Whether you’ve lived here for a short time or a long time, Idaho is always full of surprises. You never know what unique destination you’ll stumble across next in the Gem State. We’re sure you’re aware of all the most popular spots in Idaho, so we compiled a road trip that takes you to 10 incredible lesser-known places in the state. From waterfalls and canyons to hot springs and forests, each of these hidden gems of Idaho has something amazing to offer! Taking you across the entire state, this road trip will lead you on an epic adventure you won’t soon forget.

Spanning over 1,000 miles for a total trip time of 20 hours, this is a lengthy road trip that's best done over several days. Feel free to use the interactive map to customize the trip to your liking.
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1. Upper Mesa Falls
Gerald Corsi via Getty Images
Buckle up! We're starting this trip off with a bang at Upper Mesa Falls near the town of Ashton. When you think of big, breathtaking waterfalls in Idaho, it's Shoshone Falls that typically comes to mind. However, Upper Mesa Falls' cascading curtain of water definitely gives Shoshone a run for its money. As tall as a 10-story building, seeing this waterfall flowing freely is a real treat no matter the season. There's an overlook to see the falls, and if you're up for it, you can take on the trek to Lower Mesa Falls which can be seen along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. And be sure to pop into the Mesa Falls Nature Center for more information about the area's geology, flora, fauna, and history!
2. Lava Hot Springs
Jasen Miller/Flickr
Next up, we're headed to the small town of Lava Hot Springs to treat ourselves to some ahh-mazing hot pool therapy. The Lava Hot Springs hot pools and indoor swimming pool make for a fantastic destination to soak and relax. The hot pools are open 363 days a year and use all-natural underground spring water. Over 2.5 million gallons of water flow through the hot springs daily and are diverted to the Portneuf River. And there's no sulfur odor! Give yourself plenty of time to soak up the relaxing vibes at these incredible outdoor hot pools. Learn more about Lava Hot Springs by checking out our feature article!
3. Silver Creek Preserve
Mike Needham/Google
After getting our soak on at Lava Hot Springs, we'll head west to the delightfully unknown Silver Creek Preserve in Bellevue. Silver Creek is a stunning destination where nature lovers can immerse themselves in the peace and quiet of Idaho's natural landscape. Covering more than 10,000 acres, the preserve is considered a world-class fly fishing destination. In fact, it was a favored fishing spot among author Ernest Hemingway! It's heaven for anglers, but the abundant wildlife and myriad trails make visiting it a must for any outdoorsman. Silver Creek Preserve has so much magic to offer!
4. Black Magic Canyon
Gayle D/Tripadvisor
Next, we're headed north of Shoshone to find Black Magic Canyon, an unusual canyon that's as breathtaking as it is hidden. The result of thousands of years of erosion from the Big Wood River, the canyon is filled with bizarre, twisting lava rock formations. It looks like a scene from another world! Finding the canyon is no easy task (and you'll want to time it correctly when there isn't any water in the canyon), but we think you'll find that it's worth the extra hurdles. For more information on how to reach Black Magic Canyon, see our previous article.

