Yellow Pine Activities

Backcountry Flying

If you’re ready to ditch those busy urban airports or skip the drive, backcountry flying offers a breath-taking way to experience the beauty of nature. While there are numerous airfields throughout Valley County, the Johnson Creek Airport is located just 5 miles south of Yellow Pine. This airstrip boasts camping, potable water, showers, and two courtesy vehicles.

Approach to Johnson Creek Airport (3U2) near Yellow Pine, Idaho
Biking
Ride flowing trail systems of all difficulties through meadows, woods, and over breathtaking vistas. Trails and roads for mountain biking are available on the State of Idaho Parks and Recreation online interactive map. Trail maps are also available on the Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association website.
Bicycle in the Woods
Events

Jam out at the Yellow Pine Music and Harmonica Festival, compete on the Golf Course, or even join a community potluck. Yellow Pine hosts a variety of events throughout the year. 

 
harmonica festival in yellow pine idaho
Fishing

Looking to get away and enjoy a relaxing day fishing? The rivers, reservoirs, and lakes surrounding Yellow Pine offer a variety of fish including trout, salmon, and steelhead. Last-minute supplies and permits can be found at the Yellow Pine General Store.

Man Fishing in River
Foraging

A favorite “sport” of Yellow Pine is foraging for huckleberries and morel mushrooms. While berries are ripe for picking from July into August, morel mushrooms are best found in May and early June. Be sure to accurately identify your harvested goods before partaking as some mushrooms and berries may be poisonous.

photo or morel mushroom
Golf

The Yellow Pine Golf Course isn’t your every day 18-hole course. Elk have the right of way on the un-fairways. The first 9 holes were laid out by John Hansen and “Rockslide” – by hurling a softball to mark the next hole! Those first 9 holes were refined and 9 more were added over the years, by club pros John Hansen and Bud Boyd. There are two annual golf tournaments!

Numerous Golf Clubs to Pick From
Hiking

Enjoy a breath of fresh mountain air and historic sites surrounding Yellow Pine with hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of every skill level.

Trail in the Woods
History

Yellow Pine’s history is closely tied with nearby mining. The story of this area is largely one of tough prospectors, a few families, fewer businesses, the Forest Service, those drawn by opportunities for outdoor recreation, and, in the era of World War II, the prosperous company town of Stibnite.

old mining town Cinnabar
Horseback Riding

Explore the old-fashioned away and enjoy Idaho’s beautiful backcountry scenery on horseback. Buck Horn Outfitters offers scenic trail rides as well as multi-day camping trips.

Horseback Riding Trail Through Woods
Hot Springs

Unplug and relax in one of Idaho’s natural hot springs. Don’t forget to hydrate and pack out what you bring in.

Shallow Hot Spring Water and Rocks
Hunting

Home to black bear, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk, deer, antelope, and upland game birds, Yellow Pine offers a variety of hunting. Be sure to check out Seasons and Rules by clicking Learn More. Guided hunts are also available through Buck Horn Outfitters.

Hunter with Hound Dog
Off-Roading
Ready to make some memories? Skip the pavement with one of Idaho’s many trails or take on the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route for days of spectacular wilderness. Trails and roads for mountain biking, dirt biking, ATVs, and UTVs are available on the State of Idaho Parks and Recreation online interactive map.
Dirt Biking in the Trees
Snowmobiling

Both fresh powder and groomed trails await you to and from Yellow Pine. Enjoy a day-trip out to Warm Lake or create your own adventure. Rentals are available in Cascade and McCall. 

snowmobile rider
Snowsports
Escape packed resorts and play in the fresh powder surrounding Yellow Pine. You’ll find places to snowshoe, snowboard, and ski, but don’t forget to check out the weather forecast and avalanche conditions first!
Snow Shoes in the Snow
Watersports

Relax on the calm waters of Warm Lake, Lake Cascade, or Payette Lake… or ramp up the excitement with kayaking on the Salmon River or whitewater rafting on the Payette River.

Kayaking in Rapids
Wildlife
Yellow Pine is home to many animals including deer, elk, bears, eagles, and more. Remember to give wildlife plenty of space and view from a distance for their well-being and your safety! More interested in birds? Check out the Idaho Birding Trail.
Elk in the Forest