Are you ready to get out there and start camping but your favorite spots are closed until summer? Check out these early season hikes around Idaho.

The Rapid River trail in North Central Idaho is an easy trail that runs throughthe Rapid River valley. Turn onto Rapid River Road 4.5 miles south of Riggins on US-95 drive for 3 miles where you will reach the trailhead. The parking lot at the end of the road by the fish hatchery. This is a great early season hike with plenty of dry camp sites you’ll find this trail provides a peaceful backpacking venue. A great reference book is Hiking Idaho by Ralph Maughan and Jackie Johnson Maughan.

Spring camping trip on the Rapid River Trail in Idaho.

Hells Canyon, one of the more popular Idaho destinations, is open year-round via Pittsburg Landing. The turn off is south of White Bird in North Central Idaho.  According to www.VisitIdaho.org: Pittsburg Landing near White Bird provides a boat launch ramp into Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America and access to the 652,488 acres of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. A campground, restrooms and trail head complete the site. The gravel road from Hwy. 95 to Pittsburg Landing is narrow and winding but is frequently maintained. It offers spectacular views into the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The Snake River National Recreation Trail # 102 is 26 miles long going upriver, best in spring or fall, takes you up the river to the Historic Kirkwood Ranch after just 6 miles.

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Check out Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve outside of Arco. This national preserve offers an otherworldly experience with its lava tubes and lunar like craters. Hiking and camping are the main draws with a visitor center offering films, exhibits, and activities. Some other early season trip options include: Sawtooth National Forest, Nat-Soo-Pah Hot Springs, & Thousand Springs Scenic Byway.

Happy Camping! Check out www.RollaRoaster.com for other camping tips.