With over 19,000 miles of hiking trails, nearly 5 million acres of wilderness, and over 100,000 river miles, Idaho definitely has a lot of beauty to take in. But when it comes to checking out Idaho's expansive scenery, often the best place to go... is up!
Our incredibly diverse state houses dozens of gorgeous lookouts and viewing points, each offering up stunning panoramas of every type of landscape your wandering, nature-loving heart could hope for. Today, we've chosen a handful of reader and traveler favorite overlooks throughout the state, each with varying degrees of access, that make for picturesque destinations and photo ops.
1. Confluence Overlook, Lewiston
Here on the edge of historic Nez Perce land, from this point, travelers can see the merging of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers with the city of Lewiston rising up in the background. On a clear, winter day, Hells Canyon and the Bitterroot Mountains are visible as well, making this an ideal stopping point.
Directions: Around 8 miles north of Lewiston at the top of the Lewiston grade on Hwy 95, follow the turnout.
2. White Bird Hill Summit
At an elevation of over 4,200 feet, this winding climb between White Bird and Grangeville separates the Salmon River and Camas Prairie. While the surrounding area has historic ties to the Nez Perce tribe and the Battle of White Bird Canyon in particular, this stretch of roadway is actually the second version of the pass -- the original, circa 1938, was higher and more challenging for motorists. Today, this pass is a scenic look into one of Idaho's most treasured historical sites; fortunately, there are a number of overlooks to choose from on this long, steep hill, including the summit itself.
3. Magruder-Burnt Knob Lookout
Just past Elk City, the Magruder Corridor is an incredible back-country wilderness drive that leads all the way to Montana. While the entire journey offers lush forest and mountain views, as well as plenty of history thrown in, a side detour up to the Burnt Knob Lookout features panoramic views of the valley.
4. Big Southern Butte
Idaho's Southern Butte near Craters of the Moon is actually one of the largest volcanic "domes" in the world -- and it's located right in the heart of our great state! The ATV/foot-traffic-only road leading to the top of this immense natural wonder is a winding but relatively easy dirt and gravel path to the 7,500 foot summit. At the top, you'll be rewarded with extensive views of Yellowstone, the nearby Twin Buttes, and even the Island Park caldera in the distance.
5. Battle Creek Lookout, Owyhee Wilderness
Idaho's Owyhee Canyonlands are full of unrivaled solitude, unexplored river canyons, and surprisingly beautiful views of the Idaho desert. The confluence of Battle Creek and the East Fork of the Owyhee River is one particular scenic overlook which sits in the heart of the Tules. Perched at the top of the gorge, travelers will have access to incredible views of the desertscape, river canyons, and desert wildlife.
6. Osprey Point, McCall
The Ponderosa State Park peninsula sits just a few miles outside of downtown McCall. This popular park is well-beloved by locals and visitors alike, but for those who want an extra dose of beauty, Osprey Point is a go-to overlook for epic views of Payette Lake, Cougar Island, and the surrounding mountains.
Directions: 1920 N Davis Ave, McCall, ID 83638
7. Sawtell Mountain Overlook, Island Park
Island Park is a beautiful waterfront town in Idaho, but its caldera setting also makes it the perfect overlook locale right over Henry's Lake and Yellowstone. The 10,000-foot Sawtell Mountain rises up out of the Centennial Mountains and offers views across three states, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and even scenic intermittent snowy landscapes year-round.
8. Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls
Idaho's renowned waterfall is impressive no matter the season or runoff level, and is particularly easy to admire when viewed from the Twin Falls lookout. Soaring 200 feet above the Snake River Canyon, the view downward is just as jaw-dropping as the canyon runoff itself.
9. Moyie River Overlook and Bridge, Boundary
The Moyie River in Bonner's Ferry isn't far from the Canadian border, with its headwaters well across the border in British Columbia. Spanning the canyon at over 1220 feet across and topped only by Twin Falls' Perrine Bridge in height, the Moyie truss bridge offers picturesque views of the river, surrounding forest, and distant scenery -- everything that makes Northern Idaho the lovely oasis it is.
10. Brundage Mountain Peak, McCall
Just one of Idaho's scenic ski resorts, this all-seasons mountain retreat rewards travelers with lush views of the Payette National Forest. At over 7,500 feet, a chair-lift ride to the peak of the mountain showcases a true Idaho landscape gem -- fortunately, Burndage offers both winter and summer viewing opportunities.
11. Elephants Perch, Sawtooths
Interchangeably referred to as Saddleback Mountain as well, in the heart of Central Idaho rises the nearly 10,000-foot Elephants Perch, a popular rock climbing and camping spot on the far end of Redfish Lake just north of Stanley. The dome-like perch itself is photogenic, and the necessary scenic boat ride across the lake is a cool, relaxing experience. While this is a climber's mountain only, an exhilerating rapelling and meandering climb up the face of the rock is rewarded with alpine lake views and panoramas of one of Idaho's most beloved wilderness areas. One of Idaho's most challenging and coveted climbing routes means you know the overlook will be just as exhilarating.
Whether hiking, climbing, biking, or driving, there's always something magical to see in Idaho! For more beautiful perspectives, check out our first list of scenic overlooks in the Gem State and or these breathtaking aerial views of Idaho.
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