Every state has its fair share of beloved attractions, getaways, and family destinations that it has come to be known for. But sometimes the absolute best spots to unwind or become inspired are a little more off of the beaten path -- especially here in Idaho. It is here in Idaho's recesses that one comes to know and appreciate our great state's beauty more than ever.
Locally, many of these activities, scenic retreats, and historical sites are well-known, but for cross-state road trippers, these hidden gems in Idaho can make for unique and breathtaking stops, which makes each of them worth taking a drive or hike to for some seasonal R&R. In fact, be sure to pack a picnic and grab your camera; Idaho is beautiful even in its nooks and crannies and deserves a little extra time to be enjoyed to its fullest.
Our list of hidden gems in Idaho begins at Three Island Crossing. The site of the most difficult crossing on the Oregon Trail is also home to a state park, an interpretive center, beautiful campgrounds, and annual reenactments of the fatal trip across the Ford. Plus, beautiful view to boot! In fact, you can observe original wagon ruts from the Oregon Trail at Three Island Crossing State Park.
History and beauty collide in this 14,000-acre reserve in Southern Idaho. The City of Rocks features stunning, expansive views from nearly every camping precipice and offers everything from hiking, biking, and horseback riding, to hot springs and over 700 rock climbing trails. Slightly otherworldly in its barren, granite wasteland-esque way, don't let the solitude fool you. For more adventurous explorers and Idaho enthusiasts, marked trails offer sixty-story tall climbing opportunities. Snowshoeing in winter is an added bonus.
As an added bonus, Gooding's Little City of Rocks offers a mesmerizing basalt experience that is perfect for photography. Truly, this scenic place in Idaho must be seen to be believed.
Also known as the Hyatt Wetlands, this 44-acre wildlife haven is a must for a relaxing getaway from downtown Boise. Featuring overlook areas, protected habitat islands, open water, educational kiosks, and even art, this nature preserve acts as a sanctuary and viewing area for hundreds of bird and wildlife species. While this hidden gem in the heart of Idaho's capital is off-limits to bikes and dogs, it makes for a relaxing and all-ages reminder of nature's pristine beauty. Learn more about this beautiful hidden spot in Idaho.
Overlooked in favor of the larger, more grandiose Hell's Canyon, Malad Gorge in the Thousand Springs State Park offers a mini Grand Canyon experience without the drive. A stunning river canyon forged by an ancient volcanic eruption and eroded and smoothed by the Snake River and its smaller tributaries, Malad showcases exhilarating views from the crest, as well as small waterfalls pinpointed throughout the 250-foot deep gorge. Don't miss the Devil's Washbowl for yet another incredible perspective of the chasm...which continues to grow with time. Malad Gorge State Park might just be one of the most beautiful places in Idaho.
This remote oasis wetland in Central Idaho is typically a marshy water area during the early months, but come spring, awakens into a vibrant sea of purple and azure Camas Lilly blossoms. The marsh is fed by nearby Camas Creek, and overflows due to excessive snow runoff, nurturing the native flowers. But as incredible as the Camas bloom is, the opportunities for waterfowl viewing and photography is just as unique. Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh definitely belongs on your Idaho bucket list.
If hiking or rock climbing isn't for you, but you're craving spectacular panormamic views from above the trees, Dworshak Dam is a must-see. Standing proudly at 717 feet, Dworshak is the third-tallest dam in the US and the tallest "straight-axis" concrete gravity dam in the Western Hemisphere. A visitor and educational center at the base of the dam tells the history of Dworshak from its controversial beginnings, including a tour of the dam itself and a walk across the intimidating concrete crest. A Steelhead hatchery at the base merges into Dworshak's scenic recreation reservoir, making this historical spot perfect for a family vacation.
Not for the faint of heart, the Hiawatha Trail was formerly a rail-bed, now converted into a sublime and scenic mountain bike or hike trail 15 miles long. Repeatedly voted as the most beautiful "rails-to-trails" route in the country, the Hiawatha -- which sits hundreds of feet above the Northern Idaho treeline -- features ten train tunnels and seven sky-high trestles that will test your tolerance for heights. The trail also follows the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains near the Lookout Pass Ski Area. But fear not! Because the route is all downhill, buses are available to transport you and your bike back to the top, making the trail an easily enjoyable and unforgettable experience for all ages. Would you ever take this incredibly epic hike in Idaho?
