Discover Idaho, a hidden Pacific Northwest gem, often overlooked but brimming with captivating charm. Aptly named the Gem State, it boasts 114 mountain ranges, serene landscapes, and pristine natural havens. Nestled within are charming small towns and communities. With over a third of its land designated as national and state parks, Idaho nurtures diverse wildlife, including moose, grizzly bears, and wolves. Immerse yourself in our guide to the “Top Places to Visit in Idaho” and uncover the exceptional attractions that define this unique state.
While most of Idaho’s population is situated in the southern Snake River Plain, the Rocky Mountains and canyons to the north offer breathtaking vistas, including Yellowstone’s famous hot springs, Craters of the Moon National Monument’s unearthly landscapes, and the unique formations of City of Rocks National Reserve.
For those seeking outdoor recreation, Idaho offers plenty of activities, such as skiing in Sandpoint and Sun Valley, exploring the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and even biking along the 17-mile Hiawatha Trail that stretches from the Montana border. Visitors can also discover the historic silver mining town of Kellogg and its surrounding verdant forests and scenic lakes, or travel along the Oregon Trail in the southern desert via Interstate 84.
Idaho is a stunning destination that offers a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, golfing, camping, and hiking, making it a perfect place for a vacation. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, exciting outdoor adventures, or charming small-town experiences, Idaho has it all. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider visiting the Gem State and discover all it has to offer.
Top Places to Visit in Idaho: Sandpoint
Petra Ruja Beach, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, ItalyImage source: Rodolfo Baldussi/Shutterstock.com
Although it is home to fewer than 8,000 people, Sandpoint is a vital economic centre for the state of Idaho’s north. Coldwater Creek, a women’s clothing store, and Lighthouse Foods, a maker of salad dressings, both have their national offices in this area.
Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho’s biggest lake and a popular destination for water sports such as swimming, boating, and fishing. There was a time when Bing Crosby’s family lived in a massive stone mansion on the edge of a lake. Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho’s biggest ski resort, is conveniently located nearby. This quaint community deserves its 2011 title as one of America’s Most Beautiful Small Towns.
9. Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs Flowers in IdahoImage source: Zachary Wade Johanson/Shutterstock.com
Travelers to Southern Idaho often stop at Lava Hot Springs, which is located close to Pocatello on the historic Oregon Trail. With a population of just over 500, this sleepy municipality is the perfect spot to unwind far from the madding throng.
However, “chilling out” may be a misnomer, considering there are really five hot spring pools here. Even though 250 million gallons of water per day are continually being pumped into the Pontneuf River, the water temperature remains constant between 102 and 112. To avoid getting too wet, you may cool off by floating down the river in inner tubes.
Top Places to Visit in Idaho: Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area in Oregon and IdahoImage source: Zack Frank/Shutterstock.com
Hells Canyon, which separates the states of Idaho and Oregon, is a popular destination for tourists. That’s the case beyond a shadow of a doubt: Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America at approximately 8,000 feet in depth, and it is accessible through a plethora of hiking paths.
The Clearwater and Snake rivers meet in the centre of it, creating the In addition to being a significant historical site, archaeological evidence suggests that people were living in the Hells Canyon area as early as 15,000 BCE. Historical sites from the time of the early explorers who traversed this area may be found on both sides of the canyon.
7. Idaho Falls
In spite of the shallow depth of the falls at Idaho Falls, they are rather broad. In downtown Idaho Falls, a 22-foot (7-meter) plunge is offset by a 600-foot (180-meter) span spanning the Snake River. The best place to see them is along the Snake River Greenbelt, a paved trail that extends for a total of six miles.
Bikers, parents with strollers, and others who descend the rocks for some fishing all enjoy the greenbelt, which is the city’s biggest attraction. When it comes to eastern Idaho cities, this one easily tops the list. The region’s commercial, artistic, and cultural hub.
Top Places to Visit in Idaho: Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is the dominant city in the Idaho Panhandle and is just 30 miles from Spokane, Washington. Located on the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, this city is the biggest in northern Idaho. Visit the Coeur d’Alene Resort if you’re a golfer in search of a unique hole: the 14th green at the resort course is suspended in the lake through an underwater cable.
From the Christmas light cruise on the lake to the Iron Man race in the summer, Coeur d’Alene is a top destination in Idaho at any time of the year.
5. Shoshone Falls
Twin Falls, Idaho’s Shoshone Falls Unlike Niagara Falls, which is just 167 feet tall, the Snake River Falls plunge a staggering 212 feet (65 meters) (51 meters). Even so, you may hear people refer to Shoshone Falls as “the Niagara of the West.” The Shoshone, who called the falls for themselves, used them as a trading post and fishing place. A municipal park with swimming facilities, picnic grounds, playgrounds, walking paths, and a boat launch is the perfect site to take in the sights of the falls.
Top Places to Visit in Idaho: Craters of the Moon National Monument
In southern Idaho, you’ll find the haunting Craters of the Moon National Monument. It is one of the finest surviving basalt flood sites in the Lower 48 states, and its lava formations give it a bleak appearance. In preparation for their moon landing, NASA astronauts practiced on the lava field, which was thought to be similar to the lunar surface. After arriving on the Moon, they realized it wasn’t like the Craters of the Moon.
If you want to explore the lava caverns, you’ll need to bring a lantern, and in the summer, you’ll also need to bring water. The Oregon Trail went around a piece of the memorial.
3. Sun Valley
Many famous people own properties in Sun Valley, Idaho, since it is the state’s best ski resort and summer getaway. Sun Valley, in central Idaho, is surrounded by mountains that are perfect for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, and fly fishing, depending on the season.
This location attracts tourists of all ages throughout the year. Sun Valley has hosted World Cup ski races, and Olympic ice skater Sonja Henie shot a movie in the area. For Whom the Bell Tolls was written by Nobel Prize winner Ernest Hemingway.
Top Places to Visit in Idaho: Boise
Boise, in southwestern Idaho, is the state capital and biggest city. Boise (pronounced “BOY-see”), located in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, served as a halt for travelers on the Oregon Trail. Eighth Street in the central business district is now a pedestrian mall.
The Basque Block is where Boise’s Basque history and culture may be explored. With its historic houses and tree-lined avenues, Boise’s North End was selected as one of America’s 10 Great Neighborhoods in 2008 by the American Planning Association. Don’t miss out on the annual Gene Harris Jazz Festival if jazz is your thing.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone, the most visited park in the United States, was also the world’s first national park. Spectacular natural beauty and abundant geothermal activity (don’t leave without seeing an Old Faithful eruption) make this a fantastic vacation destination.
Buffalo are the dominant mammals in this region, so don’t be shocked if you get caught in traffic because one is ambling along the road. It’s also an excellent spot to watch wild animals in their natural environment. Keep your distance; these creatures are wild and dangerous. Wyoming has the lion’s share of Yellowstone, with Idaho just claiming 1% of the park.
Plan your trip with ontravelx and get ready for a journey full of breathtaking sights and priceless memories.
