Idaho is dwelling to countless out of doors recreation from jagged mountain peaks, pristine blue lakes, a whole lot of scorching springs, and epic paddling and whitewater alternatives. I grew up in Idaho and have spent plenty of time exploring the state, even after I moved away. I’m sharing my favourite Idaho highway journey stops beneath that can assist you plan your journey. Belief me, I feel you’ll be blown away by all of the state has the provide!
Listed below are 8 epic stops on your subsequent Idaho highway journey.
Necessary Reminder: Because it goes in all the locations we share, please observe good path etiquette and bear in mind to Go away No Hint. This implies packing out your entire rubbish (together with bathroom paper) and following the established guidelines.
Idaho Street Journey Map
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Solar Valley & Stanley
Rising up in Idaho, the cities of Solar Valley and Stanley have a particular place in my coronary heart. Recognized for the jagged Sawtooth Mountains and the Center Fork of the Salmon River, these cities are a hub for out of doors fanatics in search of journey and jaw-dropping views.
Solar Valley is dwelling to the primary chairlift in america, so ski tradition is large right here. Nevertheless, there’s additionally tons of epic out of doors recreation within the summertime too. Should you’re visiting Stanley, the hike as much as Sawooth Lake is a should. Should you’re seeking to spend a few nights within the backcountry, we advocate planning a backpacking journey to Baron Lakes.
McCall
McCall is certainly one of my favourite mountain cities within the West – I’ve considered shifting right here greater than as soon as! With a whole lot of lakes and a number of the greatest whitewater within the nation, there are numerous methods to get your adrenaline pumping. McCall is simply 2 hours from Boise and the drive is extremely beautiful by means of the mountains and alongside the Payette River. McCall additionally has superior scorching springs, mountain biking trails, mountaineering trails, lakes, and extra. I’ve spent plenty of time in McCall over time and it’s certainly one of my favourite off-the-beaten-path Idaho highway journey stops!
Cascade
Cascade is a quiet Idaho city that most individuals cross by means of driving from Boise to McCall. It’s simple to simply proceed driving alongside Freeway 55 with out batting an eye fixed, however we advocate you cease and take a look at Cascade as a result of it’s stuffed with hidden gems. There are at the least 7 totally different scorching springs in Cascade, tons of lakes for swimming and paddling, and superior mountaineering alternatives.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls is situated in southern Idaho and has tons of outside recreation accessible. Twin Falls is dwelling to the well-known Shoshone Falls, often known as “the Niagara of the West” as a result of it’s one of many largest pure waterfalls within the US (and truly taller than Niagara Falls). There are a number of locations to view Shoshone Falls from above, however we advocate heading to Centennial Park and renting a arise paddleboard or kayak to see the falls up shut. Alongside the way in which, you’ll additionally cross Pillar Falls.
*Observe: Paddling to Shoshone Falls is 8 miles spherical journey and the journey can take as much as 6 hours.
Boise
I grew up in Boise and it’s modified quite a bit over time – in a great way! Boise has change into the type of place the place you’ll be able to go mountain biking, fishing, or climbing inside minutes of downtown and end off your day with scrumptious meals, reside music, and native retailers. There may be epic mountain biking lower than an hour away at Bogus Basin, the Boise River runs proper by means of city (excellent for paddle boarding or floating in a tube), and the Boise Greenbelt stretches 25 miles by means of city offering paved strolling and biking paths alongside the river. Make sure you take a look at Freak Alley, an unbelievable road artwork mission within the coronary heart of downtown.
Route of the Hiawatha
With lovely and rugged mountains, 9 prepare tunnels, and seven trestles suspended over the forest, the Route of the Hiawatha is without doubt one of the most scenic and distinctive biking trails within the nation — and positively among the finest within the Bitterroot Mountains. The Hiawatha Bike Path runs 15.1 miles from Pearson, Idaho to East Portal, Montana alongside an deserted railroad trestle, and you should purchase your tickets and lease bikes, helmets, and every thing you’ll want to finish the trip at Lookout Cross Ski Space. Should you’re a biker, that is an Idaho highway journey cease you received’t wish to miss!
Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument
Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument is without doubt one of the most original Idaho highway journey stops and excellent as a day journey from Solar Valley. Shaped by molten lava, this nationwide monument is blanketed with black rocks, sagebrush, and cinder cones. There are above-ground trails such because the Spatter Cone Path, or you will get a free cave allow from the Customer’s Middle to discover the 4 lava tube caves within the park. The entire caves may be accessed from one trailhead, and the Indian Tunnel is the preferred. We advocate packing a headlamp to discover the caves.
What different Idaho highway journey stops have you ever been to or would advocate for an itinerary? Go away a remark beneath!
