Idaho has added three new zip lines to an already long list of available adventure activities, bringing the total number of zip tours in the state to seven.  The zip tours are located around the state and offer the requisite thrills, along with educational components focusing on history, geography and habitat interpretation.  With the diversity of locations, adding a zip line tour to an Idaho adventure vacation is a snap.

Silver Streak Zipline Tours, located near the historic town of Wallace in northern Idaho, is expected to open in mid-May 2012. Silver Streak’s West course has six zips ranging in length from 425 to 1,200 feet, with the 1,200 foot segment allowing for two riders side by side.  The East course offers four zip lines with segment lengths ranging from 325 to 1,800 feet.  Segments on both courses of this platform-based zip course allow riders to fly (on their bellies) like superman. Zippers will travel about 300 feet above ground with beautiful views of Wallace and the surrounding mountains.

Magic Valley Flight Simulation Zip Line offers a two and one half hour educational tour of the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls in south central Idaho.  Riders will learn about the aquaculture, geographic features, agriculture (there is an apple orchard in the canyon) and the animals and plants that live in the area. The 4,300 foot course has six zip lines, including a practice line and two parallel lines for the final and longest run. The zip line tour begins and ends at the Canyon Springs Golf Course club house. Magic Valley Flight Simulation is scheduled to open in May 2012.

Schweitzer Mountain Zip Line is the newest to the activities available at the family friendly Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort near Sandpoint in northern Idaho.  Stretching over 700 feet, the zip line begins at the resort village and runs towards Lake Pend Oreille, offering spectacular mountain and lake views year-round.  A dual zip line allows riders to experience the fun side-by-side.

Zip Idaho provides a unique eco-adventure that combines Idaho’s longest zip lines with tree based canopy-tour style zip lines. The course offers seven lines, ranging from 175 to 1,700 feet in length. Zip Idaho is based in southwest Idaho in Horseshoe Bend, just a half hour north of Boise, and a nature lovers dream. Whitewater rafting, swimming, mountain biking, fishing, and scenic train rides are just a few activities to enjoy in the area.

Tamarack Canopy Zip Line Tours, located in the southwest Idaho mountains overlooking Donnelly, Idaho, promises a thrilling, action packed mountain tour experience. Eight zip lines range in length from 250-800 feet, whisking zippers above 4,425 feet of rugged, scenic terrain with a 1,700 change in elevation.  The tour soars over creeks, canyons, and forest and experienced guides narrate the journey sharing information about plants and animals native to the Payette River Mountains and the history of this area.

Heise Hot Springs Zip Line in Ririe in southeast Idaho consists of seven zip lines covering almost a mile of terrain. The experienced tour guides do all the work so riders can experience the adrenaline pumping, jaw dropping thrill ride.  During the two hour tour adventure, riders learn the history of Heise Hot Springs while enjoying the beautiful mountains and the valley and river below.  More activities are available at Heise, including swimming, golf and fishing.

Lava Zip Line Adventures, located near Lava Hot Springs in southeast Idaho, features a course with two lines of 1,000 and 1,500 feet in length with inclines of 15 to 20 percent. A third line will be added in the coming year. The two and one half hour tour travels through a scenic canyon with views of the Portneuf River, Petticoat Peak and Haystack Mountain and can be enjoyed year-round.  The guides are knowledgeable and enjoy sharing information on the wildlife, agriculture, river sports, rock climbing and other activities in the area.