Let’s be real – Idaho itself is pretty life-changing. From the people you meet to the remarkable natural beauty you encounter, there’s no looking back once and you’re here. Fortunately, when you’re lucky enough to live in Idaho, there’s no need to leave the state to find some truly spectacular getaways and attractions. Just take any of these 10 trips – for the day, the weekend, or a longer vacation – and you’ll enjoy some of the state’s most interesting, beautiful and intriguing spots. Plus, you’ll walk away with plenty of memories and quite the story to tell!
- Take a sky-high canopy walk.
.Timberline Adventures/Facebook Deep into Coeur d’Alene’s lush, woodsy wilderness, 7 sip lines, 3 sky bridges and views that are out of this world will create the ultimate scenic experience for those willing to brave the 800 foot trek into the trees.
More info and directions
- Relax on a 2-day beach vacay.
Lee Stone/Flickr Every corner of northern Idaho is seemingly a sparkling, waterfront paradise, but few people realize just how spectacular Idaho’s Panhandle beaches are… or how uniquely inviting and vibrant its towns are. This busy weekend trip will take you to Idaho’s biggest and most beautiful lakes without even having to take time off of work.
More info and directions
- Stroll the beautifully historic Pulaski Tunnel Trail.
Lee Stone/Flickr Idaho has no shortage of delightful trails that lead to incredible overlooks and hidden wilderness treasures. But one particular trail stands out both from the rest for its shaded, waterfront path through northern Idaho’s lush and woodsy landscape, as well as for its incredible history– a true hero’s journey.
More info and directions
- Take a winter horseback adventure.
Outward_bound/Flickr The nostalgic Western sight of horses running wild through the landscape is one that’s still as classic today as it was 200 years ago. While Idaho has dozens of horse-riding outfitters offering scenic, guided excursions through the Gem State’s most spectacular scenery, many of these only take place in the spring and summer. But not this once-in-a-lifetime, 150-mile journey through the snowy landscapes of southern Idaho!
More info and directions
- Dig deep into history with a tour of Idaho’s best-preserved silver mine.
Neal Wellons/Flickr While the quaint town of Wallace was partially built by the mining industry, the opportunity to ride a historic trolley deep into northern Idaho’s mountains and explore the abandoned caverns firsthand is one that shouldn’t be overlooked… as well as the only tour in the country to showcase vintage mining equipment in action.
More info and directions
- Hike down the deepest canyon in America.
benjamin scott/Flickr Don’t let Oregon hog the glory–the deepest parts of Hells Canyon are in Idaho; the gorge plunges nearly 8,000 feet down to the Snake River. Whether at the foot or at the summit, the views are beyond your wildest dreams. While you’re in the area, be sure to take a heavenly hike to each of the Seven Devils.
More info and directions
- Soak your way through Idaho’s own natural hot springs trail.
Ross M. Perkins/Flickr 63 hot springs, 1,100 miles, and some of the best hidden wilderness areas of the state – what could be better? Both natural and developed, these hot springs (a mere fraction of all the ones Idaho has to offer!) stretch from border to border and offer soaking opportunities in the most secluded and beautiful wilderness areas of Idaho.
More info and directions
- Take an epic volcano hike… or three.
Bureau of Land Management - Idaho/Facebook For the ultimate bucket list addition, hiking up one of Idaho’s many inactive volcanic domes is an easy way to earn some serious admiration from family and friends… but they don’t need to know how easy and accessible this hike actually is!
More info and directions
- Stay at one of the highest rated luxury resorts in the country.
Shore Lodge - McCall/Facebook From the swoon-worthy on-site spa, to the waterfront views, to the ultimate luxury when it comes to creature-comfort amenities, a stay at the Shore Lodge in McCall will no doubt be the best experience of your life.
More info and directions
- Travel the “Path of Totality” from Rexburg to Weiser to witness this year’s solar eclipse.
