IDAHO

Idaho’s image has been burnished recently, going from that of a dowdy, funny-shaped state that grows potatoes to a trendy second residence for celebrities and wealthy nature lovers. Idaho has some astonishingly beautiful, but harsh territory, sparsely populated by a diverse assortment of ranchers, farmers, environmentalists, counterculturalists and sportsmen. If you want to be left alone to do your own thing out in the rugged beauty of nature, then Idaho is for you. But, you better get there quickly because while Idaho now only has about 1.5 million people, it is the sixth fastest growing state in the nation.

While most people think of Idaho as "The Potato State", its actual nickname is "The Gem State", for its abundance of gems and minerals. Idaho’s ground holds fossils, gold, silver, opals, agate, jasper, opalized wood, quartz, rubies, garnets and sapphires. This dazzling display of wealth isn’t the only reason Idaho’s soils are rich; Idaho is also an important agricultural state. Of course, there are the potatoes – Idaho produces almost a third of all potatoes grown in the United States, but Idaho also produces wheat, barley, beans, lentils, sugar beets and cattle. Besides mining and agriculture, other important industries in Idaho include timber, food processing, electronics manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, nuclear energy research and tourism. The science and technology sector accounts for over 25% of Idaho’s economy.

Gemstones aren’t the only spectacular natural resources in Idaho; the 83,574 square miles of earth within its boundaries are breathtakingly beautiful and varied. The magnificent Rocky Mountains enter the United States through Idaho’s panhandle but are one of just 80 recognized mountain ranges in the state. Idaho’s highest peak, 12,662 foot Borah Peak, is in the Lost River Range. This 70 mile stretch of mountains has six other peaks that top 12,000 feet, and the Sawtooth Range has 33 granite peaks rising above 10,000 feet. The Sun Devil Mountains on Idaho’s western border with Oregon contain Hells Canyon. At over 7,800 feet deep, Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in North America. It’s even deeper than the Grand Canyon! The canyon was carved by the Snake River, one of six major rivers coursing through Idaho. The Snake River has also created the Shoshone Falls, which tumble over a 900 foot wide crest from a height of 212 feet – higher than the Niagara Falls. Not surprisingly, the state is home to some of the largest and most rugged expanses of pristine wilderness in the lower 48 states. Almost the entire Bitterroot and Sawtooth Ranges are designated wilderness areas as are Hells Canyon and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area – the largest in the lower 48 states.

Idaho has shed its image as an empty wilderness and people are quickly discovering all the wonderful things the state has to offer. It’s vibrant economy and stunning landscapes make it wonderful and beautiful place to live.