Posted in Idaho Nature, Seasonal April 22, 2022 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 in 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. 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
Coeur d'Alene National Forest, Coeur D'Alene National Forest, Idaho, USA
D. Taylor in Idaho/Flickr
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. 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
Priest Lake, Idaho, USA
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.
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
Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID 83638, USA
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.
4. Teton Valley
Teton Scenic Byway, 6535 ID-33, Tetonia, ID 83452, USA
westerndave/Flickr
The Teton Valley is located on the western slope of the Teton Mountains. This is a spectacularly beautiful region.
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
Huckleberry Creek, Idaho, USA
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.
D. Taylor in Idaho/Flickr
However, human Idahoans aren't the only lovers of huckleberries. This is a spot you'll want to watch out for bears at!

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

Address: Teton Scenic Byway, 6535 ID-33, Tetonia, ID 83452, USA
Address: Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID 83638, USA
Address: Priest Lake, Idaho, USA
Address: Coeur d'Alene National Forest, Coeur D'Alene National Forest, Idaho, USA
Address: Huckleberry Creek, Idaho, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Berry Picking In Idaho

April 27, 2022
Lisa Sammons

When is huckleberry season in Idaho?

Huckleberries tend to peak 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 won’t want to miss Berry Ranch in Nampa. It’s one of the best places in the Gem State to go for tasty fresh strawberries and you can even pick them yourself.

What are some u-pick farms in Idaho?

We love Canyon Orchard! They grow 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.

Address: Teton Scenic Byway, 6535 ID-33, Tetonia, ID 83452, USA
Address: Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID 83638, USA
Address: Priest Lake, Idaho, USA
Address: Coeur d'Alene National Forest, Coeur D'Alene National Forest, Idaho, USA
Address: Huckleberry Creek, Idaho, USA