Looking for a multi-generational family trip? If you’re an outdoorsy group, you might consider a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. Doug and I took this trip in the fall with my parents, brother, niece, and nephew. Three generations from age 31 to 77. Here are seven suggestions for things to do in the area.
- Ride the gondola to the top of Bald Mountain for great 360-degree views and an easy hike down. Young children or older adults can also just ride the gondola back down.
- Drive to Stanley, Idaho for lunch and spend some time at Redfish Lake. Depending on your skill level, swim, wade, paddle, or just enjoy this pretty scenic lake from the sandy shore.
- Head to the Sun Valley Resort flor lunch, to walk the pretty grounds, or in our case, enjoy a car show.
- Walk the paved Wood River Rail-to-Trail path. We took a portion that crossed the Pegram Truss Bridge, which was constructed in 1884 and relocated from Ontario, Oregon to the Sun River area.
- Although we did these last three items on our own, I think they all have the potential to be good for mixed family outings. First, cycling in and around Sun Valley and /or Ketchum on one of the many bike paths. The Sun Valley area boasts over 400 miles of dirt singletrack along with over 30 miles of paved bike paths separated from the roads. The paved Wood River Trail is paved and perfect for families.
- We biked the Harriman Trail from where we camped in Prairie Creek to Galena Lodge for some pretty mountain views. It’s not extreme, in fact I rode the e-bike, and it’s not necessary to go long distances to enjoy the day. There are several mountain biking trails available to all different levels of riders that start right outside Ketchum as well.
- Near Prairie Creek, Doug and I boondocked and picked up a mouse. That mouse got the ride of his life when we caught him overnight in a humane trap, dropped in a back pack, and cycled with him for a good mile before we let him go. Oh the stories he’ll tell! We biked a bit further before hiking towards towards Bridal Veil Falls. There’s a very steep climb to actually see these falls, which Doug said was actually a bit disappointing. A better plan is to skip the steep climb and view Lady Face Falls instead. WARNING…don’t try this next part during your family outing as this would be too dangerous for children, older adults and really anyone…you can see Doug clearing debris on his way down, knowing how klutzy I can be, but he brought the right gear to walk down the side of the mountainous rock for a closer view of the falls.
Harriman Trail Bike Ride towards Galena Lodge.
DANGER – Improvised rope climb down to Lady Face Falls. Do not try as a family outing. Fall risk resulting in death possible, you’ve been warned.
On our way out of Idaho to Oregon we passed through Lowman, Garden Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and Caldwell before reaching eastern Oregon. It was just a stunning drive. The Sawtooth Mountains, Sun Valley, and the surrounding area felt like an outdoor playground. Hoping that someday we will get a chance to return and stay longer at several of these spots, some (pics below) seen only from the cab of the RV.
