Posted in Idaho Summer May 05, 2023 by

The 5 Best Places To Go Huckleberry Picking In Idaho This Summer

Potatoes? Sure, we know the Gem State is known for the starchy vegetable. But for many individuals, it’s all about the huckleberry and huckleberry season in Idaho! The huckleberry was officially named the state fruit in 2010 … and is it any wonder why? We love huckleberries and all things containing them. However, the best part about enjoying this delicious berry is the adventure of finding it. It’s notoriously difficult to cultivate huckleberries commercially on farms. The main method of obtaining them is going out and picking them in the wild — the old-fashioned way.

Since huckleberries thrive at higher elevations, going into the mountains is an absolute must. But when are huckleberries in season, anyway? Huckleberry season in Idaho usually begins in mid-June and goes through August. Obviously, this can vary based on temperature, precipitation, and other factors. Many Idahoans are pretty tight-lipped about their favorite huckleberry-picking spots. After all, it’s tough not to be greedy about these juicy fruits! This list contains some good places for you to start huckleberry picking in Idaho.

1. Coeur d'Alene National Forest
Laytae Spry/Google Local
Finding a huckleberry patch can be fairly challenging. However, once you do find the patch, the fruits themselves tend to be quite abundant.
George Wesley and Bonita Dannells/Flickr
The Coeur d'Alene mountains are especially known for their great quantity of huckleberries in Idaho. Most people's strategy is to pick a hiking trail, like the lengthy Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, and follow it until you spot a berry bush!
2. Priest Lake
Stan Peterson/Flickr
When it comes to berry picking, it doesn't get much better than Northern Idaho. Priest Lake is one of our favorite towns to visit in the summer in Idaho.
Priest Lake, Idaho, USA
westerndave/Flickr
This is such a great excursion, particularly if you're looking to camp overnight. It's not hard to find a treasure trove of huckleberry bushes here. There's plenty for everyone!
3. Ponderosa State Park
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Just outside of McCall, Ponderosa State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Idaho. Does anything sound better than spending the day in a beautiful forest scavenging for berries? We think not.
Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID 83638, USA
4. Teton Valley
westerndave/Flickr
The Teton Valley is located on the western slope of the Teton Mountains. This is a spectacularly beautiful region.
Teton Scenic Byway, 6535 ID-33, Tetonia, ID 83452, USA
westerndave/Flickr
Seasoned berry pickers know that if you can sniff a sweet tartness in the air, berries are nearby. So follow your nose to the prize!
5. Huckleberry Creek, Sawtooth Mountains
Ron Sipherd/Flickr
The aptly-named Huckleberry Creek is a great spot for huckleberry picking. Its remote location ensures a certain amount of solitude while you're out searching for berries. However, human Idahoans aren't the only lovers of huckleberries. This is a spot you'll want to watch out for bears at!
Huckleberry Creek, Idaho, USA

Have you been huckleberry picking during huckleberry season in Idaho? Feel comfortable sharing your favorite spot? What do you do with the berries you pick? Tell us in the comments!

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Berry Picking In Idaho

April 27, 2022
Lisa Sammons

When are huckleberries in season in Idaho?

Huckleberries tend to peak in mid to late summer. They don't grow well commercially, so your best bet is to find them in the wild. They're at their best in early August.

Where can I go berry picking in Idaho?

You can go berry picking in Idaho at the following places:

  • The Berry Ranch in Nampa is one of the best places in the Gem State to go for tasty fresh strawberries and you can even pick them yourself.
  • Berry Blossom Farm in Rathdrum offers strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry picking.

 

What are some U-pick farms in Idaho?

Here are some U-pick farms in Idaho:

  • Canyon Orchard grows all kinds of tasty goodies including peaches and cherries. The U-pick season varies depending on the weather, so make sure to check their website for current details.
  • Williams Fruit Ranch in Emmett is where visitors can pick cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, and apples.