Top 20 Outdoor Adventures in Idaho
Just a short drive northeast from Boise, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers a rugged playground for outdoor lovers. Hiking the challenging Alice Lake Trail rewards visitors with sparkling alpine lakes and panoramic views of the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. This area stands out for its dramatic granite peaks and pristine wilderness, making it a haven for backpackers seeking solitude and stunning natural beauty. Late summer is ideal here, when wildflowers bloom and the snow has melted from the higher elevations.
In northern Idaho, the Selkirk Mountains frame the town of Sandpoint, about two hours north of Spokane, Washington. Lake Pend Oreille, visible from the scenic Schweitzer Mountain Resort, invites adventurers to paddleboard or kayak on one of the state’s largest and deepest lakes. The blend of mountainous terrain and water activities creates a diverse experience, especially in the summer months when the lake’s calm waters reflect the surrounding evergreen forests.
Heading south to Twin Falls, roughly a three-hour drive southeast of Boise, Shoshone Falls Park reveals a breathtaking waterfall often called the “Niagara of the West.” The falls plunge over 212 feet, taller than Niagara Falls itself. Trails along the canyon rim offer multiple vantage points to feel the mist and hear the thunderous roar, while picnic areas invite a restful break. Springtime, when water flow peaks from snowmelt, casts this spectacle in its most powerful light.
Near Coeur d’Alene, about 30 minutes northwest of Spokane, Tubbs Hill Park offers a serene loop trail hugging the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene. This easy, 2.5-mile trail is perfect for families and casual hikers who want to enjoy forested paths and rocky beaches with lake views. The park’s proximity to the vibrant town allows for combining a day of adventure with lakeside dining or shopping. Early fall, when the deciduous trees turn fiery hues, makes for stunning photo opportunities.
Farther east, in the rugged Salmon River Mountains near Salmon, Idaho, the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness encompasses some of the most remote and vast wildlands in the lower 48 states. White-water rafting on the Salmon River lets visitors navigate thrilling rapids framed by towering cliffs and dense forests. The scale and untamed nature of this area set it apart, attracting adventurers looking to disconnect deeply from civilization. Late summer is best for rafting when river flows are optimal and weather is warm.
In the southwestern corner of the state, Craters of the Moon National Monument lies about 80 miles northeast of Boise. This volcanic landscape of lava flows, cinder cones, and caves offers otherworldly hiking experiences. Trails like the Inferno Cone Trail provide stunning views over the lava fields, while the Crystal Cave tour reveals subterranean wonders. Its stark, moon-like appearance offers a unique contrast to Idaho’s typical mountain scenery and is ideal for exploration during spring or fall when temperatures are milder.
To the south, near Idaho Falls, the Teton Scenic Byway offers access to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where visitors can hike the Cascade Canyon Trail. This moderate route winds through dense forests and meadows, leading to dramatic views of the Teton Range. The interplay of towering peaks and lush valleys makes this area special, especially during summer wildflower season when the valley bursts with color.
In the heart of central Idaho, the town of McCall, roughly 90 miles north of Boise, serves as a gateway to Payette Lake and the surrounding mountains. Winter transforms McCall into a cross-country skiing haven, with groomed trails weaving through the wilderness at Ponderosa State Park. The park’s combination of lakefront views and forest trails makes it a scenic and accessible winter retreat. Early morning outings reveal frosty landscapes under pastel sunrises.
In eastern Idaho, the Crandall Canyon Trail near Soda Springs showcases a different kind of adventure: exploring limestone caves and fossil beds. The trail meanders through the Caribou National Forest, where visitors can discover fossilized coral and ancient marine life, remnants from when this region was underwater. This geological treasure trove is perfect for curious hikers and families, with spring and fall offering comfortable hiking weather.
Further north, the Priest Lake area, about 90 minutes northwest of Coeur d’Alene, is renowned for crystal-clear waters and towering old-growth forests. The Priest Lake State Park provides access to swimming, boating, and hiking on trails like the Stone Hill Trail, which rewards trekkers with panoramic views over the lake’s turquoise expanse. Summer’s warm days and cool nights make this a prime spot for camping and lakeside adventures.
The rugged terrain of the Boise National Forest, southeast of Boise, invites mountain biking enthusiasts to the Ridge to Rivers trail system. This extensive network covers hundreds of miles, with routes like the Hulls Gulch Trail offering challenging climbs and technical descents. The forest’s diverse topography and proximity to the capital make it a favorite for quick escapes. Late spring through early fall is prime for biking, avoiding the muddy trails of early spring.
In the northeast, the city of Sandpoint also anchors adventures on the Pend Oreille River. Kayaking or fishing along the river’s calm stretches reveals abundant wildlife, including eagles and osprey. The nearby Kalispell Trail, a converted rail-trail, offers a flat, scenic path for biking or walking, highlighting the area’s blend of water and forest ecosystems. Autumn colors here are particularly vivid, drawing visitors seeking peaceful natural escapes.
Near the Idaho-Oregon border, the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, just 40 minutes south of Twin Falls, offers a unique blend of paleontology and hiking. Visitors can explore trails that wind past fossil sites dating back 3.5 million years, learning about prehistoric creatures through interpretive exhibits at the visitor center. This blend of science and scenery is especially engaging during spring and fall when the weather is mild for walking.
On the western edge of the state, the Bruneau Dunes State Park lies about 45 minutes southeast of Boise. This park features North America’s tallest single-structured sand dune, which rises nearly 470 feet. Climbing this dune is a thrilling experience, followed by exploring the surrounding sagebrush desert. The park’s unique geology and the chance to stargaze at its observatory set it apart. Early morning or late afternoon climbs avoid the midday heat and reveal stunning desert light.
In the southwestern region, City of Rocks National Reserve, near Almo and about an hour from Twin Falls, is a haven for rock climbers and hikers. Its granite spires and domes offer routes for beginners and experts alike, while the Visitor Center provides historical context on the pioneers who passed through this area. The stark beauty of the rock formations combined with clear desert skies make it a favorite for photographers, especially in the golden hours of dawn and dusk.
Further north, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a 73-mile