Boise, capital and the most populous city in Idaho, has a population of 190, 000 and is located along the river and mountains that share its name. Boise is a spread-out city filled with parks and outdoor-loving people. Boise is the county seat of Ada County and the principal city of the Boise metropolitan area, the Treasure Valley. Boise was given its name after French-Canadian trappers first explored the area after crossing the arid desert plains. Boise has consequently been given the nickname City of Trees.
One of the most notable features of Boise is the dedication shared by much of the populace to preserving the natural beauty of Idaho. This devotion is evidenced in the open spaces that can be seen throughout Boise. The Greenbelt is a motorless park running for 25 miles along the Boise River, while the Grove is a large city park near downtown. All told, there are several thousand acres of parks within the city. The surroundings are also kept pristine, with the edges of the Boise National Forest just a few miles from downtown, leading up into the central wilderness areas of the state that are a haven for backpackers, river runners, and anglers.
A number of recreational opportunities are available in Boise, including extensive hiking and biking in the foothills to the immediate north of downtown and the Boise River itself is a common destination for fishing, swimming and rafting. Bogus Basin Mountain Resort hosts several winter activities, including cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. "Bogus' is just 16 miles outside city limits, less than an hour drive from downtown.
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