Combining a rich tradition, welcoming communities, and a taste of the culturally inspiring state worth traveling. From the ice-cold lakes to the lunar-like landscapes, much of what defines Idaho are the exciting escapades found within its boundaries. If you are looking forward to vibrant attractions and thriving cultures, here you go with our top 10 destinations you will love to visit.
1 Sawtooth National Recreation Area
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area comprises of 756,000 wildland acres in the National Forest of central Idaho. The recreation spot offers more than 700 miles of hiking and horse-riding trails, alpine lakes, and several peaks with over 10,000 feet high. With approximately 50 campgrounds, you will find it a great place to set up your camp. In addition, you don’t want to miss those mountain biking and fishing activities during summers and cross-country skiing throughout the chilling winter season.
2 Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden is a living museum holding a diverse botanical collection, informational programs, entertainment, and several cultural and community events. The lust green 15-acre mosaic of satisfying shade and appealing gurgles of color comprises both domestic and Idaho native plants that are beautifully adapted to the local conditions. You will find more than 800 species from 42 families, established in 14 distinct field gardens. One specialty garden is the Water Conservation Landscape focusing on plants that need very little water while the other is Meditation Garden containing 145 plant species.
3 Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Located in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest of northern Idaho, the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is the deepest river gorge in North America. The site has been carved out by the Wild and beautiful snake river covering a distance of approximately 95 miles along the edge with Oregon and Washington. A popular way to enjoy the place is a hike around the horseback trails, spend a night at the primitive campground and take a raft trip down the Snake River. During the winter season, it’s home to skiers and snowmobilers.
4 Wallace District Mining Museum
Wallace District Mining Museum is an education and research center for documents and objects that feature history of silver, gold, lead and zinc production in the district. The museum includes paintings, models, artifacts, photographs and mining activities displaying the feel of the mining industry in Northern Idaho from the ancient gold days to the latest world-record silver production era. You will absolutely have an authentic mining experience!
5 Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Idaho comprising 2,900 acres of tremendous terrain from exciting skiing for all skill levels. Situated in the Selkirk Mountains, the resort has mesmerizing views of Lake Pend Oreille surrounded by the impressive mountain ranges of the Cabinet and Bitterroot mountains. Further, the mountain has approximately 92 registered runs and open bowls with a regular of snowfall of more than 250 inches. About 20% of the terrain is for novices, 40% for intermediate, 35% for advanced, and 5% for professionals. In addition, the resort provides accommodation and a range of activities at the Schweitzer’s Village.
6 City of Rocks National Reserve
The site is internationally renowned with a long history of attracting visitors. Migrants along the significant California Trail frequently take note of the features and set camps along the massive rocks and pinnacles. The City of Rocks is popular among hikers, photographers, birders, and mountain bikers. In addition, there is a campground for visitors including 64 campsites with access to toiletries and clean water. You never know when you fall in love with this place and begin your research for Eagle Idaho homes for sale.
7 Sun Valley
Sun Valley is an outdoor recreation spot offering a breathtaking mountain scenery that attract visitors around the world. The place is best known for downhill and Nordic skiing. In winters, you can enjoy snowshoeing regional trails or move into the backcountry on a snowmobile. Sun Valley also host exclusive events and festivals during the winter season. Moreover, you will find great accommodation and lodging options along with the facilities to support tourists such as entertainment, shopping, dining and much more.
8 Ancient Lava Flows
Originally, ancient lava used to flow through the plains of central Idaho. Though later it dried creating an interesting topography and a home to rugged plants and wildlife. A loop drive will take you through the national monument where you can explore caverns, caves and cones. The hike ranges approximately 100 yards to 8 miles in length. In winters, the place offers impressive terrain for cross-country skiing and right outside park boundaries is a hot spring.
9 Hot Springs
On the western border, Idaho is home to numerous geothermal features that exist underground. The site is known for many hot and mineral springs located throughout the state. The backcountry and road-side hot springs are a dream of most traditionalists while the commercial hot springs such as Miracle Hot Spring is situated on the west-end where you can get into restorative waters.
10 The Niagara of the West
You don’t want to leave Idaho without visiting “The Niagara of the West.” Shoshone Falls, one of the largest natural waterfalls in the country that exceeds the height of Niagara Falls. It sits at 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, isn’t it exciting? From the overview, which is several hundreds of feet away from the falls, you may even get water splash. The mountain makes it way to the royal river canyon and over the falls which is simply breathtaking.
Conclusion:
A trip to Idaho gives you a close view of the West’s landscape and its history. About two-thirds of the land is publicly owned with a massive portion set aside as wilderness or for recreational use. If you have read this far, we hope you will look forward to most majestic mountains, lakes, and rivers. On your journey to exploring the state’s offerings, don’t forget to engage in exciting activities such as scenic driving, rafting skiing, and hot springing. Make the most out of the next trip to Idaho!