18 Surprisingly Beautiful Places in Idaho to See Before Everyone Else Does

Idaho might not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think of taking a road trip or a vacation to. Growing up, my only association with Idaho was jokes about their potatoes.

However, while vanlifing, I found myself cruising through the lesser-known corners of the “Gem State” and was genuinely surprised by its jagged peaks and peaceful grasslands.

I think more people should put this state on their radar. So, here are 18 beautiful places in Idaho that prove it is a place you need to see with your own eyes.

1. Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls

Called the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls is actually taller than Niagara Falls! It drops 212 feet and stretches over 900 feet wide.

The scenic overlook for the best views, but you can also enter the waters through the boat ramp to kayak until you can’t see through the mist.

Thanks to the winter snow melt, the water flows high in spring and early summer. This is the best time to visit, as it might not look as impressive during the dryer seasons.

2. Craters of the Moon National Monument

Do you feel like walking on the moon without leaving Earth? The Craters of the Moon National Monument is an otherworldly landscape formed by ancient lava flows.

Miles of black, rugged terrain are dotted with cinder cones and lava tubes. Pose beneath the Indian Tunnel, a cave with a beautifully collapsed skylight to let light in.

3. Gold Bug Hot Spring, Salmon

Gold Bug Hot Spring is a natural hot spring tucked away in the mountains, requiring a moderately tough hike to reach. Along the trail, views of the Salmon-Challis National Forest pass you by until you arrive to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

There are multiple pools with varying temperatures. Best of all, it’s relatively unknown, so you might just have the place to yourself.

4. Redfish Lake, Stanley

Redfish Lake is a glacial lake in an alpine paradise, surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains. Boat through crystal-clear waters with a backdrop of bare-faced peaks or lounge on the sandy shores.

Numerous hiking trails scale up the cliffsides for panoramic views of the lake and beyond.

5. Hiawatha Bike Trail

The Hiawatha Bike Trail is a converted railway line that spans 15 miles, passing through ten tunnels and seven sky-high trestles. The most famous tunnel, the St. Paul Pass, stretches for nearly 2 miles and takes you under the Montana-Idaho border.

The trail is mostly downhill, so you won’t be wishing you had an e-bike. As you ride, you’ll be surrounded by the scenic Bitterroot Mountains and lush forests.

6. Bruneau Dunes State Park, Bruneau

Try sandboarding at Bruneau Dunes State Park. Almost as impressive as Great Sand Dunes National Park, this state park is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, standing at 470 feet.

Grab a board and ride the dunes, or take a classic hike to the top for some awesome views. You can even rinse off the sand in the two small lakes nearby! At night, stargaze at the observatory, open to the public on Friday and Saturday evenings.

7. Mesa Falls, Ashton

The Mesa Falls are divided into Upper Mesa Falls and Lower Mesa Falls. The Upper Falls drops an impressive 114 feet.

There’s a scenic byway and several viewing platforms for different angles of the waterfall. The Big Falls Inn is a historic building turned visitor center with exhibits about the area.

8. Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Sawtooth National Recreation Area showcases Idaho’s natural beauty. With more than 700 miles of hiking trails, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a constant view of the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Redfish Lake, mentioned earlier, is just one of many beautiful bodies of water in this region. In winter, many come for adventurous snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures.

9. Blue Heart Spring, Snake River

The Blue Heart Spring is a hidden, crystalline-blue oasis on the Snake River. The spring gets its name from its heart-like shape and dazzling blue color.

Accessible only by boat or kayak, the journey to Blue Heart Spring is half the fun. Paddle through calm waters until you reach this secluded spot.

10. Hells Canyon

Want to visit the deepest river gorge in North America? Hells Canyon, carved by the Snake River, plunges to depths of over 8,000 feet and looks out to the beautiful state of Oregon.

White-water rafting is the thing to do here, with rapids ranging from mild to wild. If you prefer to stay dry, hike to sweeping vistas of the wild landscape.

11. Seven Devils Mountains

Not far from Hells Canyon, the Seven Devils Mountains are jagged peaks named for their devilish appearance. Here, you can find some of Idaho’s most challenging trails.

The area is part of the Hells Canyon Wilderness, so you can see both the canyon and the mountains. One of the most popular hikes is Heaven’s Gate Lookout, where you can see out into four different states.

12. City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo

Known for its impressive granite spires and monoliths, the City of Rocks National Reserve has over 600 climbing routes for all skill levels. Even if you’re not a climber, the unique rock formations make for a fantastic hiking experience.

The historic California Trail runs through the park, where you can imagine the pioneers making their arduous journey westward. If you’re camping, the night skies are perfect for stargazing..

13. Stanley

Situated at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley is a small town with unparalleled access to hiking, fishing, and rafting adventures. Take a dip in the nearby natural hot springs, such as Boat Box Hot Springs.

Head to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area for the Alice Lake Trail or Pennsylvania Creek Trail. The Grandjean Trail leads to beautiful waterfalls and hidden gems like Sawtooth Lake.

14. Bear Lake

Straddling the Idaho-Utah border, Bear Lake is often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” This brilliant turquoise-blue lake is fed by limestone deposits.

This 109-square-mile lake has endless recreational activities, from boating and jet skiing to fishing and swimming. The sandy beaches are perfect for picnics, and the shallow areas are great for families with kids.

Every August, the area hosts the Bear Lake Raspberry Days festival. Even if you miss the party, you can still drink their famous raspberry shake from the local shops.

15. Perrine Memorial Bridge, Jerome

Near Shoshone Falls, the Perrine Bridge connects the two canyon sides at an impressive 486 feet above the water. It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where BASE jumping is legal year-round. There are walking paths on either side to see different angles of the landscape.

16. Thousand Springs State Park, Hagerman

Thousand Springs State Park is a collection of several different units. Go to Ritter Island for views of the Snake River and dense greenery. The park gets its name from the numerous springs that bubble up from the ground, producing some of the most picturesque waterfalls you’ll ever see.

Walk across a bridge over a 250-foot-deep canyon in the Malad Gorge unit. Throughout the park, you will find many historic structures and remnants of early pioneer life.

17. Salmon River

Known as the “River of No Return,” the Salmon River is a free-flowing river that cuts through some of the most rugged and remote parts of Idaho. Rafters and kayakers from all over come to paddle down the world-class white-water rapids that range from Class II to Class IV.

In the downtime, fishermen unleash their lines to hook up the abundant trout and salmon populations.

18. Lake Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene

In the northern part of Idaho, Lake Coeur d’Alene is a popular vacation gem. Locals escape to swim in clean waters and enjoy the scenic beauty. You can cruise on the lake or rent a boat from the many marinas on its shores.

The city of Coeur d’Alene itself has a cute downtown area full of shops and restaurants. In summer, the Coeur d’Alene Resort hosts a popular floating boardwalk.

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✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.