Idaho Road Trip: Scenery, Cities and Outdoor Adventures

Lake Coeur D’Alene Scenic Byway – The scenic byway begins at the junction of Interstate 90 and ID-97, heading south along the east shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where you can observe bald eagles and the largest nesting osprey population in the Western states. You can also take a break and stretch your legs on the Mineral Ridge Trail, which offers panoramic views of the lake.

Coeur D'Alene National Forest – From forest trails to scenic roads to gorgeous Lake Coeur D’Alene, this is a beautiful natural resource for all to enjoy.

Hike Tubbs Hill– Located within walking distance of downtown, Tubbs Hill is a popular hiking spot that’s surrounded by the beautiful waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Its 165 acres of publicly accessible nature trails wind for miles and carry you up into the conifer forest to breathtaking vistas and down to hidden spots along the lakeshore (such as Tubbs Hill Beach on the peninsula’s southwest side).

Heyburn State Park– With three lakes tucked into wooded mountains and a 72-mile-long paved bike path that winds through the park, Heyburn State Park offers boating, fishing, hiking, and waterfowl hunting, and many other activities. It is also home to the Museum of North Idaho, which offers a wealth of information about Coeur d’Alene and its history.

Downtown Coeur D'Alene – A charming place to visit that is teeming with great shops, restaurants, and local bars. Bordered by the CDA City Park and McEuen Park, its bustling streets are lined with more than a hundred stores and specialty boutiques. This may be a time when you choose not to cook in your rig!

Payette National Forest – On the way down to your next stop – McCall, Idaho, – consider a trip to this awe-inspiring scenic national forest. At this vast wilderness you can discover stunning landscapes and nature.

Downtown McCall – Visit the McCall Farmers' Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for delicious local produce, meats, cheeses, and other foodstuffs. You'll also find fresh flowers, plants, and artifacts for sale at this popular market. There are other local eateries in downtown McCall.

Ponderosa State Park – Just south of town, Ponderosa State Park is a great place to go for a day of hiking, canoeing, or swimming. This pristine park is a natural wonderland, filled with ponderosa pine trees, scenic views, and a vast array of wildlife. It's also a popular destination for fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding, as well as camping.

Payette Lake – A short drive from the city, Payette Lake is a great destination for fishing, boating, kayaking, and other water sports/activities. There are a number of rental facilities to choose from, as well as a beachfront pier. The Osprey Cliff Overlook is a great spot to take in stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You can hike the trail to the overlook, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Payette National Forest – This National Forest is a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a myriad of trails for hiking, camping, and mountain biking.

Soak in Trail Creek Hot Springs – A dip in a steaming thermal pool such as Trail Creek Hot Springs is a great way to relax and restore tired legs, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so in the McCall area. Primitive hot springs are a few minutes away, and commercial ones can be found within an hour's drive of the town.

Boise National Forest – Choose from a number of trails with stunning views across the distant city and surrounding areas.

Bruneau Dunes State Park – If you love the outdoors, you can't miss out on a trip to Bruneau Dunes. It's known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and beautiful natural surroundings. The park is also home to the Bruneau Dunes Visitor Center, which offers a number of interesting exhibits that are sure to capture your imagination.

Bike Along the Greenbelt – The Boise River Greenbelt is a great place to go for a day of exercise and relaxation. This 25-mile stretch is paved, making it easy to bike, run or jog alongside the river and other scenic spots.

Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial – This is one of the most notable Boise attractions for history buffs and those who want to learn more about Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl who wrote poignantly about and was killed during the Holocaust . It's a moving tribute to her story and the human rights movement in general, and for those unfamiliar with her, a good way to learn about her life and work.

Hike to Table Rock – A sunrise or sunset hike makes this particularly memorable.

Capital City Public Market – A bustling gathering of local vendors, the Capital City Public Market is an excellent place to browse for fresh produce and unique items. It's also the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or a drink, so it's a must-stop destination for any foodie.

Idaho Capitol Building – Take a guided tour and learn about Idaho’s rich history.

Old Idaho Penitentiary – Built in 1870 as a territorial prison, this historic building traces the city’s transition from “wild west” to modern capital city.

Idaho Botanical Gardens – Next to the Old Idaho Penitentiary, stroll this gorgeous 15-acre garden. Stroll on your own or take a guided tour.

