21 May, 2020
Top 8 Activities to Do This Summer at Tamarack
If an adventure in the great Idaho outdoors is at the top of your summer vacation to-do list, then Tamarack Resort is your destination. The all-season resort is packed with outdoor-recreation opportunities for any age or activity level in a stunning mountain setting. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply prefer a more relaxing experience, here are eight activities to enjoy this summer at Tamarack:
1. Speed, or Stroll, on Two Wheels
Tamarack is home to the region’s top-ranked, full-service bike park, featuring more than 36 miles of lift-served downhill and foothill trails designed for any age or riding ability. Hop on the chairlift to mid-mountain where you’ll have access to 20 trails and 1,700 vertical feet packed with multiple rock slabs, steep runs, rocky chutes and other technical terrain. Didn’t bring your bike? No problem. Bike rentals (and lift packages) are available in the Sports Dome and include a helmet. For spectators looking to see some of the best downhill riders around, Tamarack is host to round 4 of the 2020 NW CUP on June 12-14.
2. Zip Through the Air
Feeling the need for speed? Then get your adrenaline rush on a Tamarack Zipline Canopy Tour. Beginning at 1,800 feet above the valley floor, this exhilarating tour provides jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks, forest and Lake Cascade as you soar at speeds up to 30 mph. Tours are guided, take 2-4 hours and wind you through eight different ziplines, two suspension bridges and a 105-foot treehouse. Closed-toe shoes and a weight of 85-275 pounds are required (a helmet, harness and pulley are provided). Book your tour in advance as spaces can fill up quickly.
3. Take a Hike
Lace up your boots for some fresh air and spectacular scenery. From single-track trails leading to lush meadows and splendid views of Cascade Lake to more advanced, chairlift-served trails offering stunning mountain vistas, Tamarack has it all. Choose your own adventure by accessing trails from The Village. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water bottle for hot, sunny days.
4. Ride the Rapids
Paddles up, people! Splish-splash your way through some of the world’s best whitewater on a professionally guided rafting trip. Tamarack’s knowledgeable, experienced guides provide the boat, paddles and lifejackets for a fun and memorable full-day or express trip along the Cabarton stretch of the Payette River. Both trips are great for first-time or veteran rafters and offer Class II and Class III rapids, which means plenty of big splashes that will get your heart rate up and cool you off but are still easily maneuverable. Spaces can fill up quickly, so be sure to book your trip in advance.
5. Cool off at the Cabana
Summertime at Tamarack means quality time at the lake. When it’s time to cool down, head to Tamarack’s Waterfront Cabana at Poison Creek State Park for a relaxing time on the water. The cabana rents out paddle boards, kayaks, pontoons, or wake/surf boats — which you can book online — for all your fun-in-the-sun needs.
6. Take a Class
A summer vacation is the perfect time to learn new activities or hone your bike skills. That’s why Tamarack’s Summer Sports School gives guests the opportunity to learn everything from proper positioning and descending trails on a mountain bike to getting up on a paddleboard, wakeboard or water skis. Through one-on-one or group lessons, Tamarack’s certified instructors will have you riding/boarding/skiing like a veteran in no time.
7. Catch the Wildflowers
The thaw of Tamarack’s winter triggers a bloom of vibrant wildflowers across the area’s mountains, foothills, valleys and meadows for hikers and bikers to enjoy from spring (trillium and spring beauty) into early (buttercup and dwarf waterleaf) and mid-summer (wild forget-me-not and columbine). You won’t want to miss this brilliant array of color. The area is also great for hunting Morels or picking huckleberries, depending on the season.
8. Meet the Locals
A variety of wildlife can be glimpsed in the hills and meadows surrounding the resort. Guests can often spot deer, elk, fox, coyotes, beavers and, occasionally, moose. Three designated bird sanctuaries line Lake Cascade, providing superb viewing of tundra swans, loons, sandhill cranes, white pelicans, Western grebes, bald eagles, ospreys, and ducks. Lake Cascade is also home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, Coho salmon, small mouth bass, bullhead catfish, channel catfish, crappie and perch. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
With so much to see and do at Tamarack during summer, you’ll likely need to make another trip. Before you do, check out the Tamarack Boundless Pass, which gives you access to Tamarack year-round as well as complimentary cross-country bike, SUP and kayak rentals and guided hiking and yoga. We look forward to seeing you on the lake and on the trails!
