Idaho Travel Guide: Mountains, Rivers & Wild Western Charm

Welcome to Your Idaho Travel Guide

Idaho Travel Guide brings you to a land of untamed wilderness, geothermal wonders, and rugged Rocky Mountain beauty. Known for its whitewater rivers, towering peaks, and tranquil small towns, Idaho is an underrated gem for outdoor lovers, road trippers, and nature photographers.

Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, skiing fresh powder, hiking high alpine trails, or enjoying local trout and craft beer, Idaho offers space to breathe and adventures to remember.
Things to do in Idaho include river rafting, stargazing, hiking Sawtooth peaks, skiing Sun Valley, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Recommended Experiences in Idaho

Planning Your Trip: Idaho Travel Guide

Travel Essentials:

• Main Airports: Boise (BOI), Idaho Falls (IDA), Twin Falls (TWF), Sun Valley/Friedman Memorial (SUN)

• Best Time to Visit:
  • Summer (Jun–Sep): Ideal for hiking, camping, and water sports.
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Fewer crowds, colorful foliage, perfect fly fishing.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Ski season in Sun Valley and Brundage.
  • Spring (Apr–May): Snowmelt brings peak waterfalls and wildflowers.

Tours and Tickets in Idaho: Book early for Hells Canyon rafting trips, Sun Valley ski packages, scenic byway tours, and ghost town excursions.

Can’t-Miss Places in Idaho Travel Guide

1. Boise

Capital city with a bike-friendly downtown, Basque heritage, and access to foothills.
Top sites: Boise River Greenbelt, Old Idaho Penitentiary, Freak Alley, Idaho Botanical Garden.

2. Sun Valley & Ketchum

Upscale mountain town and ski mecca with rich Hemingway history.
Top activities: Skiing, hiking Bald Mountain, hot springs near Stanley.

3. Coeur d’Alene

Lake town in northern Idaho surrounded by pine forests.
Don’t miss: Lake cruises, Tubbs Hill, Silverwood Theme Park (nearby).

4. Sawtooth Mountains & Stanley

Pristine mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and river valleys.
Activities: Backpacking, kayaking, camping, and wildlife spotting.

5. Shoshone Falls (Twin Falls)

Known as the “Niagara of the West,” this massive waterfall is higher than its eastern counterpart.

6. Craters of the Moon National Monument

Otherworldly lava fields and volcanic features in south-central Idaho.

7. Hells Canyon

North America’s deepest river gorge, perfect for whitewater rafting and rugged hikes.

When to Go: Best Time to Visit Idaho

• Summer: Best for hiking, boating, and backcountry access.
• Fall: Leaf-peeping in the mountains and crisp air for outdoor activities.
• Winter: Snow sports and cozy lodge stays in ski towns.
• Spring: Waterfalls are full, wildflowers bloom, and rivers begin to swell.

Top Events:

• Treefort Music Fest (March, Boise)
• Sun Valley Film Festival (March)
• Idaho Shakespeare Festival (Summer, Boise)
• Western Idaho Fair (August)
• Boise Farmer’s Market & Saturday Market (Spring–Fall)

Must-Do Experiences in Idaho

• Soak in Goldbug Hot Springs, a stunning hike-in mountainside soak near Salmon.
• Ride the Route of the Hiawatha, a bike trail through old train tunnels and trestles.
• Hike to Alice Lake or Sawtooth Lake for iconic alpine scenery.
• Go whitewater rafting on the Salmon or Snake River.
• Visit a ghost town like Silver City or Bayhorse for Wild West vibes.
• Ski or snowboard at Sun Valley, Tamarack, or Brundage Mountain.

Uncovering the Culture & History of Idaho

• Native American Heritage: Homelands of the Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and Coeur d’Alene tribes.
• Pioneer & Mining History: Explore ghost towns, museums, and wagon trails.
• Basque Culture: Boise has one of the largest Basque communities in the U.S.
• Agriculture: Famous for potatoes, trout, hops, and huckleberries.

