Idaho

Red = Federal, Blue = State

National Parks

  • City of Rocks National Reserve – known for its enormous granite rock formations. Visitor Center.
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve – The Monument and Preserve encompass three major lava fields and about 400 square miles of sagebrush steppe grasslands to cover a total area of 1,117 square miles.  On average, most visitors spend 2-4 hours at the park. For those shorter on time, the scenic Loop Road is nine miles round-trip and takes about 30 minutes to drive.
  • Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument – best known for having the largest known concentration of the fossil Hagerman horse. Thousand Springs Visitor Center is the only place public can see fossils.
  • Minidoka National Historic Site – commemorates the more than 13,000 Japanese Americans who were imprisoned at the Minidoka War Relocation Center during the Second World War. The visitor center, open on weekends during the summer. Ranger-led tours of the site are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am when the visitor center is open. 
  • Nez Perce National Historical Park – 38 sites located across the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Idaho sites:
    • Battle of the Clearwater – Idaho County, Idaho
    • Battle of White Bird Canyon – Idaho County, Idaho
    • Camas Meadows Battle Sites – Clark County, Idaho
    • Camas Prairie – Idaho County and Lewis County, Idaho
    • Camp Chopunnish – Idaho County, Idaho
    • Weippe Prairie – Weippe, Idaho
  • The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area – More than 700 pairs of raptors nest each spring along this area of the Snake River Canyon, including between 150-200 pairs of prairie falcons. Other nesting birds of prey in the region include golden eagles, peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks, great-horned owls, and osprey. Your best chance at seeing these raptors is from mid-March through the end of June.
  • Sawtooth National Recreation Area – Located in central Idaho, this area features over 700 miles of trails, stunning mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
  • Yellowstone National Park – Park extends into Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Only 1% is in Idaho and there are no roads or significant infrastructure in the Idaho portion.

State Parks

Idaho’s state park system comprises 30 parks, trails, and attractions managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Most popular state parks include:

  • Farragut State Park – Located near Athol, offering boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking on Lake Pend Oreille, with a historical WWII naval base.
  • City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park – Near Almo, known for rock climbing, hiking, and pioneer history, with stunning geological formations.
  • Bruneau Dunes State Park – Near Mountain Home, featuring the tallest sand dunes in North America, sandboarding, hiking, and stargazing.
  • Hells Gate State Park – Near Lewiston, a gateway to Hells Canyon for boating, fishing, and hiking on the Snake River.
  • Ponderosa State Park – Near McCall, with activities on Payette Lake, hiking, kayaking, and winter sports.
  • Lucky Peak State Park – Near Boise, ideal for boating, swimming, and picnicking, with easy access for day trips.
  • Thousand Springs State Park – Near Hagerman, known for waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, and outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
  • Heyburn State Park – Near Plummer, Idaho’s oldest state park, with hiking, biking, and boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Top Natural Attractions in Idaho

  • Shoshone Falls – Often called the “Niagara of the West,” located near Twin Falls, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the U.S., standing at 212 feet.
  • Hells Canyon – The deepest river gorge in North America, located along the Idaho-Oregon border, offering opportunities for hiking, rafting, and scenic views.
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument – A vast volcanic landscape near Arco, with lava flows, craters, and cinder cones, perfect for hiking and exploring unique geology.
  • Sawtooth National Recreation Area – Located in central Idaho, this area features over 700 miles of trails, stunning mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
  • Redfish Lake – Situated in the Sawtooth Mountains, this pristine lake offers boating, fishing, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
  • The Idaho Panhandle National Forests – This expansive forested area offers diverse outdoor activities, from hiking to wildlife watching, especially around Lake Coeur d’Alene.
  • Bear Lake – Known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” this turquoise-colored lake, located on the border of Idaho and Utah, offers water sports, fishing, and stunning views.
  • Boise River Greenbelt – A 25-mile-long path along the Boise River, perfect for walking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the heart of the city.
  • Bruneau Dunes – Located near Mountain Home, these are the tallest sand dunes in North America, offering hiking, sandboarding, and an observatory for stargazing.
  • Salmon River – Known as the “River of No Return,” this wild and scenic river is great for whitewater rafting and offers dramatic canyons and rugged landscapes.
  • Kirkham Hot Springs – A famous spring in the Boise National Forest with cascading hot waterfalls and small pools for soaking 

