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Bone-ventures in Boise, Idaho

  • Writer: Luie Boone
    Luie Boone
  • Aug 28
  • 6 min read

This vacation destination is a part of our third series of blog posts titled Rover Ready.


*Featured image is courtesy of Visit Boise, Facebook (March 17, 2023)
*Featured image is courtesy of Visit Boise, Facebook (March 17, 2023)

You can fetch Luie Boone in Bow-wow-ise, Idaho! That's right! The latest vacation planned by his hoomans is taking them to Boise, Idaho. This spot is a serious hidden gem for outdoor lovers. It's also a four-pawed paradise for travelers who wouldn’t dream of leaving their furry companions behind. Nestled in the heart of Idaho’s Treasure Valley, this vibrant city offers scenic adventures, dog-welcoming eateries, and tail-wagging fun from sunrise to sunset. When you are ready for your next vacation, Boise will be ready for you and your pup.


Outdoor adventures are where Boise really shines for dog lovers. The Boise River Greenbelt is a must-do. It offers 25 miles of tree-lined paths along the river, which are perfect for morning walks or evening strolls. For off-leash fun, the Military Reserve Dog Park is just minutes from downtown. This dog park has plenty of room for running and fetching. If you and your pup crave a bit more of a strenuous workout, both Camel’s Back Park and the Hulls Gulch Reserve offer scenic hiking trails with panoramic views of the foothills.


After all that exploring, you’ll want to refuel. Boise’s dining scene has you covered. Many local spots welcome dogs on their patios, making it easy to enjoy a good meal without leaving your pup behind. One sweet spot is the Cloud 9 Brewery, which offers craft beer and eco-friendly food in a relaxed atmosphere. Another great restaurant that's located in the heart of downtown is Fork, which serves farm-to-table favorites with plenty of outdoor seating. And, if you're looking for something a little more casual and quirky? Well, then The Yardarm’s Outdoor Bar is the perfect place for you. There, you can unwind on a sunny afternoon with your dog right by your side.


If you visit Boise during the warmer months, be sure to visit the town's farmers markets. Unfortunately, but understandably, the closest farmers market to Luie Boone is the Appleton, Wisconsin Farmers Market, and they don't permit pups. So, Luie Boone couldn't be more excited to check out Boise's own. He heard that vendors set out water bowls for passing pups, and you might even find a treat or two made especially for dogs! In the fall, the city often hosts pet-centered events like Paw-lidays or local rescue fundraisers, which gives you a chance to meet other dog lovers and support a good cause!


To make the most of your Boise trip, be sure to plan your outings with the season in mind. Summers can get quite hot, so aim for morning or evening walks. Always bring plenty of water to keep you and your pooch hydrated. Please also pay attention to leash laws, as they can vary, so be sure to check the rules before letting your dog roam.


Boise isn’t just a great vacation spot; it’s a place where you and your dog can create lasting memories together. From riverside strolls to mountain hikes, this Idaho city offers endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, savor local flavors, and soak in the welcoming community vibe. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or for an entire week or even longer, you’ll leave with happy memories, tired paws, and maybe even a few new friends!


 Photo Courtesy of Danielle Johnson, Facebook     (January 20. 2025)
Photo Courtesy of Danielle Johnson, Facebook (January 20. 2025)

Paws Rest Here


Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at Boise, Idaho, Check it out below!


Rental Name: Bonfire Crest

This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 2.5 baths.

Photos courtesy of iTrip


It features the following amenities:

  • Sits along the Eagle foothills

  • Snow capped mountains visible

  • Balcony overlooking the yard

  • Covered patio 

  • BBQ

  • Outdoor table and seating

  • Fully fenced-in backyard space for pups

  • Biking and hiking park right behind the house



Photo Courtesy of iTrip
Photo Courtesy of iTrip


What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:

There's this house called Bonfire Crest in Boise, Idaho. I've been wagging my tail nonstop ever since my hoomans told me about it. The house sits along the Eagle Foothills and has miles of trails right nearby, which means endless exploring and sniffing for me! I heard about a pup named Rose who loved starting her mornings on the patio there. She would sunbathe and soak up the warmth with her hoomans. Then, I also heard about this confident Chihuahua duo. They stayed there and strutted around like they owned the place, saying the fenced-in yard got their official escape-proof seal of approval. I'm going to have so much room for safe zoomies! The views and scents there also sound incredible: snow-capped mountains in the distance, fresh morning breezes, and all sorts of new smells just waiting for my nose. We're going to be close to the Boise Greenbelt, so that means riverside strolls and a little duck-watching. I’ve also heard the patio is perfect for lounging while my humans fire up the grill, which I fully intend to supervise. I can already picture it: my humans relaxing, me stretched out in a sunny spot, and the day ahead full of new adventures. I can’t wait to follow in the pawprints of those happy dogs before me!

