Idaho

Fall mountain biking excursion in Pocatello

Idaho Tourism

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Kayaking in Blue Heart Springs near the Snake River

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One of the many starry nights at Craters of the Moon National Monument

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A bear spotted in Hells Canyon from a jet boat tour

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Horseback riding in the wilderness at Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley

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A relaxing soak in Pine Flat Hot Springs with a view of the Payette River

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Fun on the water at Lake Coeur d'Alene

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Patio dining on 8th Street in downtown Boise

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Pedaling over a sky-high trestle bridge on the Route of the Hiawatha trail

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Whitewater rafting tour on the Lower Salmon River

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Major Airports:

Boise (BOI)

Spokane (GEG)

Salt Lake City (SLC)
Nickname:

The Gem State

A thrill-seeker’s paradise throughout the year

Idaho has more kilometers of designated wilderness than anywhere else in the continental USA. These wilderness areas, national forests, and state and local parks offer easy access to spectacular waterfalls, blue ribbon trout streams, ancient lava flows, surprising sand dunes, free-flowing rivers, sparkling lakes and towering mountains. Cities and towns provide the comforts of home with lodging, dining, food stores and fuel stations, and serve a natural base camp for outdoor recreation. Take the road less traveled on any of Idaho’s 31 scenic byways to explore while learning about the state’s history, geology and outdoor recreational opportunities. Idaho’s highways and byways showcase the state’s diverse beauty and lead to memorable adventures.

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Can’t-Miss Destinations

Idaho’s odd shape allows for diversity in not only temperature and terrain, but also activities and experiences. Travelling from top to bottom, start with a visit to Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene for water recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, boating and lake cruises. Continuing south through the Palouse agricultural region, plan a stop to learn about the Nez Perce American Indians. Then, embark on a thrilling jet boat tour through Hells Canyon on the Snake River – North America’s deepest river-carved gorge – to see striking scenery, historic sites and wildlife. The small town of Riggins in the Salmon River Canyon is well known for river rafting and fishing, while the lakeside community of McCall is a basecamp for more water sports, hiking, hot springs and winter recreation. Boise, in the southwest corner of the state, is packed with locally owned restaurants, craft breweries and wine tasting rooms, as well as arts, culture and entertainment. Turning east, the communities of Ketchum, Sun Valley and Stanley offer skiing, hot springs and fly-fishing, accented by stunning views. Explore ancient lava fields at Craters of the Moon National Monument as your journey continues eastward. Eastern Idaho also has a number of hot springs, trout streams and waterfalls, and is a popular location for snowmobiling in the winter.

Four Seasons of Adrenaline

Idaho also has more whitewater than any other state in the continental USA. In the spring and summer, book a half- or full-day adventure on the Payette River just north of Boise, or half-to multi-day trips on the Salmon River in central Idaho. Fall is the ideal season for mountain biking and hiking. Local Idahoans relish the lower temperatures, clear skies and fall colors that signal the coming winter. Idaho’s 18 ski areas offer skiing the way it ought to be – on fresh powder, with short lines and under bluebird skies. Destination resorts such as Schweitzer Mountain, Sun Valley and Grand Targhee, as well as local ski areas, including Lookout Pass, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area and Tamarack Resort, welcome winter travelers. Activities include alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoe trails, tubing hills, fat-tire biking, cat- and heli-skiing, and snowmobile tours. State parks also open their trails in the winter for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.

Bright Stars and Dark Skies

Idaho’s beauty doesn’t end when the sun goes down. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, which includes the communities of Ketchum, Sun Valley and Stanley, and the Sawtooth Mountains, was designated in December 2017 and is one of only 13 Dark Sky Reserves in the world, and the only one in the United States. Idaho’s low population base coupled with its rural landscape and wilderness lands makes it easy to find dark skies. Set up camp in the Dark Sky Reserve, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Bruneau Dunes State Park, or just about anywhere in Idaho’s rural or wilderness areas, and marvel at the unbelievably brilliant, starry sky. Treat yourself to an out-of-this-world experience you won’t soon forget.

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Fun Fact

Manhole cover representing the ‘Center of the Universe’ in Wallace, Idaho

The city of Wallace proclaimed their community the Center of the Universe in 2004. Today, a manhole cover represents the spot said to be the exact Center of the Universe; it is celebrated yearly by residents of the city.

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The epic sand dune at Bruneau Dunes State Park in Idaho

Bruneau Dunes State Park contains North America's tallest single-structured sand dune – at 143 meters high.

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Stunning view over Idaho’s Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls on the Snake River is known as The Niagara of the West. Spilling over a 65-meter drop near Twin Falls, the falls are actually higher than Niagara Falls.

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Must see places

Hot air balloons drifting over the Boise River

Boise River Greenbelt

This 40-kilometer bicycle and pedestrian path along the Boise River connects 340 hectares of wilderness and 15 city parks. Spend an afternoon birdwatching, swimming in the natatorium pool, picnicking or playing golf.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Volcanoes and other intense geologic activity formed this dramatic park over the past 15,000 years. Visitors can hike, go caving, explore lava tubes and camp on a lava field.

Lava Hot Springs

Steaming hot mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth into the five pools at the springs, where visitors can relax and rejuvenate. Families love the water slides, Kiddie Cove and Olympic-size pool.

Snake River

The Snake River forms much of Idaho’s western border. Go hiking at Snake River Canyon Rim Trails, cast a fly-fishing line at Henry’s Fork, visit Shoshone Falls or go jet boating at Hells Canyon.

World Center for Birds of Prey

See eagles, owls, hawks, condors, falcons and other endangered birds of prey from around the world at this breeding and education center in Boise. Watch live demonstrations and visit the interpretive center.

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Sun Valley

It’s known as a premier ski area, but Sun Valley draws outdoors enthusiasts, art lovers and foodies all year round. In addition to multiple ski resorts, find golf courses, bike trails, craft breweries and art galleries.

Riding the Tremors wooden roller coaster at Silverwood in Idaho

Silverwood Theme Park

The Northwest’s largest outdoor amusement park, Silverwood has 70-plus rides, shows, attractions and a water park. Open from May through September, this park in Athol is a great place for family fun.

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Bear Lake

Go boating and hiking in the summer and ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter at the “Caribbean of the Rockies” that straddles the Idaho-Utah border. Keep your eyes open for deer, moose, cougars and cranes.

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Route of the Hiawatha

Along this 24-kilometer rail trail near the Idaho-Montana border, find 10 train tunnels and seven trestles spanning canyons and forests in the Bitterroot Mountains. Bring your own bicycle or rent one at Lookout Pass Ski Area.

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Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Dramatic vistas await those exploring the USA’s deepest river gorge that forms the Idaho-Oregon border. Drive the scenic byway, go on a contemplative hike or take a thrilling tour of the Snake River aboard a jet boat.