Fall Foliage Road Trips Across Idaho
Nestled in the northern reaches of Idaho, Coeur d’Alene offers more than just its charming lakefront town atmosphere. About 30 minutes east of Spokane, Washington, this city serves as a gateway to the Coeur d’Alene National Forest, where fall colors bloom in fiery reds and golds. Driving along the Mineral Ridge Trail, just south of the city, visitors can enjoy a moderate 3.3-mile loop that climbs to an overlook with sweeping views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The trail is especially magical in October when the larch trees turn a bright, translucent yellow, contrasting with the evergreens and the deep blue lake below. The forest’s rugged terrain and diverse tree species create a kaleidoscope of colors unlike any other in the state.
Heading south to the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, roughly two hours from Boise, the drive itself is an autumnal masterpiece. This route winds through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, named for its jagged peaks resembling a saw’s teeth. The byway offers dozens of pullouts, but one standout stop is the Stanley Lake Overlook. At 6,500 feet elevation, the crisp mountain air enhances the vivid display of aspens and cottonwoods glowing gold against the rugged backdrop. For those eager to stretch their legs, the short Stanley Lake Loop Trail skirts the lake’s edge, reflecting the fiery foliage in its calm waters. Early to mid-October brings the peak color here, making this a must-see for leaf peepers and nature lovers.
Farther east, in the rugged Selkirk Mountains near Sandpoint, about 90 minutes north of Coeur d’Alene, the Schweitzer Mountain Resort transforms into a fall wonderland before the first snowflakes fall. Although known for skiing, Schweitzer’s fall season offers scenic chairlift rides that lift visitors above groves of quaking aspen and cottonwood. The aerial views reveal a patchwork of yellows and oranges stretching across the mountainsides. Hiking trails like the moderate Schweitzer Lake Trail loop through mixed forests, providing close-up encounters with vibrant leaves under towering evergreens. Early October is the prime time to visit, as the foliage contrast is breathtaking against bright blue skies.
In central Idaho, the town of McCall stands beside Payette Lake, about two hours north of Boise, surrounded by the Payette National Forest. Fall visitors can explore the Ponderosa State Park, where the Ponderosa Pine Trail offers a leisurely 3.5-mile loop through groves of towering pines and aspens turning brilliant gold. The park’s picnic areas along the lake provide perfect spots to pause and watch the changing leaves reflect in the water’s mirror-like surface. The small mountain town flourishes in early October when the air is cool but not yet snowy, and the blend of lake views with fall colors creates a uniquely serene atmosphere.
Not far from McCall, the historic town of Cascade sits along the banks of the North Fork Payette River. About an hour’s drive southwest, Cascade marks an excellent starting point for trips into the nearby Salmon-Challis National Forest. The Jughandle State Park trail is a favorite for fall hikers, offering a moderate 2.5-mile loop that meanders through mixed hardwoods and conifers. The trail’s highlight is crossing Jughandle Creek via a footbridge, where the fiery reds and oranges of maples and dogwoods dominate the landscape. Afternoon visits capture the warm glow of sunshine filtering through the canopy, intensifying the autumnal colors.
On the western side of the state near Boise, the Boise Foothills provide an accessible and colorful escape less than 20 minutes from downtown. The Hulls Gulch Reserve’s Hulls Gulch Trail is a popular 5-mile out-and-back hike that ascends through sagebrush and thick groves of aspen and cottonwood. As the season shifts in late September through October, the reserve bursts into warm yellows that contrast with the rusty reds of native shrubs. The foothills’ dry climate often means clearer skies and crisper air, ideal for afternoon hikes that end with panoramic views of the city framed by golden trees.
Further south, the Lava Hot Springs area in southeastern Idaho is a surprising gem for fall color. About a two-hour drive north of Pocatello, the area’s riverside trails in the Lava Hot Springs City Park wind through groves of cottonwood and willow. These tree species ignite into bright golds and yellows in mid-October, reflecting in the Portneuf River as it snakes through the valley. Visitors can soak in the natural hot springs while surrounded by fiery foliage, combining relaxation with a vivid seasonal spectacle. The unique blend of geothermal warmth and fall colors makes this a memorable stop on any Idaho road trip.
Finally, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, running along the Idaho-Oregon border near Lewiston, offers a dramatic contrast of deep canyon walls and vibrant fall colors. About 30 minutes from Lewiston, the route hugs the Snake River as it carves through one of the deepest river canyons in North America. The drive is punctuated by viewpoints like the Hells Canyon Overlook, where golden cottonwoods and aspens brighten the rugged basalt cliffs. Mid-October is the best time to visit when the river’s turquoise waters set off the fiery foliage. Here, the scale of the canyon combined with the fall palette creates a spectacle that feels vast and wild.
Each corner of Idaho offers a unique canvas of autumnal colors, from serene lake reflections to rugged mountain vistas. Whether you crave a lakeside stroll, a challenging mountain trail, or a scenic drive through deep canyons, the Gem State’s fall landscapes promise a journey filled with vivid hues and unforgettable moments.