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5. Box Canyon State Park
Chase Jablonski/Google
Did you know that Idaho is home to the 11th largest spring in North America? It's true! You can see it for yourself when you visit Box Canyon State Park near the town of Wendell. The park is just one unit of the larger Thousand Springs State Park, but it's by far one of the most impressive sights in the area. The spring is visible from above, but you can trek right down to the waters on a hiking trail. The spring's bright blue waters are mesmerizing! They're super cold, too, so feel free to take a dip on a hot summer day. Box Canyon's blue oasis should not be missed.
6. Three Island Crossing
Susan Bittick/Google
At this point in the road trip, we think it's time for a history lesson in an incredible setting. Three Island Crossing in Glenns Ferry provides just that. The park is located right along a scenic stretch of the Snake River and it's home to the Oregon Trail History and Education Center. Here, you can learn about the 19th-century Oregon Trail pioneers who made the perilous trek through this region all those years ago. Take the self-guided tour to view original wagon ruts from the pioneers' wagons! Three Island Crossing belongs on everyone's bucket list and it's one of the best Idaho hidden gems!
7. Pine Flat Hot Spring
Kris Westergard/Google
After getting your fix of Idaho history, it's time to relax in a beautiful hot spring that's located right along a river. Pine Flat Hot Spring is a hidden gem near Garden Valley. You can access the hot spring from Pine Flats Campground where you'll find a trail that leads straight down to the hot springs. It's just a brief hike before you reach the gorgeous little hot spring pools, complete with a cascading waterfall! Be sure to pack out what you pack in, and leave the hot spring even better than you found it. Get the details about Pine Flat Hot Spring and how to reach it in our previous article!
8. Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area.
David Taylor/Flickr
For the last leg of this epic road trip, we're headed north! Our first stop in North Idaho is the Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area. This remote grove of cedar trees is most definitely worth seeking out, as the trees are estimated to be up to 1,000 years old. The 240-acre grove is filled with humongous cedar trees, some of which are about 10 feet in diameter. There aren't many cedar groves this old left in the world, so seeking out this hidden gem is a must. Learn more about the Hobo Cedar Grove and get ready for a fun adventure!
9. Q'emiln Park
angel torres-carmona/Google
The city of Post Falls is next on the itinerary so we can hang out at Q'emiln Park. This big park sits smack dab in the middle of town and is especially renowned for its rock-climbing walls and numerous climbing routes. However, you don't have to be a climber to appreciate this park's serene beauty. Hiking trails, a swimming beach, a boat launch, picnic shelters, and so much more can be found in this lush oasis. Located right along the Spokane River, Q'emiln Park is a great place to get lost for the afternoon. Q'emiln Park has so much to offer.
10. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Adi/Google
For the very last stop on this statewide road trip, we're going to visit Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Located near Bonners Ferry, this 2,774-acre refuge provides diverse habitats for all types of wildlife like moose, elk, deer, bear, otter, bald eagles, and waterfowl. Exploring it will leave you in awe of its pure, scenic beauty! Take the 4.5-mile auto tour route to see the refuge from your car or explore one of the four hiking trails to see it on foot. The refuge is home to a waterfall, open-water ponds, marshes, creeks, and much more. Get a full rundown on this natural oasis in our article about Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Are you ready to take on this road trip? What are your favorite hidden gems of Idaho? Let us know what stop interests you most in the comments!

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More to Explore

hidden gems of Idaho

Elisa Regulski | May 23, 2022

What places in Idaho should I see before I die?

Whether you’re looking for hidden gems in Boise or well-known attractions in the rural areas, Idaho is full of charm. Not sure where to start exploring? To make things easier, we rounded up a list of the things you should add to your Idaho bucket list. First of all, you should visit Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park in Cataldo. This historic place was completed in 1853. Visiting it is like taking a step back in time! For another unique experience, visit Shoshone Falls. Some call this natural attraction the “Niagara Falls of Idaho,” and it’s easy to see why! Pack a picnic and enjoy the views all afternoon long.

What are the most thrilling attractions in Idaho?

If you’re looking for an adventure, you should go whitewater rafting in Idaho! One of our favorite places to raft is the Middle Fork of the Salmon River — also known as the River of No Return. You’ll feel your adrenaline rush when you weave through these rushing waters. For more fun, slide down the sand dunes at Bruneau Dunes State Park. You don’t even need a sled to enjoy the scenery — a thick piece of cardboard will work wonders. This exciting attraction will make you feel like a kid again!

What are the best free things to do in Idaho?

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg in order to enjoy some of the hidden gems in Idaho! This gorgeous state is home to numerous hot spring pools and many of them don’t cost a cent! Soak up the natural waters and enjoy the breathtaking scenery all around you. These hot springs will make you fall in love with Idaho all over again.

Hiking is another fun free activity! Check out our list of 14 magnificent Idaho hiking trails that belong on everyone’s bucket list!

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Featured Addresses
Upper Mesa Falls, Idaho 83420, USA
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA
Silver Creek Preserve, 165 Kilpatrick Bridge Rd, Bellevue, ID 83313, USA
Black Magic Canyon of Big Wood River, State Hwy 75, Shoshone, ID 83352, USA
Box Canyon State Park, W Point Rd, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
Three Island Crossing State Park, 1083 S Three Island Park Dr, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, USA
Pine Flat Hot Springs, Idaho 83637, USA
Hobo Cedar Grove, Idaho, USA
Q'emiln Park, 12201 W Parkway Dr, Post Falls, ID 83854, USA
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 287 West Side Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA