10 Bucket List Adventures You Can Only Have in Idaho
Just a couple hours north of Boise, the Sawtooth Mountains beckon with rugged peaks and crystalline alpine lakes. In the heart of this range, the Sawtooth Wilderness offers the Alice Lakes Trail, a moderately strenuous 5-mile loop starting near Stanley, about 2.5 hours northeast of Boise. Hikers are rewarded with jewel-like turquoise waters framed by jagged granite spires. This trail stands out for its high-altitude serenity and the chance to spot mountain goats navigating sheer cliffs. Summer and early fall are prime for wildflowers and clear skies, while early fall brings a crispness that sharpens the mountain air.
Near Coeur d’Alene, just across the northern border from Washington, the Tubbs Hill Nature Trails provide a quick escape right on the city’s waterfront. This easy-to-moderate loop hugs Lake Coeur d’Alene’s shore for about two miles, weaving through ponderosa pines and rocky outcrops. The hill’s unique charm lies in its accessibility combined with panoramic lake vistas, making it ideal for sunset strolls or winter snowshoeing when the lake freezes into a silvery mirror. The interplay of water and forest here makes it a serene yet invigorating urban wilderness experience.
Southwest of Boise, the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument sits along the Snake River near the town of Hagerman, roughly an hour and a half drive. This paleontological treasure trove allows visitors to walk trails where fossils of ancient horses, camels, and giant fish have been unearthed. The visitor center showcases these remarkable finds, offering a glimpse into Idaho’s prehistoric past. Exploring these beds in spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds thinner, enriches the contemplative atmosphere of unearthing deep time.
In southeastern Idaho, the Craters of the Moon National Monument sprawls across a lunar-like landscape about two and a half hours east of Boise near Arco. This volcanic field, with its black lava flows and cinder cones, invites visitors to hike the Devil’s Orchard trail—a one-mile loop featuring twisted lava formations and ancient tree molds. The surreal environment makes it feel like stepping onto another planet, a stark contrast to Idaho’s green forests. Visiting in late spring before the heat of summer sets in provides ideal conditions for exploring this otherworldly terrain.
Just east of Pocatello, about 40 minutes to the southeast, the City of Rocks National Reserve captivates climbers and hikers alike. The Reserve’s dramatic granite spires offer over 1,000 established climbing routes, but for those seeking a less vertical adventure, the Independence Trail offers a gentle 3-mile loop with interpretive signs about the Oregon Trail pioneers. The Reserve’s distinctive geology and historical significance as a landmark on emigrant routes set it apart. Late summer and early fall bring comfortable temperatures and vibrant aspen groves.
In northern Idaho’s panhandle, the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge lies near Bonners Ferry, roughly 20 miles west of the Canadian border. This refuge is a haven for birdwatchers who come to spot trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles among wetland habitats. The refuge’s auto tour and walking trails meander through marshes and open water, offering intimate wildlife encounters in an unspoiled setting. Spring migration seasons provide the most dynamic birdwatching, with bursts of colorful species returning to breed.
Heading west, the Silverwood Theme Park near Athol, about 30 minutes north of Coeur d’Alene, brings a different kind of adventure. It’s Idaho’s largest amusement park, boasting roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment. What makes it uniquely Idahoan is the backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains and the opportunity to combine thrill rides with outdoor recreation in the nearby Rathdrum Prairie. Summer weekends are lively, but visiting during weekday afternoons offers shorter lines and a more relaxed vibe.
Just southwest of McCall, about 90 miles north of Boise, Payette Lake enchants outdoor enthusiasts with boating, paddleboarding, and lakeside hiking. The Lakeshore Trail traces the water’s edge through pine forests and offers easy access to sandy beaches. McCall itself is a charming mountain town with a historic lodge and quaint shops. The lake’s glassy surface at dawn mirrors the surrounding mountains, making early mornings magical. Winter transforms the area into a snow sports playground, but summer’s warmth draws canoes and kayaks onto the water.
In the heart of Boise, the Basque Block invites visitors to savor the state’s unique Basque heritage, centered in the downtown neighborhood just steps from the boisterous Boise River Greenbelt. Here, you can visit the Basque Museum and Cultural Center to learn about the immigrant community’s history, then enjoy traditional pintxos and cider at a local restaurant. This cultural pocket is one of the nation’s most concentrated Basque hubs, preserving language, dance, and cuisine in an urban setting. Fall festivals bring added energy with folk dances and culinary celebrations.
Lastly, the Shoshone Falls, near Twin Falls about 2.5 hours southeast of Boise, offer a dramatic spectacle often called the “Niagara of the West.” At 212 feet, these falls plunge even deeper than Niagara, tumbling over the Snake River Canyon’s basalt cliffs. The park’s overlooks and walking paths provide breathtaking views, especially during spring runoff when the water volume surges. Unlike many waterfalls hidden deep in forests, Shoshone Falls’ expansive park facilities make it accessible year-round, with summer evenings perfect for picnics beside the roaring cascade.