Growing up 40ish years ago we would go logging near Deadwood reservoir, been camping around Warm Lake, approximately 5 to 6 miles West of Banner Summit, Silver Creek Plunge and Red Fish Lake. To name a few. We went to all these places in a station wagon, van, or 2x4 pickup. I wish I would have spent more of my time in these areas as an adult. They are all awesome. I need to get back into these areas, Overlanding would be an awesome way to do that. For fun I google mapped how long from Boise to Silver Creek Plunge, 2hrs 20mins 73 miles. So for comparison Silver Creek Plunge to Deadwood Reservoir they are ~10 miles apart (tops) as the crow flies, 3hrs 15mins 64miles and of course that is up and over Scott Mountain. It’s crazy how remote and how connected Idaho backcountry is.
@@Venture2Roam I hear it can be busy up there these days. There is a thermal pool costs money of course cabins and camping spots. As far as I know it’s one way in one way out. As you cross and leave the middle fork of the Payette River there is a string of hot springs that are along the river. It’s a moderate hike, I have only been to the first 6 or so if I remember correctly. That’s not counting a few you drive by to get to that point. My parents moved to Garden Valley after I moved out. One time a friend and I decided to see as much dirt as possible on the drive back to Boise. 1994 S10 2 wheel drive , we drove down thru Placerville to Horseshoe Bend, up to Gardena over to sweet down to Emmett then thru the cycle park towards Pearl and came out on Eagle rd. Took forever but was a blast.
I spent a lot of time camping in Copper Basin as a kid. Awesome place! There are also some great camping and roads/trails between the top of Trail Creek, east to Copper Basin!
We were just looking at visiting Stanley for some of the hikes, but didn’t know where we could go camp. This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to make a route now!
I just moved to Idaho from Texas I’ll be bringing up my FJ in a month and I can’t wait! For work I drive all throughout the state to telecom tower sights and I’m so excited to do some exploring
Welcome to Idaho! FJs are really great rigs…I’m sure you’ll have a blast getting started here. You have probably see a lot of open country here visiting those towers! Hope this vid have you some ideas!!
Since I am a beginner, I'm all ears. Idaho has so many beautiful places to see. The Custer Motorway between Sunbeam and Challis is one that's also good. There's dispersed camping, and a small campground at Mill Cree, and if you're going to to into Copper Basin, as long as you don't do it in a car, I would also suggest a short trip up Wildhorse Canyon. I've taken a van into that with no problems. There is dry camping and a regular campground all the way in.
Great suggestions! I’ve never done the Sunbeam area. It’s always crowded out there when we want to go. I’m planning on doing a Pinyon Peak loop though. Just need to catch at the right time.
@@Venture2Roam You could easily do the Custer Motorway in a day. I got started on it late Sunday afternoon, spent the night at Mill Creek campground. Had the whole place to myself. I want to drive Panther Creek, N. Fork to Ellis, as well as Railroad Ridge.
Caribou mountain is one of my favorite spots, lots of cool history with the old mines, the road in is pretty rough, and sloppy when wet. The only other thing id mention is to bring something to defend yourself against bears be it a gun or the pepper spray.
The self defense/protection is a great tip. We always have something out and ready just in case. We’ve also have had some bad experiences with folks who are quick to pull the trigger…so make sure to get trained on whatever you choose to bring!!
Be aware when heading out to Succor Creek that the side roads get bad quick, main road is nice all weather road mostly (closed in the winter) but if you turn off that road it can get rough fast and Owyhee County is horrible when wet. Just some advice from someone who literally grew up out there.
Hi Kelly, yes that’s all true about the Owyhees. The mud is deadly (we mention this in our Owyhee trip vids), there are rattlesnakes out there as well. However, a beginner could stay on the main road and stay at campgrounds, or established campsites and have a relatively low risk experience. But it is a good idea to mention some of those aspects, so thanks for bringing those up!!!
Copper Basin is great but some of the campers are the worst. You find yourself a lonely spot off by yourself and people will pull up right next to you and say they've been camping that spot for years, its a free country, and expect YOU to leave. A couple summers ago things almost came to blows. I thought it was just me and bad luck but then I watched a fishing video in Copper Basin and the EXACT same thing happened.
I want to start overlanding. I have a 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD PRO. But not sure if I can do this 3 easy route you told me. I will try to go this 3 places During March. Is it ok during March ?
Your Sequoia should do fine in these areas. However, March is not the best month to go. I'd wait until at least April for the Owyhees, and June/July for Bear Valley.
