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Idaho Road Trip – Mountains, Lakes, & Waterfalls

Idaho Road Trip – Mountains, Lakes, & Waterfalls

Coeur D'Alene McCall Boise Ketchum & Sun Valley Salmon
Trip length6-12 days
Route distance809 mi
Stops5
Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & pace

Trip overview

Idaho is often overlooked as a road trip state because many believe it lacks the majestic scenery and popular attractions found in other Western states. But scratch the surface, and Idaho is brimming with stunning mountain ranges, pristine rivers and crystal-clear lakes, world-class ski resorts, and an abundance of hot springs. Plainly put, Idaho is a bucket list destination for outdoor adventurers!

The people of Idaho have a deeply rooted connection to their natural surroundings. From the tree-lined streets of Boise to the idyllic cattle ranches of Salmon, Idaho has fully embraced an active outdoor lifestyle. With SO much natural beauty throughout the state, it feels like every drive in Idaho is a scenic drive—which is why planning a road trip to Idaho is one of the best ways to explore America. This GenieTrip takes you through some of Idaho’s most picturesque and important places.

Who will love this trip
Anyone with an appreciation for the great outdoors and the West. No matter your age, if you love magnificent scenery, historical gems, quaint mountain towns, an outdoor lifestyle, fishing and watersports such as boating and kayaking, then Idaho should be on your list.

Trip tips

  • Be Wary of the Winter: Many state parks and places with outdoor restrooms winterize their water facilities starting in October.

  • Learn to Navigate Steep Roads: This trip goes up and down hills and mountains, so practice safe RV driving on steep grades: Travel at your RV’s ideal speed, going slow on the way up, then shift into a lower gear at the top to create engine breaking resistance on the way down.

  • Prepare for No Internet: In remote areas like the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve near Salmon, download maps beforehand as cell service may be spotty to nonexistent.

  • Ski in Sun Valley: Sun Valley ski resorts open late November and close mid-April, so plan accordingly if you want to ski or to avoid the seasonally crowded city.

  • Get in the Water: Visit Idaho during summer months for the best time for water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.

  • Protect Your Skin: Don’t forget—even if it's cold or snowy—the sun can still be dangerous; make sure to wear 30 SPF sunscreen or greater and reapply every two hours.

Your route

Route map: Idaho Road Trip – Mountains, Lakes, & Waterfalls
1Coeur D'Alene2McCall3Boise4Ketchum & Sun Valley5Salmon
1
Stop 1 1-2 day stay

Coeur D'Alene, ID

Coeur D'Alene, ID

With its crystal-clear lakes and towering mountain peaks, Coeur D’Alene and the Idaho Panhandle has long been one of the Northwest’s premier summer playgrounds. Here, you can explore towering forests, taste the sweetness of wild huckleberries, and sit back and relax in quiet countryside that looks like it could be a backdrop to a Norman Rockwell painting.

Top things to do

If you want to spend some time exploring Coeur d’Alene (locals refer to it as “CDA”), there are plenty of things to do. From hiking in beautiful landscapes to riding a zipline across the forest canopy, you’re sure to find an activity that suits your taste.

1
Lake Coeur D’Alene Scenic BywayThe 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.
2
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.
3
Hike Tubbs HillLocated 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).
4
Heyburn State ParkWith 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.
5
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!
6
Payette National ForestOn 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.

Coeur D'Alene, ID activities

Scenic DrivesBeachesHikingShoppingDiningFishingBoatingWatersportsCanoeing, Kayaking, & Paddling

RV campgrounds near Coeur D'Alene, ID

Given all the fun outdoor recreation in CDA, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of public and private campground options. Public land options include: Kootenai County Fairgrounds RV Park, Beauty Creek Campground, Mokins Bay Campground, Liberty Lake Regional Campground, Honeysuckle Campground, Bell Bay Campground, Killarney Lake Campground, Harrison City Campground, and Farragut State Park. Let AdventureGenie help you plan your Idaho camping trip and pick a great campground for Coeur D’Alene – simply press “Take This Trip” below!

Next stop: McCall
2
Stop 2 1-2 day stay

McCall, ID

McCall, ID

McCall is a charming mountain town located near Payette Lake and three ski mountains, so you'll always find something to do outdoors no matter the season. The many nearby lakes are pretty and fun, and the many natural hot springs are a good antidote to legs tired from hiking!

Top things to do

Hang out in the McCall area to enjoy the natural resources that make this town memorable. Here are some of top picks:

1
Downtown McCallVisit 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.
2
Ponderosa State ParkJust 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.
3
Payette LakeA 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.
4
Payette National ForestThis National Forest is a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a myriad of trails for hiking, camping, and mountain biking.
5
Soak in Trail Creek Hot SpringsA 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.

McCall, ID activities

ShoppingDiningWinter CarnivalHikingSwimmingFishingHot SpringsCanoeing, Kayaking & Paddling

RV campgrounds near McCall, ID

McCall has tons of public and private campground options. Nearby, there are several U.S.F.S. campgrounds in Payette and Boise National Forests, as well as in Ponderosa State Park. To find the perfect campground for your Idaho road trip to McCall, select “Take This Trip” and let AdventureGenie plan your route and help you choose a place to stay!

