6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Idaho for a Spring Hike

If you are like me, the first sign of warmer weather has me itching to get outside. Fortunately, with countless nature trails in Idaho featuring roaring waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and beautiful scenery, there’s no better place to spend a spring day. Throughout the state, there are beautiful places to explore, where colorful blooms seem to greet you with a smile and birds sing hello high up in the trees. I have put together a list featuring six picture-perfect spring hikes in Idaho. While each one is a little different, each trail provides the perfect outdoor escape after a dreary winter in the Gem State.

1. Viewski Loop, Sandpoint

The Viewski Loop Trail is one of our favorite places to hike in northern Idaho. This trail is easy to access as it starts off Schweitzer Mountain Road near Sandpoint. This loop trail is just under 1.5 miles, and checks off every box—dense forests, lake views, small waterfalls, and easy terrain. In late spring and early summer, this is one of our favorite places to see wildflowers in Idaho’s panhandle, and when you combine the bright blooms with the other scenery on this trail, you will have one stunning show.

2. Goose Creek Falls, Payette National Forest north of McCall

Goose Creek Falls is a popular springtime hike in Idaho and for good reason—it’s scenic, shady, and features many gems. The Goose Creek Falls Trail is approximately three miles and has a bit of a climb, making it more challenging than other hikes on our list. However, you will get to walk through towering trees and enjoy wildflowers that line your path in late spring and early summer. There are bridges to cross, and the waterfall that roars in the spring months is the perfect finish.

3. Fox Creek Trail, Ketchum

The Fox Creek Trail near Ketchum is not only easy to access (the trailhead is just north of Ketchum, right off Highway 75), but the wildflowers that cover the meadows and line the trail will make you want to slow down and admire the views. Come prepared as you will climb more than 750 feet in elevation, but you’ll find plenty of places to rest and lots of shade to make your journey a little easier. Plus, the gorgeous scenery, including bridges, the Big Wood River, and mountains, makes this one of the best places to hike in Idaho.

4. Taylor Canyon Loop, Ketchum

Not far from the Fox Creek Trail is the Taylor Canyon Loop Trail, one of my favorite spring hikes in Idaho, and one I could not leave off this list. This is a loop trail that is just over four miles and features many switchbacks that will certainly challenge you. In fact, you will gain more than 1,200 feet in elevation on this journey. However, you’ll trek through pine forests and aspen groves. You’ll come to gorgeous overlooks of the mountains and the nearby valley. Time your venture just right and your trail will be lined with colorful wildflowers, and the hills and valleys will be seas of color as you spot yellow, pink, purple, and white blooms around every turn.

5. Lower Cedar Creek Falls, near Mackay

The Lower Cedar Creek Falls Trail is the definition of a hidden gem nestled in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This hike isn’t as well-known, and its remote location means it is much easier to experience a quiet day outdoors. This out-and-back trail is approximately three miles, but it’s easy to follow and weaves you through areas with rugged mountain backdrops, thick greenery, blooms of all colors and shapes, and a large waterfall that’s nestled into a cliff wall and comes to life when the warmer weather makes its appearance.

6. Trails at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

One of the most unique places for a spring hike, especially if you want to view an incredible wildflower display, is at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Each spring, all kinds of bright wildflowers grow in the harsh landscape and put on a spectacular show. And while you can always drive the Loop Road to capture some wildflower views, you can get up close to these colorful blooms by tackling one of the many scenic trails at Craters of the Moon, including the Tree Molds Trail and my personal favorite, the easy Devils Orchard Trail. Plus, the cooler weather during the spring months makes hiking these areas much more enjoyable.

Spring is a wonderful time to get outdoors, and you can celebrate the arrival of warmer weather by discovering some of the best hiking trails in Idaho. All you need is a good pair of hiking shoes, a little bit of water, and a sense of adventure.