Unplugging in the Pioneer Mountains
07/17/2026
By: Madi Reynolds
For Loralaee McKee, Senior Personal Banker at First Federal Bank, some places never lose their magic. Wildhorse Campground, nestled in Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest, is one of those special destinations. This summer marked her family's third trip to the Pioneer Mountains, and it was another reminder of why they keep coming back year after year.
The adventure begins long before they reach camp. Towing their travel trailer through Craters of the Moon National Monument, the three-hour drive offers an unforgettable journey from Idaho's dramatic volcanic landscapes to the towering peaks of the Pioneer Mountains. It's a drive that feels like part of the vacation itself.
This trip was even more memorable because Loralaee's nephew was visiting from San Diego and experiencing Idaho's outdoors for the first time. He and Loralaee's husband spent a day hiking to Moose Lake, a nearly 10-mile round-trip trek that rewarded them with breathtaking mountain views and crystal-clear alpine water. While they explored the trails, Loralaee enjoyed a slower pace back at camp, settling into a chair with a good book and soaking in the peaceful mountain scenery.
"It's one of my favorite ways to spend a day," she says. "Sometimes the best part of camping is simply slowing down and appreciating where you are."
One of the things Loralaee loves most about Wildhorse is the opportunity to truly disconnect. With no cell service, the distractions of everyday life disappear, making room for meaningful time together. Evenings were spent around the campfire, days were filled with the sounds of the nearby creek, and the quiet mountain setting provided the perfect chance to recharge.
As the family packed up to head home, Idaho delivered one final unforgettable memory. Driving out of the campground, they spotted a moose standing in a lake. They pulled over and watched as it slowly walked out of the water and disappeared into the trees.
"It was such an incredible sight," Loralaee says. "Seeing a moose in its natural habitat was the perfect ending to an amazing trip."
For Loralaee, Wildhorse is more than just a campground—it's a place to reconnect with family, enjoy Idaho's incredible outdoors, and remember how refreshing it can be to unplug. With beautiful scenery, endless hiking opportunities, and memories waiting around every corner, it's a destination she'll continue returning to for years to come.