Next stop: Boise
3
Stop 3 1-2 day stay

Boise, ID

Boise, ID

The capital of Idaho, Boise, is both urban and wild, with grit and glamour. The lively, clean, artistic, vibrant, tree-lined capital of Idaho is just steps from mountains, a river, and hundreds of trails. After leaving Boise, head 2-3 hours to beautiful Shoshone Falls before heading to other-worldly Craters of the Moon National Monument, and then on to Sun Valley and Ketchum.

Top things to do

Boise, while a great destination in itself, beckons the traveler to explore a plethora of outdoor gems nearby. Check out these popular activities:

1
Boise National ForestChoose from a number of trails with stunning views across the distant city and surrounding areas.
2
Bruneau Dunes State ParkIf 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.
3
Bike Along the GreenbeltThe 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.
4
Anne Frank Human Rights MemorialThis 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.
5
Hike to Table RockA sunrise or sunset hike makes this particularly memorable.
6
Capital City Public MarketA 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.
7
Idaho Capitol BuildingTake a guided tour and learn about Idaho’s rich history.
8
Old Idaho PenitentiaryBuilt in 1870 as a territorial prison, this historic building traces the city’s transition from “wild west” to modern capital city.
9
Idaho Botanical GardensNext to the Old Idaho Penitentiary, stroll this gorgeous 15-acre garden. Stroll on your own or take a guided tour.
10
World Center for Birds of PreyThis 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!
11
Shoshone FallsOn 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!
12
Craters of the Moon National MonumentLocated 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.

Boise, ID activities

HikingBikingBeachesMuseumsShoppingWaterfallsCanoeing, Kayaking, & PaddlingBird Watching

RV campgrounds near Boise, ID

Boise offers plenty of high-quality camping options both public and private. The Emmet City RV Park, O’Connor Field House RV Park, and the many campgrounds in Boise National Forest, are worth considering. If you press “Take This Trip” below, AdventureGenie can help you plan and determine where to camp on your Boise and Idaho road trip!

Next stop: Ketchum & Sun Valley
4
Stop 4 1-3 day stay

Ketchum & Sun Valley, ID

Ketchum & Sun Valley, ID

Ketchum and Sun Valley are world-renowned for their outdoor recreation options – both in summer and winter. They have a wel-deserved reputation for world class outdoor activities but there are also many indoor activities to keep you entertained. The two towns are essentially one, with their borders only a mile apart.

Top things to do

There are several museums in the area that focus on local history and culture. Alternatively, you can spend time at a spa or see a movie in the theater. Check out these popular activities:

1
Sawtooth National Recreation AreaThis 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.
2
Sawtooth Botanical GardenA 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.
3
Sun Valley Heritage and Ski MuseumThis 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.
4
Sun Valley Center for the ArtsIf 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.
5
Central Idaho Dark Sky ReserveWith 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.
6
ZENERGYLocated 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.

Ketchum & Sun Valley, ID activities

Historical MonumentsHikingMuseumsArtStargazingSpasGardensRaftingClimbing

RV campgrounds near Ketchum & Sun Valley, ID

While the area has several private campgrounds, the Sawtooth National Forest surrounding Ketchum/Sun Valley offers a variety of great options. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground for your stay in Sun Valley and Ketchum by pressing "Take This Trip" at the top and bottom of this page!

Next stop: Salmon
5
Stop 5 1-2 day stay

Salmon, ID

Salmon, ID

Our last stop in stunning Idaho is Salmon, a scenic mountain town located on the outskirts of the Frank Church River and No Return Wilderness. It has rustic origins in lumbering, mining, and multi-generational ranching, and is renowned for its world class fishing and whitewater rafting. With its rugged natural beauty, Salmon is also home to mountains, rivers, historic sites, museums, and a number of family-friendly attractions that are sure to appeal to kids and adults alike. The best part about visiting this quaint town in eastern Idaho is that you'll never run out of things to do and see. Go fish!

Top things to do

Salmon offers opportunities for many fun adventures. Check out a few popular ones here:

1
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.
2
Salmon River Scenic BywayThe 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.
3
Whitewater Rafting in the River of No ReturnThe 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.
4
Fishing the Salmon RiverThere 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.
5
Sacajawea CenterLocated 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.
6
Nez Perce National Historic TrailThe 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.
7
Gold Bug Hot SpringsThe 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.

Salmon, ID activities

FishingWhitewater RaftingHikingBikingScenic DrivesMuseumsHot SpringsHistoric Sites

RV campgrounds near Salmon, ID

Salmon may be small, but you will have no shortage of campground options. The Bureau of Land Management operates a few convenient places to camp close to town, including the Shoupe Bridge and Morgan Bar. The U.S.F.S. also offers several nearby camping options. Click “Take This Trip” below and let AdventureGenie help you plan your trip and find the perfect campground for your Salmon, Idaho road trip!

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