Anyone who has lived or traveled in Idaho knows that the Gem State is a beautiful place. Still, it doesn’t attract crowds as much as other Mountain States such as Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona do.
A good reason for that is probably not having any national parks (okay, a sliver of Yellowstone is in Idaho, but it doesn;t draw a lot of people relative to other parts of the park), and another might just be its remoteness.
Whatever the reasons, Idaho is a scenic gem that you might really love if you’re tired of competing with the hordes in the national parks of the Mountain States. Following are some of the best places to check out.
Lake Coeur d’Alene
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This natural lake in the panhandle area of the state has its levels controlled by a dam now. Boating, fishing, and swimming are the most popular activities here. Although parts of its 100+ miles of shoreline are developed, there are also extensive sections that aren’t.
Upper Priest Lake
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If Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lower Priest Lake are too developed for your taste, try Upper Priest Lake. It’s also in the panhandle region and is the last major lake south of the Canadian border. There are developed areas along the lake, but Upper Priest Lake overall has a more pristine feel than other lakes in the area do.
Hells Canyon
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At nearly 8000’ deep, Hells Canyon, along the storied Snake River, is the deepest river gorge in the country. The best access to it is from the Oregon side via Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, but there is also access from the Idaho side, including to the Snake River National Recreation Trail.
Owyhee Canyonlands
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Desert canyons and the Owyhee River are the stars in this rugged wilderness mostly located in southwestern Idaho. A scenic backcountry byway accessing much of the best of the area begins in Idaho and ends across the border in Oregon.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
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At this state park, you’ll find the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America; it’s about 470’ high depending on current conditions. Dune fields are often associated with deserts, but this state park also has small natural lakes in it that provide an amazing contrast with the mountains of sand.
Salmon River Scenic Byway
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From Lost Trail Pass on the Montana border, this route runs for 161 miles to the tiny town of Stanley in the shadow of the Sawtooth Mountains. The Salmon has some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, and you can experience it and old mining ruins via outfitters operating out of the town of Salmon.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
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From Stanley, you drive through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which includes three beautiful mountain ranges. The Sawtooths are the most famous and spectacular of them, and one of the best places to access them is Redfish Lake, which isn’t far from Stanley and has lodging, camping, dining, boating, and hiking trailheads.
Twin Falls
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Located near Twin Falls, Shoshone Falls is yet another scenic wonder along the Snake River, which rises in the mountains of southeastern Yellowstone in Wyoming and flows through Idaho before meeting the mighty Columbia River. Shoshone Falls is often called the “Niagara Falls of the West,” and for good reason– it’s 900’ wide, and, at 212’ in width, it’s actually wider than Niagara is.
City of Rocks National Reserve
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One look at this area in south-central Idaho near the Utah border will explain the name. Steep and pointed granite spires and domes dominate the scenery. It’s a popular area for hikers and also attracts rock climbers from all across the country.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
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Different lava flows (none active) created an otherworldly landscape in south-central Idaho, hence the name. In addition to the lava flows themselves, you can see other volcanic features that include lava tubes, tree molds (empty spaces left behind by trees that lava obliterated), and more.
Bear Lake
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Located on the Idaho-Utah border, Bear Lake is sometimes called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise waters. The stunning color comes from refraction off limestone deposits suspended in the lake. Bear Lake is popular for swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and more.
SR 32 and 33
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From the town of Driggs, SR 32 heads north through rural land, eventually joining SR 33. The scenic highlights are views of the western side of Wyoming’s famous Teton Range, and spurs leave the highway to access trails that lead into those mountains. This byway’s northern end leaves you at the southern end of our next, and final, destination.
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
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This detour off the main highway adds a little time to your trip (though it does rejoin the main highway), but you’ll be glad you did it. Make sure you stop and both the upper and lower falls to fully appreciate this special place.
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