World Center for Birds of Prey – This is the home of The Peregrine Fund, a non-profit that works to protect and conserve birds of prey around the world. It's a great place to see eagles, owls, vultures, and hawks, and is a wonderful experience for the whole family!

Shoshone Falls – On your way out of Boise before heading to the Sun Valley/Ketchum area, be sure to stop a Shoshone Falls. Often considered to be the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is nestled near the town of Twin Falls. The roaring falls are a sight to behold, with water volume reaching up to 20,000 cubic feet per second! You can spend as little as an hour absorbing the beauty of the falls, or you can take the time for other activities, like kayaking excursions that showcase the waters of the Snake River as they tumble over the falls!

Craters of the Moon National Monument – Located about an hour north of Shoshone Falls, Craters of the Moon National Monument is one of America’s most unusual and beautiful national parks. Shaped by recent volcanic activity, this other-worldly landscape combines enormous lava flows, black basalt rocks and cinder cones, plus caves and more. Visitors can hike to the top of cinder cones and spatter cones, and explore lava fields and cool caves. They can also drive the scenic seven-mile loop that provides fantastic views of the park’s highlights.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area – This is a 756,000-acre expanse of mountain wilderness that surrounds three major mountain ranges, including the Sawtooth and Boulder Mountains. It's home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails, fast-flowing rivers and over 400 high-mountain lakes. And if you're in the mood for more adventure, there's white water rafting and rock climbing.

Sawtooth Botanical Garden – A great way to spend the afternoon appreciating the gorgeous native and cultivated plants that flourish at high altitude. The Garden connects people to the region’s unique beauty and fosters environmental stewardship through education, events, displays, and exquisite plant collections.

Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum – This is a great place to learn about the area’s history and cultural traditions. It was founded in 1995 and contains collections on skiing, mining Sun Valley, sheep, Hemingway, and more. It also has an archive of documents and historical photographs.

Sun Valley Center for the Arts – If you are an art lover, you will love visiting this amazing non-profit organization that has been providing cultural experiences in this rural area far from urban environments since 1971. It also puts on a series of summer concerts featuring big-name artists.

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve – With a night sky full of stars and planets, Ketchum and Sun Valley Idaho are among the best stargazing destinations in America. In fact, a large region of central Idaho has just been designated an international dark sky reserve.

ZENERGY – Located in the heart of Ketchum's historic downtown, ZENERGY is a world-class health club and spa. It offers 85+ group fitness classes a week, indoor and outdoor saline pools, an oversized Jacuzzi, and so much more. And it is just steps away from some of the best restaurants and shops in Ketchum.

Salmon-Challis National Forest – This vast forest is home to numerous pristine lakes and rivers, as well as hiking trails and mountain bike paths. It's a popular destination for fly fishing and whitewater rafting enthusiasts, and it's also one of the most scenic national forests in the country.

Salmon River Scenic Byway – The 162-mile Salmon River Scenic Byway, which travels through the region between Salmon and Stanley, is a great way to get in touch with nature. It features stunning views of the mountains and pull-offs along the way that offer incredible opportunities for sightseeing.

Whitewater Rafting in the River of No Return – The Salmon River (known as the "River of No Return") is known for its extra challenging Class III-IV rapids, making it an ideal destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts from around the world. This fabled waterway is considered one of the most scenic and wild rivers in all the U.S.

Fishing the Salmon River – There are several different fishing options when you visit Salmon, including guided trips on the river and self-guided excursions. You can go fishing for steelhead, rainbow trout, and salmon. You can also book a guided kayaking or canoeing tour where you'll get the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in Idaho.

Sacajawea Center – Located in the heart of Salmon, the Center offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the life and experiences of the renowned Native American woman known as Sacajawea. It also hosts many events and programs throughout the year, including lectures, exhibits, and tours.

Nez Perce National Historic Trail – The Nez Perce National Historic Trail is a great place to discover Native American history and culture while exploring the Idaho wilderness. It covers 132 miles of spectacular scenery and is home to fossils, rock art, and legacies from the Lemhi-Shoshone people, who inhabited this region long before European settlers arrived in the area.

Gold Bug Hot Springs – The cliffside natural hot springs at Goldbug Hot Springs are a must-visit during your trip to Salmon. It's a short 30-minute drive south of Salmon and can be reached by car on State Highway 28. This small hot spring is operated by the Bureau of Land Management and features two small, outdoor concrete pools and basic amenities.