Idaho in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Nestled in the rugged landscapes east of Boise, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers sweeping vistas that have drawn filmmakers to its dramatic peaks and clear alpine lakes. About two hours north of Boise, near the town of Stanley, this area served as a backdrop for scenes in movies like “The River Wild.” Visitors can hike the popular Alice Lake Trail, a moderate 5-mile loop that climbs through dense pine forests to a serene glacial lake framed by the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. The interplay of bright blue water against rocky summits creates a cinematic quality that’s hard to match elsewhere in Idaho. Early summer, when wildflowers bloom and trails are usually snow-free, is prime time for capturing the beauty that enchanted directors and audiences alike.
Heading west toward the Idaho Panhandle, Coeur d’Alene is more than a lakeside resort town; it’s a gateway to film history and natural charm. Just a 40-minute drive from Spokane, Washington, visitors can explore the Coeur d’Alene Resort Marina, which appeared in the 1999 thriller “The Perfect Storm.” The expansive Lake Coeur d’Alene with its shimmering waters and forested islands provides a dramatic setting. Strolling along the city’s Riverwalk lets you soak in this waterfront atmosphere, punctuated by public art and quaint shops. Fall is especially inviting here, when autumn foliage paints the landscape in fiery reds and golds, echoing the intensity captured on screen.
Travel to eastern Idaho’s rugged wilderness and you’ll find the Craters of the Moon National Monument, about 90 minutes northwest of Idaho Falls. This otherworldly volcanic landscape, with vast lava flows and cinder cones, has drawn sci-fi and adventure productions. The park’s Loop Road Scenic Drive takes you through surreal formations with stops at the Devil’s Orchard and the Inferno Cone, a 388-foot cinder cone offering panoramic views after a short but steep climb. Its stark black and red ground contrasts sharply with Idaho’s typical pine forests, giving filmmakers a unique palette. Visiting in late spring or early fall ensures comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring these lunar-like terrains.
In southern Idaho, the city of Twin Falls and the nearby Shoshone Falls have been featured in films and documentaries celebrating natural wonders. About two hours east of Boise, Shoshone Falls on the Snake River is often called the “Niagara of the West.” The falls drop 212 feet, even taller than Niagara, offering a thunderous spectacle especially impressive in spring when snowmelt swells the river. The Shoshone Falls Park provides various viewpoints and picnic spots, making it a perfect stop for travelers who want to connect with cinematic landscapes. Autumn’s golden light creates dramatic contrasts, perfect for photography and appreciating the falls’ grandeur.
For fans of cult classics, the tiny town of Wallace in northern Idaho stands out. Located roughly 60 miles east of Spokane, this historic mining town was the backdrop for the quirky 1993 film “Singles.” Walking through Wallace’s charming downtown reveals its preserved turn-of-the-century architecture, including the beautifully restored Carnegie Library and vintage storefronts. The surrounding forested hills and the nearby South Fork Coeur d’Alene River offer additional outdoor adventures. Visiting in summer during the annual Miner’s Jubilee gives a festive atmosphere reminiscent of the town’s silver mining heyday, which the movie subtly nods to through its authentic setting.
Near the border with Montana, the rugged wilderness of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness east of Kooskia, about three hours north of Boise, has hosted numerous outdoor survival and western films. This remote area boasts thousands of acres of old-growth forest, rushing rivers, and jagged peaks. The Selway River Trail offers a moderate 15-mile route along the riverbanks, crossing historic log bridges and providing glimpses of wildlife like elk and bald eagles. Filmmakers have long been drawn to this untouched landscape for its sense of isolation and raw nature. Late summer or early fall is ideal here, as the weather is stable and the colors deepen, enhancing the natural drama.
Back in northern Idaho’s Panhandle, the small town of Sandpoint sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, about 80 miles north of Coeur d’Alene. Its Victorian-era homes and waterfront parks have made it a favorite filming location, notably for scenes in “The River Wild” and other adventure films. Taking a stroll along the Sandpoint City Beach or exploring the nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers visitors a taste of both lakefront charm and alpine scenery. Winter brings snow sports that showcase the region’s cinematic snowy landscapes, while summer invites boating and lakeside festivals that add a lively cultural layer to the scenic backdrop.
Each of these locations reveals a different facet of Idaho’s diverse landscapes and small-town allure that filmmakers have captured on film. From volcanic deserts to towering waterfalls, historic towns to serene alpine lakes, visitors can retrace the steps of movie crews and immerse themselves in the very places that bring stories to life on screen. Whether you’re chasing dramatic mountain vistas or quaint downtown streets, Idaho offers plenty of opportunities to walk into a scene and feel like a part of the movie magic.