Things to Do in Idaho
Ten stops running from a waterfall taller than Niagara to a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, both of which most visitors have never heard of.
Idaho tends to get reduced to potatoes in most people's minds, which undersells a state holding one of the deepest river gorges in North America and a real lava field that looks more like the moon than anywhere else on Earth. Ten stops below, plus a quiz elsewhere on this site if you fancy testing what stuck.
Shoshone Falls
Nicknamed the 'Niagara of the West,' Shoshone Falls drops 212 feet, taller than Niagara Falls itself, though flow rates vary considerably by season given upstream irrigation demands on the Snake River. Spring, when snowmelt runs highest, gives the most dramatic version, time a visit specifically for April or May if the full flow matters to you.
Several viewpoints sit within a short walk of the parking area, a properly easy stop for most visitors regardless of hiking ability, the modest entry fee pays off even for a quick look.
Best time April-May for peak flow
Address Shoshone Falls Park, Twin Falls, ID
Craters of the Moon National Monument
A vast field of volcanic lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes formed by eruptions over thousands of years, the landscape so properly alien that NASA sent Apollo astronauts here in the 1960s to study geology relevant to their upcoming lunar missions. A seven-mile loop drive covers most of the main sights, with short trails leading out to specific formations and cave openings along the way.
Bring a flashlight if planning to explore any of the lava tube caves, some require permits available free at the visitor centre, a quick, worthwhile stop before heading out to the caves themselves.
Best time May-September for full road and cave access
Address Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID
Hells Canyon
North America's deepest river gorge, carved by the Snake River along the Idaho-Oregon border, running roughly 7,900 feet deep at its most dramatic point, considerably deeper than the Grand Canyon despite drawing a fraction of the visitors. Jet boat tours run through the canyon from several outfitters, a proper way to see the scale from the water rather than just an overlook.
The canyon's remoteness cuts both ways here too, properly limited cell signal and few services once you're deep into the area, plan fuel and supplies ahead of time.
Best time May-October
Address Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, ID/OR border
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
A mountain range of properly dramatic, sharply serrated peaks, over 40 exceeding 10,000 feet, surrounding more than 300 alpine lakes across the wider recreation area. Redfish Lake, the most accessible and developed of the major lakes, runs boat rentals and a lodge directly on the water, a good, easy base if you'd rather not commit to backcountry camping.
Stanley, the small town at the range's base, holds one of the more striking mountain backdrops of any town on this whole trip, a slow drive through pays off even if you're not stopping long.
Best time July-September for full trail access
Address Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Stanley, ID
Lake Coeur d'Alene
A properly large lake in Idaho's panhandle, roughly 30 miles long and surrounded by forested mountains, warm enough for comfortable summer swimming despite the state's generally cooler reputation. The Coeur d'Alene Resort runs a floating boardwalk considered one of the longest of its kind, a good, easy walk right along the water.
Scenic boat cruises run regularly from the resort, a relaxed way to see the lake's full scale without needing to rent your own boat.
Best time June-August for swimming weather
Address Lake Coeur d'Alene, Coeur d'Alene, ID
World Center for Birds of Prey, Boise
A research and conservation centre focused on birds of prey worldwide, running active breeding programmes for endangered species including the California condor, one of the rarest birds on Earth. Live bird demonstrations run regularly throughout the day, trained falcons and hawks flying directly over the audience, a properly striking sight up close.
This works especially well for kids, the hands-on interpretive centre and live demonstrations hold attention considerably longer than a standard static exhibit would.
Hours Tue-Sat, roughly 10am-5pm
Address 5668 W Flying Hawk Ln, Boise, ID
Idaho Potato Museum
A properly earnest museum covering the state's signature crop, farming equipment, the history of potato cultivation in the region, and a real collection of potato-themed memorabilia that leans fully into the novelty. The World's Largest Potato Crisp, a Pringle roughly two feet across, sits proudly on display, a small but properly memorable detail for anyone who appreciates a good roadside oddity.
The attached cafe serves potato-based dishes throughout the day, time a visit around lunch if you want to sample the crop directly after learning its history.
Hours Mon-Sat, roughly 9.30am-5pm
Address 130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID
Idaho Huckleberries
Huckleberries grow wild throughout Idaho's forests, considerably more tart than a blueberry and impossible to farm commercially at any real scale, which keeps them a properly regional, foraged speciality rather than something available year-round. Local shops throughout the north of the state sell huckleberry jam, syrup, and ice cream through the short summer harvest season.
Foraging your own is possible on public land with the right permits, though the specific patches locals favour tend to stay closely guarded information, buying beats hunting if time's limited.
Best time Late July-August for the harvest season
Address Northern Idaho, widely available
Silver Valley Mining History
A stretch of northern Idaho that produced a properly enormous share of the country's silver output over the past century, several mines still operating today alongside museums covering the industry's history and considerable dangers. The Sierra Silver Mine Tour in Wallace runs an actual underground tour led by former miners, a proper hands-on look at the working conditions rather than just a static display.
Wallace itself, the valley's main town, holds an entire downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a slow walk through pays off beyond just the mine tour.
Hours Seasonal, check current tour schedule
Address 420 5th St, Wallace, ID
Sun Valley
One of the first purpose-built ski resorts in the United States, opened in 1936 and still drawing a properly well-heeled crowd each winter, the world's first chairlift was installed here specifically for this resort. Summer flips the town toward hiking, mountain biking, and a well-regarded arts scene, considerably quieter and more affordable than the peak ski season.
The Sun Valley Lodge retains much of its original character, worth seeing even if you're not staying there, several old Hollywood stars famously spent winters here throughout the resort's early decades.
Best time December-March for skiing; June-September for hiking
Address Sun Valley, ID
Best time to visit Idaho
June through September covers the most comfortable window for the majority of this list, mountain trails and lakes all run at their fullest access during these months.
December through March flips the priority toward Sun Valley specifically, plan a separate, dedicated trip around that window if skiing is the main draw.
Getting around Idaho
A car is essential, the distances between Boise, Sun Valley, and the northern panhandle run into several hours each, this is a state best covered with your own transport.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Idaho worth visiting beyond the potatoes?
- Yes, easily, Hells Canyon, the Sawtooths, and Craters of the Moon all offer landscapes that feel completely distinct from the state's agricultural reputation.
- How many days do you need in Idaho?
- Seven days gives a comfortable pace to cover Boise, the Sawtooths, and either Hells Canyon or the northern panhandle.
- Is Idaho expensive to visit?
- No, generally affordable, food and accommodation both run below the national average outside of Sun Valley specifically.
- What's the best Idaho trip for kids?
- The World Center for Birds of Prey and the Idaho Potato Museum both rank as the most reliably kid-friendly stops on this list.
That's ten decent slices of a state that deserves considerably more credit than the potato jokes suggest.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government's latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
