The Boise National Forest received its name from the French "bois," which means forest. In a sense, it is a forest twice blessed as it is twice named. Occupying 2.6 million acres of land with towering trees and wild rivers near Idaho's capital city, Boise, it is usually the first National Forest port of call for the majority of Idaho visitors.

Because 300,000 Idahoans live within a one hour's drive of the Boise National Forest, it is many things to many people. The predominantly Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir ecosystem provides homes for fish and wildlife; fiber for wood and paper products; forage for cows and sheep; precious metals for industrial and personal use; and an unlimited menu of year round recreation opportunities. The Boise National Forest also contains a number of unique sites, including the Experimental Forest, the Lucky Peak Nursery, and Bogus Basin Ski Area.

• For those who want solitude, try the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, where you will find a unique and undeveloped portion of the forest.
• In the winter, indulge in snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Bogus Basin Ski Area, just north of Boise, provides alpine skiing opportunities with seven ski lifts, 45 groomed runs and 2,000 acres of night skiing, as well as 12 miles of groomed nordic skiing opportunities.