That’s technically true, Succor Creek is 2-3 miles into Oregon. However, it’s part of the Owyhees, which spans western Idaho, eastern Oregon, and Northern Nevada. I would venture to wager most visitors to Succor Creek are from Idaho though as it’s close to Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, and Boise, which have larger populations than the surrounding Oregon towns of Adrian, Nysa, Vale, and Ontario.
I do..but I don't know it well enough to make a recommendation outside of driving the trail tunnels between Avery and Wallace. I need to get back up there and explore more!
@@Venture2Roam Hiawatha Trail I believe is what you're thinking. That's a fun trail. I can't seem to find any videos for Northern Idaho yet... Figured I would ask. Thousands of miles of mountains trails.
Is your rig lifted or factory standard height? Looks like you have good clearance. What size tires are you running? Just bought a Rubicon. Looking forward to exploring these beginner recommendations with the family. Thanks.
These places are incredible…and they are ready for you to explore. Where’s your favorite place to Overland??
Growing up 40ish years ago we would go logging near Deadwood reservoir, been camping around Warm Lake, approximately 5 to 6 miles West of Banner Summit, Silver Creek Plunge and Red Fish Lake. To name a few. We went to all these places in a station wagon, van, or 2x4 pickup. I wish I would have spent more of my time in these areas as an adult. They are all awesome. I need to get back into these areas, Overlanding would be an awesome way to do that. For fun I google mapped how long from Boise to Silver Creek Plunge, 2hrs 20mins 73 miles. So for comparison Silver Creek Plunge to Deadwood Reservoir they are ~10 miles apart (tops) as the crow flies, 3hrs 15mins 64miles and of course that is up and over Scott Mountain.
It’s crazy how remote and how connected Idaho backcountry is.
Great comment! I’ve never actually been to Silver creek plunge…maybe I should check it out one of these days.
@@Venture2Roam I hear it can be busy up there these days. There is a thermal pool costs money of course cabins and camping spots. As far as I know it’s one way in one way out. As you cross and leave the middle fork of the Payette River there is a string of hot springs that are along the river. It’s a moderate hike, I have only been to the first 6 or so if I remember correctly. That’s not counting a few you drive by to get to that point.
My parents moved to Garden Valley after I moved out. One time a friend and I decided to see as much dirt as possible on the drive back to Boise. 1994 S10 2 wheel drive , we drove down thru Placerville to Horseshoe Bend, up to Gardena over to sweet down to Emmett then thru the cycle park towards Pearl and came out on Eagle rd. Took forever but was a blast.
I spent a lot of time camping in Copper Basin as a kid. Awesome place! There are also some great camping and roads/trails between the top of Trail Creek, east to Copper Basin!
Great tip!!!
We were just looking at visiting Stanley for some of the hikes, but didn’t know where we could go camp. This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to make a route now!
There’s a TON of camping and some really great trails around Stanley. You won’t be disappointed!
@@Venture2Roam We can’t wait!
I just moved to Idaho from Texas I’ll be bringing up my FJ in a month and I can’t wait! For work I drive all throughout the state to telecom tower sights and I’m so excited to do some exploring
Welcome to Idaho! FJs are really great rigs…I’m sure you’ll have a blast getting started here. You have probably see a lot of open country here visiting those towers! Hope this vid have you some ideas!!
I like how you started with some safety stuff...good stuff to always be thinking about!
Thanks Doc! Always gotta cover the basics.
Great video Will. Going to keep these places in mind when I swing by Idaho or just give you shout LOL
Definitely just give me a shout out when you come through!
Thanks! I’m in NE Oregon and had most of them bookmarked. Enjoyed seeing it through your storytelling eyes.
NE Oregon is beautiful! We get out that way almost every year. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!
I’m in East Idaho, can’t wait to check out some of these!
I can’t wait to check out more places in East Idaho! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!!
Great info buddy!
Thanks Fletch!
This is great! I cant wait to get into Idaho!
Come on over!!!
Great video! Looking fwd to explore Idaho!
So glad you liked it. Happy exploring!!
Man what a beautiful area! Great video. Guess I need to make an Idaho a road trip.
You should definitely come out for a trip!!
Been waiting for I video like this for a while
Thanks! Hope this gets you pointed in the right direction!
These are great suggestions and definitely on our list. We were wondering if you had suggestions for beginner friendly areas in North Idaho? Thanks!
I don't know North Idaho as well...but, Avery to Wallace via Moon Road is one of my favorite drives in Idaho. Lots of camping along the St. Joe.
Oh, awesome, we will check that area out in the spring.
Awesome video and I agree with your list!
Thank you!!!
Nice, gonna need to get down there sometime!
Come on over!!!
You’re givin’ away the goods, man! In all seriousness, though, great video.
Thank you! It’s a fine line to walk between trying to get folks started the right way and over sharing to the point that these places get overwhelmed.
