Tourism Website Ruined Idaho River Float By Putting It On Map

Memorial Day is thought of by many as the official summer kickoff despite the fact we have another month to go (June 20) before the season gets underway. This weekend will be busy, and some of our beloved Idaho destinations will resemble a circus thanks to the Internet.

Getting away to our favorite relaxation spots in the warmer months has become more difficult in the past decade due to social media and businesses telling the world all about them. One site we would visit every summer within 50 miles of Sawtooth City that was never heavily populated until maybe five or six years ago is now too crowded to ever bother going to.

Internet Has Ruined Some Of Our Favorite Go-To Idaho Weekend Spots

My wife's family first introduced me the Alturas area river float about 2009. For many summers after that, about a dozen of us would camp, let the dogs run, play games like horseshoes, badminton, and cornhole and have this particular spot basically to ourselves with the exception of a few nearby families.

Get our free mobile app

READ MORE: River Float Near Twin Falls A Summer Must-Do

A few years ago, visitsunvalley.com added the 'Alturas Lazy River Float' to its state tourism webpage, and everyone and their dog started flocking to the area. The last time I went was in 2016, and there must have been a hundred people easy. Groups of people were walking through our campsite and parking next to our cars and asking where the launch area for the float was. I haven't returned since.

Has one of your favorite Idaho getaway spots become overrun by people?