Log Home Road Trip: Idaho

Photo: Idaho Toursim

2. Idaho Potato Museum

130 Northwest Main St., Blackfoot, ID 83221

208-785-2517

idahopotatomuseum.com

It may have nothing to do with log homes, but what Road Trip around Idaho would be complete without stopping at the Idaho Potato Museum? Founders readily admit that, originally, no one thought anybody would be interested in a place dedicated to potatoes, but since opening its doors in 1988, thousands of visitors check out this shrine to the humble spud each year. You can even sample the exhibit at the Potato Station Café, where the fries can’t get any fresher.

Photo: Idaho Tourism

3. Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Education Center

2700 Main St. (Hwy 28), Salmon, ID 83467

208-756-1188

sacajaweacenter.org

This unique Road Trip stop is filled with exhibits and artifacts that focus on Sacajawea, the legendary Shoshone guide for Lewis and Clark’s quest to find passage to the Pacific. Inside the Learning Center, there’s a research library (open by appointment) for you to view Expedition journals and titles, Native American topics, field guides and children’s books. Plus the exquisite 71-acre park is crisscrossed with nature trails awaiting your discovery.  There’s even a little something for your fur-babies: Seaman’s Dog Park, where you can’t miss the bronze statue of Seaman, Captain Meriwether Lewis’ Newfoundland. Hours of operation fluctuate, so be in the know before you go.

Photo: Drew Garcia

2. Redemption Rock Lodge & Lookout Tower

6640 S. Stateline Road, Post Falls, ID 83854

425-229-1454

redemptionrocklodge.com
vrbo.com/645979 (lodge) vrbo.com/1643418 (tower)

Do you want to get away … or do you really want to get away? Steve Wynecoop has the answer for both. Redemption Rock Lodge, located on 950 private acres and just a stone’s throw from its namesake (which boasts spectacular sunset hikes), is a luxurious 5,400-square-foot log retreat with two great rooms, two kitchens and room to sleep 20.

But if something off the beaten path is what you seek, give Steve’s brand new lookout tower, perched at an elevation of 4,200 feet, a try. The accommodations are rustic: There are no fancy amenities — there’s not even running water (though there is a composting toilet) — but the quiet solitude and the views of this hiking destination are unbeatable.

Photo: Idaho Toursim

3. Redfish Lake Lodge

401 Redfish Lodge Road, Stanley, ID 83278

208-774-3536

redfishlake.com

At this lakefront locale, accommodations include everything from quaint cabins to private log duplexes to the lodge itself. Launch your own boat (or rent one) from Redfish Marina and spend the day fishing for rainbow trout or landlocked salmon, or drop anchor and picnic on the white sand beaches that dot the shoreline. When you come in from the day’s activities, three dining options await: Limberts (small menu with outstanding breakfast options and can’t-miss comfort food); The Rustic Lounge (where guests and locals meet for happy hour); and The Lakeside Grill (burgers and soft-serve for everybody). Forgot something at home? The local log General Store has everything from toothbrushes to trinkets to commemorate your visit.

Photo: Brundage Mountain Resort - Chad Case Photography

4. Brundage Mountain Resort

3890 Goose Lake Road, McCall, ID 83638

208-634-4151

brundage.com

Blessed with an abundance of Northern Rockies powder, Brundage Mountain opened with a family-centered vision in 1961 and is one of the last remaining family-owned resorts in North America. Often heralded as having the “best snow in Idaho,” this low-key resort is perfect for the intermediate skier thanks to superb conditions on wide, beautifully groomed runs.

For those who don’t relish the downhill rush, the resort offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as SnoCat adventures. Best of all — it’s only eight miles from McCall and the Winter Carnival.

Photo: Sockeye Brewing

2. Sockeye Brewing

12542 W Fairview Ave.,
Boise, ID 83713

208-322-5200

sockeyebrew.com

Sockeye Brewing has been crafting award-winning beer since 1996 and serving up fantastic meals since 2002. Offering seasonal and year-round selections, you can toss back a pint of their flagship Dagger Falls IPA; one of their cleverly named beers like Hopnoxious Imperial IPA; or a cyclical selection such as Winterfest Strong Ale.

The menu includes many beer-battered options, using their own brews of course. Nosh on their Sockeye Salmon Strips, flash-fried in their Angel Perch amber, or choose Hell-Diver Finger Steaks — thin strips of tri-tip battered with its namesake pale ale. A selection of entrees, including fish, burgers and salads round out your meal.

Photo: The Kneadery

3. The Kneadery

260 Leadville Ave., Ketchum, ID 83340

208-726-9462

kneadery.com

At the Kneadery, all the morning and mid-day meals start with the freshest ingredients — locally baked organic breads, cage-free eggs, seasonal fruit and top-quality meats. The home-style breakfast selections include overstuffed omelets and light-and-fluffy pancakes, while lunch serves up soups, salads and sandwiches. There’s something for everyone, and it’s all enjoyed within a rustic log cabin atmosphere.

Photo: Brundage Mountain Resort / Bear's Den

4. The Bear’s Den

3890 Goose Lake Road, McCall, ID 83638

208-634-4151

brundage.com/dining/the-bears-den

While you’re enjoying the seasonal splendor of Brundage Mountain Resort, rest your legs and fuel up for another run down the slopes at the Bear’s Den. This adorable mid-mountain log cabin refreshment shop offers snacks and a limited hot-food menu, including chicken-and-waffles and “adult” mac-and-cheese laced with poblano peppers, green onions and tomatoes (a “kid’s” version of the classic dish is also available).