7 Natural Wonders Unique To The Gem State That Should Be On Everyone's Idaho Bucket List
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
Idaho is filled with natural wonders. From the panhandle to the southern part of the state, there are some pretty extraordinary things to see and do. If you have never really explored this beautiful state that we call home, now is the time to get up and go! Here are seven of the most remarkable natural wonders in Idaho that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
Of course, the first natural wonder in Idaho on our list is Shoshone Falls. These impressive falls are known as the "Niagara of the West" for good reason. Shoshone Falls is actually one of the tallest waterfalls in the entire country and is an impressive 212 feet tall. In fact, these falls are actually taller than the famous Niagara Falls back east!
Balanced Rock Park, Balanced Rock Rd, Buhl, ID 83316, USA
Balanced Rock is located near the small town of Buhl and is one landmark that many Idahoans can instantly recognize in pictures but many have never actually seen in person. What is so interesting about this Idaho natural wonder is it stands at 48 feet tall and 40 feet wide, and it's supported by a mere three foot wide stem.
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Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA
Craters of the Moon National Monument is essentially large fields of hardened lava flow. This area was created by fissure eruptions, which are eruptions that occur along cracks in the earth’s crust. You can easily spend the day hiking or even driving through a sea of volcanic rock — it's quite impressive!
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Moscow, ID, USA
The Palouse is one of our favorite natural wonders in Idaho. While this entire region is approximately 18,000 square miles and encompasses north-central Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, some of the best views are found just outside of Moscow, Idaho. The Palouse region's hills were actually formed thousands of years ago by dust storms. They are made from dust and silt called loess that was blown into the area from these massive storms.
Thousand Springs State Park - Ritter Island, 1205 Thousand Springs Grade, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
Ritter Island is one of the lesser-known natural wonders in Idaho but it is also one of the most beautiful. This unique island is located in Thousand Springs State Park and is where you can find some of the best views of the natural springs in this state park. One cool fact about these springs — the water that comes out of the Snake River cliffs is constantly at 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bruneau Dunes State Park, 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
Yes, you will find sand dunes in many other states but here in Idaho, we are home to the tallest single-structured sand dune and it is found at Bruneau Dunes State Park. This sand dune is 470 feet tall and is one natural wonder that you need to see for yourself. Make an entire day out of visiting this area and hike or sled down the dunes. Bruneau Dunes State Park is 4,800 acres so there’s plenty of room to explore and experience this natural wonder for yourself.
Sawtooth Range, Idaho 83637, USA
Idaho is home to some majestic mountains, but the Sawtooth Mountains are certainly one of the best. This mountain range is found in central Idaho and features up to 57 peaks over 10,000 feet high, three major rivers, and more than 400 alpine lakes. It’s hard to beat that!
How many natural wonders on our list have you visited? Are there any that you would add? Let us know in the comments!
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