Paws Venture Here



Photo Courtesy of Ingrid Vandenboorn, Google Reviews; and Valerie Scott, Google Reviews (June 2021)
Photo Courtesy of Ingrid Vandenboorn, Google Reviews; and Valerie Scott, Google Reviews (June 2021)

Together Treasure Valley Dog Island

This is a 5-acre dog park, which is fenced-in and equipped with picnic shelters, benches, and a pond where pups can splash around.



Photo Courtesy of Kyle Daniels, AllTrails                    (September 17, 2024)
Photo Courtesy of Kyle Daniels, AllTrails (September 17, 2024)


Table Rock

Take your canine companion to Table Rock, one of Boise's most frequently used trails. It is recognized for the 60-foot cross at the top. This is a wonderful 3.7 mile hike located along the Boise foothills.






Photos courtesy of Freak Alley Gallery, Facebook                    (May 5, 2020 & December 24, 2020)
Photos courtesy of Freak Alley Gallery, Facebook (May 5, 2020 & December 24, 2020)

Freak Alley Gallery

Bring your pooch along to sniff out the northwest's largest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery! Luie Boone loves the arts!



Photo courtesy of Steve Sutherland, Google Reviews                   (July 2021)
Photo courtesy of Steve Sutherland, Google Reviews (July 2021)





Lucky Peak State Park

This park is the perfect getaway for people who want to swim, picnic, fish, bike, or wander the dog-friendly trails with their buddy. Luie Boone would like to hang with that snazzy pooch. He's got his own life jacket and beverage, so all he needs is a paddleboard!





Photo courtesy of Krista White, AllTrails                           (February 17, 2023)
Photo courtesy of Krista White, AllTrails (February 17, 2023)





Baggley Park

This park provides access to the Boise River Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved pathways, which follows the river through the heart of the city and provides scenic views of the city's wildlife habitat.







Photo courtesy of Erin Bailey, AllTrails (February 2, 2025)
Photo courtesy of Erin Bailey, AllTrails (February 2, 2025)


Military Reserve

The Military Reserve is approximately 734 acres, which have been reserved for several different uses. The amenities available in the area include the following: an archery range, an old military cemetery, bike park, dog park, and trails to hike with your furry friend!





Photos courtesy of Blake Hansen (July 16, 2025); Michael J. (June 10, 2023); Dan Carrick (n.d.); and Phylicia Mann (July 30, 2024) AllTrails
Photos courtesy of Blake Hansen (July 16, 2025); Michael J. (June 10, 2023); Dan Carrick (n.d.); and Phylicia Mann (July 30, 2024) AllTrails





Freddy's Stack Rock Trail

This is a lovely adventure in the Boise National Forest that accommodates hikers and their dogs. Leading through corridors of ponderosa pines and communities of sagebrush, this pleasant path opens to the incredible Stack Rocks that rise from the landscape, offering expansive views of Treasure Valley.




Photo courtesy of @roccosdoodlelife, BringFido (September 11, 2019)
Photo courtesy of @roccosdoodlelife, BringFido (September 11, 2019)






Westside Drive-In

The Westside Drive-In is the perfect lunch or dinner spot for you and your pup! They have a huge menu for the hoomans, a dog-specific menu, and a ton of different desserts. Here, you can dig into classic burgers, sandwiches, chili dawgs, meatloaf, fried fish, lasagna, and old-school ice cream shakes and malts! A convenient walk-up window is also available. Luie will be proper and respectful; he will not prop his paws up on the counter, even though he'd really love to sniff all the tasty food!






Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about

Boise, Idaho


There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:

I've heard about all the great places to sniff in Boise, Idaho! There's the Greenbelt, the parks, and even the river where I can splash around. Maybe I can even find a good spot to do a cannonball off of! That sounds all great, but then my hoomans mentioned wildfire smoke season, which usually happens every summer from late July through September. During that time, the sky can turn gray and the air can smell like a big, smoky campfire... without any of the tasty treats. If there is a wildfire, it'd be smart to keep our walks shorter and take more water breaks. My hoomans say they'll check the air quality every single day to make sure I don't get too impacted by the smoke. And, if the air is not good, we'll just spend more time playing indoors. Boise has a bunch of cool indoor spots, including the Dogtropolis Boise, which is an indoor doggy play center where I can run and play safely. There’s also Water’s Edge Dog Park & Cafe, which has indoor space and treats. Plus, there are some pet-friendly cafes and stores, where I’m allowed to sniff around and meet new friends. We’ll probably do lots of tug-of-war and play our treat-finding games inside, too! Even if the smoke slows down some of our big outdoor adventures, I know I’ll still get plenty of belly rubs, snacks, and time with my favorite hoomans!

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