The State of Idaho has a thriving tourism industry, fueled by its spectacular scenery, hunting, fishing and skiing. Recently, Idaho has woken up to the contributions motorcycle tourism makes to the state
economy, and is interested in encouraging more motorcyclists to come and ride.

Idaho has taken an interesting tack in encouraging motorcyclists. Last year, Diane Norton, Idaho Devision of Tourism, led a group of ten women journalists on one of the scenic loops that start in Idaho. The participants were mounted on two wheelers contributed by Harley Davidson. This trip was a roaring success, leading to such excellent publicity that Idaho decided to do a repeat. This time, the trip was to Yellowstone National Park, and yours truly was along for the ride. Again, Harley-Davidson provided the bikes.

Although a lot of the trip centered in Yellowstone, Diane made sure that we got a good view of the delights to be found on the Idaho side of the border, including excellent and scenic roads, posh hostelries and good food. Idaho has designated the roads on the Wyoming border as the Teton Scenic Byways (views of the mountains to the East) and the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Mesa Falls is a little known and beautiful
waterfall, with a rainbow hovering just above the river as it plunges over the cliff.

More information about Idaho’s scenic byways can be found at www.idahobyways.gov.