It’s Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In Idaho
It’s a phenomenon you have to see to believe.
Idaho is downright gorgeous in the spring, and this winter’s intense weather is causing the landscape to explode with some fabulously colorful rewards just in time for spring—and there are plenty of places you’ll want to explore. While our fabulous wildflower displays are often overlooked by out-of-staters, natives and locals alike know the vibrant beauty that our mountainsides and meadows hold! True pinks, purples, blues, yellows…nearly every color of the rainbow makes its appearance in awe-inspiring displays that range from simple, tiny blossoms to entire fields of bouquet-worthy blooms.
The US Forest Service lists over a dozen known wildflower havens, some of which we’ve compiled here for the ultimate spring adventure and photo session – with a few local tips thrown in. Of course, we suggest you bring a wildflower guidebook as there are more varieties than you can imagine! And, in honor of National Wildflower Week, now is the perfect time to make the trip. Here’s a Google Map to get you started!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
A hidden gem to those outside of Southeast Idaho, Bloomington Lake is an absolute treasure whose most recognizable feature is a sheer north-facing headwall. Two incredibly rare plants are found here in abundance, nurtured by the lake's waters and shade trees: Rydberg's Musineon and Green Spleenwort. Uniquely, many of the flowers and vegetation found here aren't found in Southeast Idaho at all - they're found in alpine regions nearly 2,000 feet higher in elevation. But this strange phenomenon also makes the area incredibly diverse.
The breathtaking Centennial Marsh in spring is a bucket-list must see for every Idahoan. Every year between May and June, a 3,100-acre sea of purple-blue Camas Lillies is awakened and fed by the overflowing of Camas Creek. As the landscape transforms into a marshy, vibrant snapshot of these sublime flowers, the dipping of waterfowl and music of songbirds only adds an extra bit of magic to the scene.
While photographers and wildflower enthusiasts alike have perhaps heard of Centennial Marsh, the foothills surrounding Fairfield and Soldier Mountain are just as ravishing in their golden, sunny hues.
Just a few miles north of McCall, Bear Basin offers wildflower viewing with a wow-worthy backdrop. The sub alpine meadow is comes alive with colorful, flowering plants in an array of blues, pinks, yellows and whites. June and early July provide visitors the best opportunities for wildflower viewing, especially Mule’s Ears, Camas, Mountain Shooting Star, and more. The drive takes you straight through the middle of the meadow, which is lined with firs and other conifers.
A panoramic view of Central Idaho and Scarlet Gilia, Larkspur, and Lupine form a spectacular scene along the Continental Divide Ridge. Rocky-growing wildflowers add color to an already magnificent vista view high in the mountains.
Pictured: Scarlet Gilia
6. Keg Springs, Island Park
Joel Holland
In winter, Keg Springs is known as one of the snowiest parts of Island Park, which in turn is the snowiest city in the entire state. But spring dramatically transforms this idyllic meadow into a kaleidoscope of color. The Keg Springs road begins at about 6,600 feet in elevation and ends on the continental divide between Idaho and Montana at about 9,000 feet. A two-mile hike can also be taken along the continental divide trail to Blair Lake in Montana. The best time to access this area for wildflower viewing is mid-July though early August.
A part of the Bogus Basin State Park system, Mores Mountain is a favorite local getaway for good reason. But come spring, the colorful views here only add to the panoramic views of the Boise valley.
The road up Sawtell Mountain provides an opportunity for many people to enjoy a drive up from valley sagebrush meadows to an alpine peak with a view of the Island Park caldera, Island Park Reservoir, and Henrys Lake. The peak is dominated by cushion plants, but the best wildflower viewing throughout the growing season tends to be the subalpine meadows along the way that are full of showy, flowering forbs. July and August provide visitors the best opportunities for wildflower viewing, including Sunflowers, Indian Paintbrushes, and more.
The rocky, volcanic landscape of South-Central Idaho isn't ordinarily thought of as a dazzling landscape of color; grey and black rides, tuffs, and cones are the primary colors in this eerie plain. But take a closer look and you might just be surprised! Craters of the Moon NPS offers multiple wildflower walks during the spring for good reason: itty bitty desert blossoms and hardy, weedy blooms combine with the green of spring to transform the landscape into something quite lovely.
Talk about a beautiful journey! Any one of these trails or locations would make a spectacular place to visit on its own, or, create your own road trip using our map as a starting point – just be sure to share your photos with us!