Since I am a beginner, I'm all ears. Idaho has so many beautiful places to see. The Custer Motorway between Sunbeam and Challis is one that's also good. There's dispersed camping, and a small campground at Mill Cree, and if you're going to to into Copper Basin, as long as you don't do it in a car, I would also suggest a short trip up Wildhorse Canyon. I've taken a van into that with no problems. There is dry camping and a regular campground all the way in.
Great suggestions! I’ve never done the Sunbeam area. It’s always crowded out there when we want to go. I’m planning on doing a Pinyon Peak loop though. Just need to catch at the right time.
@@Venture2Roam You could easily do the Custer Motorway in a day. I got started on it late Sunday afternoon, spent the night at Mill Creek campground. Had the whole place to myself. I want to drive Panther Creek, N. Fork to Ellis, as well as Railroad Ridge.
Great advice
Thank you sir!
Love Idaho!!!
Cheers!
Caribou mountain is one of my favorite spots, lots of cool history with the old mines, the road in is pretty rough, and sloppy when wet. The only other thing id mention is to bring something to defend yourself against bears be it a gun or the pepper spray.
The self defense/protection is a great tip. We always have something out and ready just in case. We’ve also have had some bad experiences with folks who are quick to pull the trigger…so make sure to get trained on whatever you choose to bring!!
IDAHO is on the list!! J&C
We the UP is on our list lol!
Be aware when heading out to Succor Creek that the side roads get bad quick, main road is nice all weather road mostly (closed in the winter) but if you turn off that road it can get rough fast and Owyhee County is horrible when wet. Just some advice from someone who literally grew up out there.
And loads of rattlesnakes in the summer.
Hi Kelly, yes that’s all true about the Owyhees. The mud is deadly (we mention this in our Owyhee trip vids), there are rattlesnakes out there as well. However, a beginner could stay on the main road and stay at campgrounds, or established campsites and have a relatively low risk experience. But it is a good idea to mention some of those aspects, so thanks for bringing those up!!!
Great video! Idaho is so amazing for overlanding. I've been on two trips to Idaho. Cheers!
Come on Back - we'll show you around :)
Copper Basin is great but some of the campers are the worst. You find yourself a lonely spot off by yourself and people will pull up right next to you and say they've been camping that spot for years, its a free country, and expect YOU to leave. A couple summers ago things almost came to blows. I thought it was just me and bad luck but then I watched a fishing video in Copper Basin and the EXACT same thing happened.
People are the worst. I’m sorry to hear this is happening out there!
@@Venture2Roam It's cool to get a response after you've had this posted for a couple years!
@@kenjohnston1257 Right on man. I read every comment!
I want to start overlanding. I have a 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD PRO. But not sure if I can do this 3 easy route you told me. I will try to go this 3 places During March. Is it ok during March ?
Your Sequoia should do fine in these areas. However, March is not the best month to go. I'd wait until at least April for the Owyhees, and June/July for Bear Valley.
Anybody know of any spots to go off roading near Idaho falls around February??
There are some Facebook groups for off-roading in Eastern Idaho. I’d check there.
Only 2 were in Idaho
That’s technically true, Succor Creek is 2-3 miles into Oregon. However, it’s part of the Owyhees, which spans western Idaho, eastern Oregon, and Northern Nevada. I would venture to wager most visitors to Succor Creek are from Idaho though as it’s close to Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, and Boise, which have larger populations than the surrounding Oregon towns of Adrian, Nysa, Vale, and Ontario.
Ever go to North Idaho?
I do..but I don't know it well enough to make a recommendation outside of driving the trail tunnels between Avery and Wallace. I need to get back up there and explore more!
@@Venture2Roam Hiawatha Trail I believe is what you're thinking. That's a fun trail. I can't seem to find any videos for Northern Idaho yet... Figured I would ask. Thousands of miles of mountains trails.
@@romokid64 not quite the Hiawatha..but very close to it. I covered Northern Idaho in my BDR Series. Check out Eps 4,5,&6!
Step 1: Drive into Idaho
Step 2: Avoid the Treasure Valley
Congratulations! You’re exploring Idaho!
🤣
Love the vids. Love to do a trip with u guys sometime. Just started my own channel just about fixing all my crap. Check it out!
Lol, sounds like a fun channel. We may do a meet up this year! So glad you are liking the channel!!
Is your rig lifted or factory standard height?
Looks like you have good clearance.
What size tires are you running?
Just bought a Rubicon.
Looking forward to exploring these beginner recommendations with the family.
Thanks.
This rig has a 3.5 AEV lift and 35 inch tires. The routes I described should be just fine in a stock Rubicon.