and that’s why we’re identifying the people behind it in “Faces of Change.” In this show, we’ll welcome new owners to a historic homestead. We’ll hear from farmers trying out new, soil-friendly farming solutions. And we’ll take a look at how climate change is affecting our outdoor recreation.
Wildflowers capture the hearts of those willing to look down and around. Outdoor Idaho is entering the world of wildflowers to tell the stories of the colorful flora that dot our state. We'll be looking at wildflowers through the eyes of botanists, photographers, herbalists, farmers and hobbyists. We'll delve into the science, the beauty, the ecosystem, the history and the culture of wildflowers.
With better equipment, more training opportunities, increased inclusion and decreased stigma, people with physical challenges are increasingly able to enjoy the outdoors, including competing in major races. This episode of Outdoor Idaho features athletes with disabilities who are breaking barriers and defying labels, and looks at how Idaho is poised to be a destination for para-sports.
For 40 years Outdoor Idaho has been bringing beauty, nature, science and wonder into your living room. It’s time to look back on the legacy and look forward to the future. In this special celebration broadcast we’ll find out how Outdoor Idaho came to be, who made it the masterpiece that it is today and what we’re doing to ensure Idaho’s outdoor stories continue to be told.
Idaho’s Bitterroot Mountains define our state’s squiggly eastern border. Rugged, remote and hard to get to, the Bitterroot Mountains offer a challenge and reward. Outdoor Idaho’s “In the Shadow of the Bitterroots” will uncover the history, culture, recreation and science of the land. From sacred Nez Perce trails to the tallest peaks, this show will inspire curiosity about a unique mountain range.
Rodeo represents Western culture like no other sport and is deeply embedded into the lifestyles of those who surround it. There are more than a hundred rodeos in Idaho each year. Outdoor Idaho decided to go to several of them, big and small, to introduce you to some of Idaho’s best rodeo athletes and to give you a taste of the action. So, grab your Stetson and hang on for the ride.
Rodeo and Western culture go hand in hand, and rodeo athletes and their families share a bond like no other sport. There are dozens of rodeos in Idaho every year. Outdoor Idaho attended several of them, big and small, to introduce you to some of Idaho’s finest to give you a taste of the action. So, get ready for a wild ride because “This is Rodeo.”
Idaho’s unique landscape is home to fossils that can tell us about the area’s history and wildlife. Whether it’s dinosaur eggs or sharks, the fossils found in the state tell the story of what used to be here and what to expect moving forward. Outdoor Idaho takes a look back at what the state looked like millions of years ago, 10,000 years ago, and what remains today.
Humans have been hunting with birds for at least 5,000 years and in Idaho the practice has become increasingly popular thanks to ample public lands and raptor advocates. “The Art of Falconry” explores the unique relationship between human and hawk. We uncover the beauty of bird flight and dive into the mind of the falconer and the history of hunting with birds.
There’s more to biking than just rolling on two wheels, there’s a joy that comes from being free to explore, unencumbered by windshields and metal. Idahoans are using bicycles to get to beautiful places; from backcountry hunting to rural commutes; from hot springs to secret camp spots.
From preschoolers to retirees, some Idahoans learn best in the outdoors. Come along as we drill Payette Lake ice cores with 4-year-olds and explore remote Idaho wilderness with college students as Mother Nature provides the settings and the lessons.
