11 Staggeringly Beautiful Places In Idaho That Will Always Be Waiting For You
By Courtnie Erickson|Published October 04, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Idaho’s beauty never ceases to amaze us. With its majestic mountains, thick forests, blue lakes, and desert areas, it is no surprise that Idaho is one of the most picturesque places in the country. While you may not be able to visit every area of the Gem State as often as you’d like, it doesn’t mean you will forever miss out on its splendor. In fact, here are just 11 of the most beautiful places in Idaho that will always be waiting for you.
1. Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park, 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
Located in southwestern Idaho, Bruneau Dunes State Park not only features gorgeous, sandy landscapes, but it is also home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America! Hike or sandboard to explore this area of the state — it’s an adventure you don’t want to miss.
Redfish Lake is part of the beautiful Sawtooth area. The water in this lake is clear and clean, adding to its beauty. In the summer, this Idaho lake comes alive with recreational opportunities and definitely deserves a spot on every Idahoan’s bucket list.
Shoshone Falls is one of Idaho’s most well-known waterfalls. Often referred to as the Niagara of the West, this impressive waterfall is 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide — larger than the actual Niagara Falls back East.
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4. City of Rocks National Reserve
City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo, ID 83312, USA
The City of Rocks, also known as the Silent City of Rocks, is an outdoor lover’s paradise. This 14,500-acre reserve is home to incredible rock formations, spires, pyramids, domes, towers, and more. There are hikes to tackle and this area offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Idaho.
There are many large and beautiful lakes in Idaho but Lake Coeur d’Alene is one that is stunning from every angle. This is the second largest lake in northern Idaho and it has more than 100 miles of shoreline. For some beautiful views of the lake, you can drive the nearby scenic byway or stop at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.
Ritter Island is just one of the six units that make up Thousand Springs State Park. This area is home to some of the last natural springs in the Thousand Springs complex. Ritter Island’s natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring.
7. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho, USA
Craters of the Moon is one of the most unique and unusual landscapes in all of Idaho. Here, you can explore incredible fields of hardened lava flow, cinder cones, and sagebrush. This is one area in Idaho that is truly hard to forget.
Palisades Reservoir is one of the most popular reservoirs in the state, and for good reason. This reservoir features beautiful blue water and up to 70 miles of shoreline that is just waiting to be enjoyed.
The Palouse’s gently rolling hills are beautiful all year long. However, we are particularly fond of this area during the fall when you see rolling hills of gold. It’s breathtaking!
Why, yes, the Teton Mountains are technically located in Wyoming but here in Idaho, we still get to admire their beauty and grandeur. The image above was captured on a dirt road in Driggs, Idaho, at sunrise. Pretty incredible view, right?
The Saddleback Lakes are a series of small alpine lakes tucked away in the Sawtooth Mountains. While there is a strenuous hike to reach these lakes, the journey is worth the payoff. This image shows Elephant’s Perch, formerly known as Saddleback Peak, near one of the lakes.
While we know there are so many beautiful places to visit in Idaho, this list is just the beginning. What do you think are the most beautiful areas in Idaho? If you could visit any part of Idaho right now, where would it be? Let us know in the comments!
While the beautiful places all around Idaho deserve your attention, so do many of its small towns. Check out our list of the most beautiful, charming, and idyllic small towns in Idaho. Did your favorite make the list?
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