Expert: Sue Mecham - 5/26/2004

Question
Thanks Sue for your reply....a day before getting your email I was thinking a trip to Yellowstone would be fun since the kids have never been there. Good suggestion.  Is the idea of accomodations in the park pretty slim during mid-July?  Thanks again, Jim
Followup To
Question -
Hi Sue and thanks for taking the question. We live in Bonners Ferry, 30 miles from the Canadian border. We have three daughters, 19, 17 and 14.  All of us are very 'outdoorsy' playing soccer, swimming, boating, hiking biking etc. WIthout knowing us I know it's very hard but can you perhaps recommend something 'unique' a family of 5 might do for a week in Idaho or even in a surrounding state or area. We've lived and traveled in Europe, just spent 10 days in Hawaii over spring break but would welcome a 'novel' idea for a vacation if you have any.  Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks, Jim
Answer -
Hello!
We've been to Bonner's Ferry many times on our way to and from Canada!  You live in beautiful country...

As for a novel idea... how about a boat ride down the middle fork of the Salmon River? (one week)... or even a "national park" tour of Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the badlands with Mt. Rushmore?

If you haven't already, you need to see Jasper, Alberta and the surrounding area (like Maligne Lake).  In the summer you can still walk on a glacier, see snow, and the mountain goats are right on the side of the road.

Let me know if any of these ideas appeal to you...  I have more info on each of them if that's what you decide.  Hope to hear back from you!
Sue

Answer
Good for you!

Yellowstone is one place that everyone in the west should visit at least once in their lifetime!

For OFFICIAL lodgings IN the park, go here:
http://www.travelyellowstone.com/dynamic/frameset.htm?page=1.htm

You'll find a directory on the left for reservations and lodging.  Try the OLD FAITHFUL INN first, since staying here at least one night would be unforgettable!  The next choice should be Mammoth CABINS (community bathroom in one building).  Elk hang out here, so kids will be thrilled (or scared) but watch out in the early morning trips to the bathroom - you might have to wait until one moves out of the way!

Bears are few and far between, since Rangers capture them and move them back into the wild if they are spotted.  Too many people were feeding them, so they got dependent on humans and didn't survive the winter.  You'll see marmots around rock piles and boardwalks ( they are the size of housecats ) and then there are bunches of ground squirrels.

When walking around BE SURE everyone knows to stay on the boardwalks, since there have been MANY kids killed straying from the walkway and falling through thin crusted hot pools.

Another good Yellowstone website would be the national park site
http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/index.htm

Hope you are able to get some good reservations, and ENJOY your trip!
Sue