Other Top Destinations in Idaho

  • Boise – The state capital offers a vibrant cultural scene, outdoor activities along the Boise River, a thriving food scene, and nearby mountains for hiking, biking, and skiing.
  • Sun Valley – Known for its world-class ski resorts and outdoor recreation, Sun Valley is a year-round destination for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and cultural events like the Sun Valley Film Festival.
  • Coeur d’Alene – A picturesque lakeside town in northern Idaho, Coeur d’Alene is known for its outdoor activities on Lake Coeur d’Alene, hiking, and the scenic Coeur d’Alene Parkway.
  • Sandpoint – A charming lakeside town in northern Idaho, Sandpoint is known for its beautiful views of Lake Pend Oreille, as well as hiking, boating, and the nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
  • Sawtooth National Recreation Area – A paradise for outdoor lovers, this area is known for its rugged mountains, clear lakes, and hiking trails, offering year-round adventure.
  • Crater’s of the Moon National Monument – A unique and otherworldly landscape of volcanic formations near Arco, offering hiking, caving, and stunning views of the lava fields.
  • Riggins – Known for whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, Riggins is a popular destination for adventure seekers, with camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

Scenic Byways

  • The Sawtooth Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 93) passes through the Sawtooth Mountains, offering views of lakes, rivers, and rugged peaks.
  • The Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 12) follows the explorers’ historic path, showcasing river valleys and historical landmarks.
  • The Snake River Scenic Byway (Idaho State Highway 95) runs alongside the Snake River, offering views of canyons and mountains with opportunities for rafting and fishing.
  • The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Idaho State Highway 21) winds through forests with views of the Salmon River and wilderness areas.
  • The Historic Route 30 Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 30) traces the Oregon Trail, passing Shoshone Falls and rugged landscapes.
  • The Payette River Scenic Byway (Idaho State Highway 55) offers river and mountain views, perfect for rafting and hiking.
  • The Wild Horse Scenic Byway (Idaho State Highway 51) passes through desert landscapes and mountain vistas, ideal for wildlife viewing.
  • The Nez Perce National Historic Trail Byway (U.S. Highway 95) traces the Nez Perce Tribe’s path, offering river views and cultural sites.
  • The Shoshone-Bannock Trail (U.S. Highway 91) follows the routes of Native American tribes, showcasing the Snake River and historical significance.
  • The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway (Idaho State Highway 55) offers breathtaking views of alpine lakes and mountain peaks, perfect for hiking and fishing.

Bike Trails

  • Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes spans from Mullan to Plummer and is 73 miles long. This paved trail stretches across the Idaho panhandle, offering smooth asphalt ideal for cyclists, in-line skaters, and walkers. It provides scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
  • North Idaho Centennial Trail runs from the Idaho/Washington state line to Higgins Point, east of Coeur d’Alene, covering 23 miles. This paved trail follows the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene, featuring numerous rest areas, scenic overlooks, and historical interpretive signs.
  • Wood River Trail connects Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley, with over 20 miles of paved paths. Known locally as “the bike path,” this multi-use trail provides a non-motorized connection between communities in the Wood River Valley, enhancing the quality of life by allowing residents and visitors to connect with history and the outdoors.
  • Boise River Greenbelt is approximately 10 miles long and runs through Boise. This riverside trail offers a scenic route popular for walking, running, and biking.
  • Portneuf Greenway is nearly 17 miles long and located in Pocatello. It is a collection of paved trails connecting residential and commercial neighborhoods with natural areas, providing a scenic and convenient route for cyclists.