Weighing an estimated forty tons, this natural Idaho wonder forged by ancient waters and strong winds makes for a perfect day-trip and photo op. The park itself is right along Salmon Falls Creek in South Central Idaho, and offers picnic areas as well as a short hike to the Salmon Creek canyon rim. Everyone should visit Balanced Rock State Park in Idaho at least once.
Heading towards Lucky Peak, rows upon rows of columnar basalt seem to stretch endlessly down the highway less than 20 minutes from downtown Boise. Geologically perfected as though made for climbing, the rock columns feature natural fractures that are ideal hand and foot-holds. As a well-established climbing area, the cliffs also offer hundreds of climbing routes to choose from in a wide range of skill levels, making it a stop that even climbing novices can navigate and enjoy.
Last but not least on our list of hidden gems in Idaho is Elmer's Fountain. Hand-built by local silver miner and welder Elmer Almquist, these beautiful, folk art-style water features were erected in remembrance of one of Almquist's closest friends, who today is remembered only as Arnold. These year-round fountains are crafted from old mining salvage and are located on close to 600 acres of forested land just off of the highway. The water comes from nearby Gold Creek snow runoff, which as it comes down the steep slopes from Gold Creek mine, maintains enough pressure to run the fountains. The water is then channeled through a vertical mine pipe that prevents the water from freezing underground. In the winter, water mist causes unique ice formations that are just as worthy of a visit. Today, the property is maintained by Elmer's family, and many claim that the fountain water is the purest, most delicious-tasting water in all of Idaho.
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Now, go forth and explore these hidden gems in Idaho! And be sure to let us know what your favorite hidden gems are in Idaho, and your best memories of those listed above.
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With a reasonable investment in a tent and plenty of layers, your camping season is far from over! (Courtesy Heath Druzin)
If you feel like you missed your window of opportunity to go camping this year, hold that thought. Expert autumn camper Heath Druzin, also the host of the “Extremely American” podcast, is here to encourage us all to take a fall camping trip.
“What a lot of us love about Idaho is that it's not a very crowded state, but especially post-pandemic in the summertime, it can get kind of crowded at campgrounds out in the mountains,” Druzin said.
That’s why to him and other veteran campers, fall is the camping season that too many Idahoans are missing out on.
Where to Go?
For fall camping locations, Druzin rattled off the usual suspects: Areas on Highway 55 on the way up to McCall, the Sawtooths, and the Wood River Valley. The latter might not be your first pick, but in the fall it has some of the widest variety of foliage colors.
To that list, I’d add a slightly longer drive to Joseph and Wallowa County in northeastern Oregon, where rolling hills and high peaks combine for some beautiful fall views.
Many campsites in those areas are still open for reservation, and some are first come, first serve. When it comes to finding a spot to pull off on the side of the road, practice makes perfect. Just give yourself as much time as you can — nothing is more frustrating than exhaustedly looking for a camping spot in the dark!
Every Boisean seems to have their own gatekeeping policy, and Druzin advocates a cautious but kind approach. He warned that blasting the locations of ecologically fragile places to Facebook groups is legitimately dangerous — hot springs being the prime example — but that sharing spots with conscientious newcomers should be common practice for all of us.
“I think when people ask for help and they're nice, you should help them in general, but you should be a little bit careful about how you share information,” Druzin said. “And I do think you should be cagey online.”
What About Gear?
A laidback autumnal camping trip shouldn’t be intimidating, so you can keep your gear list for an overnight car camping excursion shorter than you might think. Heath says beginners can’t go wrong with:
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A sturdy, reliably waterproof tent.
A few headlamps — graduate from clumsily using your flashlight or cellphone light and you’ll never go back.
A solid camp chair that you’ll want to take down to the river or up into the mountains.
A cooler, freezer packs, and a couple large jugs of water.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