Nature Escapes: Outdoor & Backcountry Adventures in Idaho

• Wilderness Areas: Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness (largest contiguous in Lower 48).
• Hot Springs: Kirkham, Boat Box, Jerry Johnson, and dozens more—many free and wild.
• Lakes & Rivers: Lake Pend Oreille, Priest Lake, Snake River, Salmon River.
• Scenic Byways: Payette River, Salmon River, Sawtooth Scenic Byway.

Top Photo Spots & Viewpoints in Idaho

• Shoshone Falls overlook
• Redfish Lake and Sawtooth reflections
• Hells Canyon Overlook
• Craters of the Moon lava fields
• Sun Valley’s Bald Mountain sunrise
• Whitebird Grade on US-95

Where to Eat & Drink: Food Guide to Idaho

Must-Try Foods:

• Idaho trout
• Finger steaks (breaded beef strips)
• Bison or elk burgers
• Huckleberry anything (jam, pie, milkshake)
• Idaho potatoes—fries, baked, loaded, mashed

Drinks:

• Craft beer (try Payette Brewing, Sockeye Brewing, Grand Teton Brewing)
• Idaho wine (Snake River Valley AVA)
• Huckleberry lemonade & cocktails

Dining Hotspots: Boise’s 8th Street, Ketchum cafés, Coeur d’Alene lakeside restaurants.

How to Get Around in Idaho

• Car Rental: Essential for rural areas, national parks, and scenic byways.
• Biking: Boise and Coeur d’Alene have great bike paths.
• Boats & Ferries: Popular on Lake Coeur d’Alene, Pend Oreille, and Snake River.
• Scenic Drives:
  • Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Boise to Stanley)
  • Salmon River Scenic Byway
  • Teton Scenic Byway (eastern Idaho)

Where to Stay in Idaho

• Boise: Boutique hotels, trendy Airbnbs, historic inns.
• Sun Valley/Ketchum: Luxury resorts, mountain lodges, vacation rentals.
• Stanley & Sawtooths: Rustic cabins, campgrounds, riverside lodges.
• Northern Idaho: Lakefront resorts, B&Bs, yurts, and glamping.
• Near Hot Springs: Remote cabins and primitive campgrounds.

Secret Finds: Hidden Gems in Idaho

• Bruneau Dunes State Park: Sandboarding and telescopic observatory.
• Mesa Falls Scenic Byway: Two stunning waterfalls near Island Park.
• City of Rocks National Reserve: Climbers’ paradise and granite wonderland.
• Malad Gorge State Park: Lesser-known canyon near Twin Falls.
• Farragut State Park: Lake views, WWII history, and forest trails.

Travel Tips & Safety: Idaho Travel Guide Essentials

• Wildlife: Keep distance from moose, bears, and bighorn sheep.
• Weather: High elevation = fast changes. Pack layers and sun protection.
• Permits: Some hot springs and wilderness areas require day-use passes or camping permits.
• Cell Coverage: Spotty in remote areas—download maps in advance.
• Tipping: 15–20% in restaurants; appreciated for guides and outfitters.

Easy Day Trips from Idaho’s Major Cities

• From Boise: Bogus Basin, Idaho City hot springs, Bruneau Dunes.
• From Coeur d’Alene: Silverwood Theme Park, Sandpoint, Spokane (WA).
• From Twin Falls: Shoshone Falls, Hagerman Fossil Beds, City of Rocks.
• From Idaho Falls: Mesa Falls, Craters of the Moon, Teton Scenic Byway.

Explore More: States Near Idaho

• Montana: Glacier NP, Bitterroot Valley, and Missoula.
• Wyoming: Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks.
• Utah: Bear Lake, Logan Canyon, and northern national parks.
• Oregon & Washington: Snake River, Wallowas, Palouse region.

Smart Travel Tips: Idaho Travel Guide Recap

• Ideal for: Outdoor adventurers, road trippers, photographers, wellness seekers, anglers.
• Essentials to Pack: Bear spray, hiking boots, sunblock, daypack, reusable bottle.
• Recommended Apps: AllTrails, Idaho 511 Road Conditions, Gaia GPS, Google Maps offline.
• Local Insight: Idaho is all about public lands, quiet beauty, and wild places—respect the land and leave no trace.

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