Idaho Travel Guide
Brad’s family goes back three generations in Idaho, and we’re lucky to be raising the fourth generation in North Idaho. Below you’ll find our complete Idaho travel guide to help you get out and explore this reclusive and fertile state.
Idaho is a fantastic travel destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Known as the Gem State, it boasts an abundance of stunning natural wonders, including the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, pristine alpine lakes, over 130 natural hot springs, and the iconic Snake River. Visitors can explore its vast wilderness through activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, and skiing, depending on the season. While the outdoors may be Idaho’s main appeal, its capital city Boise is a fast-growing city that is quickly rivaling other top western US cities for being hip, innovative, and fun.
Idaho Travel Guides
Here are some great starter articles to get you going when planning a trip to Idaho.
–The Best Time To Visit Idaho
-Idaho Packing List For All Four Seasons
–The Best Things To Do In Idaho
-Does Idaho Have Any National Parks?
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Good To Know
A look at Idaho Trivia.
5 Facts About Idaho
I. Idaho is famous for its potatoes, and rightly so. The state produces a third of all potatoes grown in the US.
2. Idaho has two different time zones, Pacific Standard Time and Mountain Time.
3. At 3500 miles, Idaho has the most runnable whitewater miles in the US.
4. Idaho has 130 soakable hot springs, more than anywhere else in the US.
5. The state gem, the Star Garnet, is so rare it can only be found in large quantities in Idaho and India.
You can read more interesting facts about Idaho in my complete article on Idaho trivia.
Idaho Top Fives
A look at some of our top things to do in Idaho.
Top 5 Experiences In Idaho
1. White water rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
2. Soaking in a natural hot spring
3. Skiing at any of Idaho’s iconic (Sun Valley) and lesser-known (Brundage) ski resorts.
4. Biking the Route of the Hiawatha
5. Backpacking or hiking the Sawtooth Mountains
Top 5 Small Towns in Idaho
1. Stanley, Idaho
2. McCall, Idaho
3. Wallace, Idaho
4. Sandpoint, Idaho
5. Driggs, Idaho
Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho, is undeniably a cool place for various reasons. We lived there for a short time and absolutely loved our time there. The city strikes a perfect balance between urban living and outdoor adventure. With a thriving cultural scene, Boise offers art galleries, live music venues, and an inviting downtown, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening. Its famous Greenbelt, a tree-lined pathway along the Boise River, provides a refreshing escape for joggers and cyclists. But what truly makes Boise special is its accessibility to the great outdoors. In just a short car ride, you can find yourself hiking in the nearby foothills, skiing at Bogus Basin, or exploring the Boise National Forest. With a strong sense of community and a growing tech industry, Boise is a city that manages to retain its small-town charm while embracing innovation, making it a truly cool and welcoming destination for all.
North Idaho
Famed for being reclusive and private, northern Idaho boasts some of Idaho’s most pristine natural beauty, with its crystalline lakes, dense forests, and towering mountain ranges. Northern Idaho (or North Idaho as the locals say) sets the stage for unparalleled outdoor adventures. From skiing at the renowned Schweitzer Ski Resort to mountain biking at Silver Mountain to kayaking Lake Pend Oreille, North Idaho offers year-round recreational opportunities. North Idaho is a great place to visit for those seeking an escape into nature, a taste of adventure, and a slice of small-town life.