8 Underrated Idaho Towns That Deserve A Second Look

The small rural community of Weiser is located in southwestern Idaho. This is the type of town that first comes to mind when you think of what a charming small town looks like. Home just 5,507 people, this is a community that is proud of its history. The town contains many historic buildings that have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places including the Galloway House and the Union Pacific Train Depot. Their big "claim to fame" is the National Oldtime Fiddle Contest and Festival which takes place in Weiser every year.

Located near the Idaho/Wyoming border and outside the bustling city of Jackson is the quaint town of Victor. Home to just around 1,800 individuals, Victor is often referred to as a "sportsmen's paradise". That's because the town is in such close proximity to the Targhee National Forest and the illustrious Teton Mountain Range. Visitors of the town are often surprised about the incredible beauty surrounding the place from all sides.

This hidden gem of a town is nestled away in the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains. Kellogg is part of the Silver Valley which is an area rich with mining history. This place doesn't get as much publicity as the nearby town of Wallace (aka The Center of the Universe), but it's well worthy. Here you can immerse yourself in the historic attractions of Kellogg's old mining days, play at the Silver Mountain resort, or hop on the nearby Route of the Hiawatha which is considered one of the most epic hiking and biking trails in Idaho.

Cascade, Idaho takes the backseat to other more prominent recreation towns like McCall or Stanley. However, it should definitely be on your list if you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast. There's always something to do here no matter what time of year it is. Lake Cascade provides a myriad of adventures including boating, swimming, fishing, and camping. Hiking trails are abundant along with winter time activities like skiing, snowmobiling, hot springs, and more.

Few people know about Elk River, and frankly that's probably because it's located in the middle of nowhere. This small town of just 125 people is surrounded by miles upon miles of pristine Idaho wilderness. It's a true reflections of the rugged and unpretentious side of our state. If you're looking for sweet solitude, this is as close as you're going to get. Elk River also boasts a plethora of recreational activities and natural attractions including the simply magical Elk Creek Falls.

This place definitely doesn't get the recognition it truly deserves since it's located right next to the much more prominent and well-known city of Sandpoint. This small, tight-knit community acts as a gateway to some truly impressive natural areas around Lake Pend Oreille. It's hard not to fall in love with the tree-lined roads and the gorgeous scenery.

Pocatello isn't a small town by any means. In fact, it's one of the most populous areas in Idaho with a population of 54,746 people. However, Poky is often left out of the conversation when it comes to Idaho attractions. It's hard to figure why this is since there are so many things to do and see around this wonderful city. Pocatello is home to many interesting museums (including the famously weird Museum of Clean), all the typical outdoor activities (definitely check out the Portneuf Greenway, an extensive trail system that takes you all over town), and lots of entertainment.

Orofino is a beautiful town located located along the banks of the Clearwater River. With a small population of 3,142 people, this isn't exactly a popular vacation destination. However, Orofino definitely has plenty to offer. This lovely community features attractions like the Dworshak Reservoir. The reservoir is a massive 19,000-acre water playground where visitors can boat, hike, camp, fish, and hunt to their heart's content.