9 Things Idahoans Are Always Itching To Get Out And Do Once Winter Finally Thaws
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
Winter is a magical (and beautiful!) time of year in the Gem State. However, many of us Idahoans rejoice as the first signs of spring begin to appear. There are many activities that we are often itching to do once the snow starts to disappear and the warmer weather begins making a regular appearance. Here are just nine of our favorite post-winter activities in Idaho.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
Idahoans know that spring is the best time to visit the remarkable Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls. During an average spring, Shoshone Falls will peak between 10,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second, which is incredibly impressive. In the summer, the flow slows down significantly as a portion of the water is diverted for irrigation.
Nothing screams spring like new flowers and fresh buds on the trees. One of the best ways to enjoy this time of year is by walking around one of the botanical gardens in the state. Idaho Botanical Garden, for example, is located in the Boise foothills and is home to multiple gardens with all types of vegetation. If in the northern part of the state, plan a visit to the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which features 63 acres and more than 17,000 plants.
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One of the best ways to view Idaho’s enchanting landscapes is on a lake or river cruise. This is the perfect place to capture gorgeous sunsets, view wildlife, and just enjoy Idaho landscapes. Multiple cruise options are available around the Gem State including at Payette Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, and Lake Coeur d’Alene. One excellent cruise option during the spring months is on Lake Pend Oreille where you can take a scenic tour around the four Islands of Hope and see a bald eagle sanctuary.
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Camas Prairie, Idaho 83327, USA
Every spring, you’ll see a one-of-a-kind view that you won’t see any other time of the year in Idaho — acres of land covered in beautiful purple flowers. The Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area, which is comprised of more than 3,100 acres and located on the western end of Camas Prairie, is the best place to see these beautiful purple flowers. Make sure you plan a visit during the month of May when, typically, the big bloom occurs.
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Yellowstone Bear World, 6010 S 4300 W, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
There is nothing more adorable than all of the baby bears you’ll see at Yellowstone Bear World. This drive-thru wildlife park gets you up close to all types of free-roaming wildlife from grizzly bears to bison. If you want a hands-on and unique animal experience, sign up to feed the baby bear cubs. Visit the Yellowstone Bear World website for more information on this experience, hours, tickets, and more.
Whether you put on a pair of running shoes, hop on a bike, or just go for a casual stroll, the Boise River Greenbelt, and the Idaho Falls Greenbelt, both come alive in the spring. These paved paths sit next to rivers and feature wide trails, gorgeous vegetation, and even wildlife sightings. In fact, the Boise River Greenbelt was named one of the best river walks in the entire United States.
There are more than 27 state parks in Idaho that will get you out of the house to enjoy the warm weather. Thousand Springs State Park is one state park in Idaho that features six different areas, allowing you to easily find the perfect place to explore from canyons to waterfalls. Harriman State Park is one of the largest state parks in Idaho and is located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This means that during your visit you may see all types of wildlife, including many young babies.
When you don’t have to worry about the weather, many Idahoans are anxious to get in their car and explore some of the beauty of the state. There are at least 32 designated scenic byways waiting to be explored and countless backcountry roads scattered around the Gem State. To help you plan your next scenic drive in Idaho, check out our backroad and scenic byway road trip in Idaho. It’s one of the prettiest adventures you will go on in the Gem State.
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Spring Valley Reservoir, Idaho 83871, USA
While you can always go for a winter hike, you want to take advantage of dry trails and warmer (but not too hot!) weather on some of the best spring hiking trails in Idaho. One hike we highly recommend, particularly if you are looking for a short and easy day hike, is the Spring Valley Reservoir Loop Trail near the small town of Troy.
Are there any activities you would add to this list? What is your favorite thing to get out and do once winter finally thaws? Share it with us in the comments!
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