Royce Nowlin/Weiser Chamber/Facebook Editor’s Note: Although the solar eclipse of 2017 was a unique, one-time event, we still recommend taking full advantage of Idaho’s dark skies and catching a celestial event. Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve always offers up great skies for stargazing!On Aug. 21, 2017, American skywatchers will be treated to a rare and spectacular celestial show — the first total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States in nearly four decades. This year’s “Great American Total Solar Eclipse” will darken skies all the way from Oregon to South Carolina, along a stretch of land about 70 miles. Uniquely, the center of the celestial happening in Idaho stretches straight from Rexburg to Idaho, meaning viewers have the rare opportunity to see the moon cover the entirety of the sun.
How many of these unique trips are you adding to your bucket list? What else would you like to see on the list?
.Timberline Adventures/Facebook
Deep into Coeur d’Alene’s lush, woodsy wilderness, 7 sip lines, 3 sky bridges and views that are out of this world will create the ultimate scenic experience for those willing to brave the 800 foot trek into the trees.
More info and directions
Lee Stone/Flickr
Every corner of northern Idaho is seemingly a sparkling, waterfront paradise, but few people realize just how spectacular Idaho’s Panhandle beaches are… or how uniquely inviting and vibrant its towns are. This busy weekend trip will take you to Idaho’s biggest and most beautiful lakes without even having to take time off of work.
More info and directions
Idaho has no shortage of delightful trails that lead to incredible overlooks and hidden wilderness treasures. But one particular trail stands out both from the rest for its shaded, waterfront path through northern Idaho’s lush and woodsy landscape, as well as for its incredible history– a true hero’s journey.
More info and directions
Outward_bound/Flickr
The nostalgic Western sight of horses running wild through the landscape is one that’s still as classic today as it was 200 years ago. While Idaho has dozens of horse-riding outfitters offering scenic, guided excursions through the Gem State’s most spectacular scenery, many of these only take place in the spring and summer. But not this once-in-a-lifetime, 150-mile journey through the snowy landscapes of southern Idaho!
More info and directions
Neal Wellons/Flickr
While the quaint town of Wallace was partially built by the mining industry, the opportunity to ride a historic trolley deep into northern Idaho’s mountains and explore the abandoned caverns firsthand is one that shouldn’t be overlooked… as well as the only tour in the country to showcase vintage mining equipment in action.
More info and directions
benjamin scott/Flickr
Don’t let Oregon hog the glory–the deepest parts of Hells Canyon are in Idaho; the gorge plunges nearly 8,000 feet down to the Snake River. Whether at the foot or at the summit, the views are beyond your wildest dreams. While you’re in the area, be sure to take a heavenly hike to each of the Seven Devils.
More info and directions
Ross M. Perkins/Flickr
63 hot springs, 1,100 miles, and some of the best hidden wilderness areas of the state – what could be better? Both natural and developed, these hot springs (a mere fraction of all the ones Idaho has to offer!) stretch from border to border and offer soaking opportunities in the most secluded and beautiful wilderness areas of Idaho.
More info and directions
Bureau of Land Management - Idaho/Facebook
For the ultimate bucket list addition, hiking up one of Idaho’s many inactive volcanic domes is an easy way to earn some serious admiration from family and friends… but they don’t need to know how easy and accessible this hike actually is!
More info and directions
Shore Lodge - McCall/Facebook
From the swoon-worthy on-site spa, to the waterfront views, to the ultimate luxury when it comes to creature-comfort amenities, a stay at the Shore Lodge in McCall will no doubt be the best experience of your life.
More info and directions
Royce Nowlin/Weiser Chamber/Facebook
Editor’s Note: Although the solar eclipse of 2017 was a unique, one-time event, we still recommend taking full advantage of Idaho’s dark skies and catching a celestial event. Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve always offers up great skies for stargazing!On Aug. 21, 2017, American skywatchers will be treated to a rare and spectacular celestial show — the first total solar eclipse visible from the continental United States in nearly four decades. This year’s “Great American Total Solar Eclipse” will darken skies all the way from Oregon to South Carolina, along a stretch of land about 70 miles. Uniquely, the center of the celestial happening in Idaho stretches straight from Rexburg to Idaho, meaning viewers have the rare opportunity to see the moon cover the entirety of the sun.
If you like these adventures, you might also enjoy a stay at this beautiful, one-of-a-kind guest ranch. Or, take one of these bucket list road trips across the state!
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