Find 7 Bucket-List-Level Views in Idaho Without Needing To Be an Expert Hiker

Idaho is home to dozens of trails, and many of these lead to spectacular landscapes that astound and inspire—these are views that make every step worth it. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert hiker to experience some of these bucket-list-level scenes. There are easy to moderate trails all across the state that are short and sweet and perfect for beginner hikers. In fact, the following are seven trails in Idaho that offer bucket-list-level views, and without a long, grueling journey.

1. Tubbs Hill

• Location: Coeur d’Alene
• Distance: 2 miles

Tubbs Hill is a popular loop trail that provides some of the most incredible views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. This trail is well-trafficked, flat for the first mile, and kid-friendly. You’ll enjoy views of the lake, walk along a beach, and find yourself exploring a pine tree forest. While gorgeous any time of the day and in all seasons, I particularly recommend tackling this trail at sunset. It’s breathtaking.

2. Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk Trail

• Location: Near Ashton
• Distance: 0.5 miles

The Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk Trail is one of our favorite waterfall hikes in Idaho. This trail is short and extremely easy as you’ll follow a boardwalk to some stunning lookouts near Upper Mesa Falls. This waterfall is quite a sight at an impressive 114 feet tall and approximately 300 feet wide. If you want more of a challenge, you can choose to tackle the longer Mesa Falls Nature Trail, which leads you to Lower Mesa Falls. Keep in mind that the road to the trailheads is closed in the winter months, but you can snowshoe or cross-country ski to the waterfalls, which I strongly recommend. The icy falls make for quite a remarkable sight.

3. Table Rock Trail

• Location: Boise
• Distance: 3.7 miles

The Table Rock Trail is one of the longer and more difficult hikes on our list, but it’s also where you can capture some of the best views of Treasure Valley. This trail has some inclines, which is one reason it is considered moderate in difficulty, but it also takes you through meadows, next to incredible rock formations, and to an overlook where you can see for miles. The trail is wide, easy to follow, and popular(especially early in the morning).

4. Fishhook Creek Trail

• Location: Near Redfish Lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area
• Distance: 4.5 miles

The Fishhook Creek Trail is the longest trail on our list, but it’s absolutely stunning and quite easy, which is why we couldn't leave it off. This out-and-back trail has a little bit of everything—lake, meadow, and forest views. But the thing I love the most about this hike is the breathtaking scenes of the Sawtooth Range. This is the type of trail that makes you fall completely in love with Idaho’s beauty. Just be aware that you are in avalanche territory if venturing in the winter, and you will need a permit to explore the Sawtooth Wilderness.

5. Myrtle Falls Trail

• Location: Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, near Bonners Ferry
• Distance: 0.8 miles

For an easy and beautiful family-friendly hike in northern Idaho, there’s nothing quite like the Myrtle Falls Trail. Your journey will be less than one mile, features a gorgeous bridge, and there's a spectacular waterfall finish. Summer is particularly beautiful when wildflowers line your path, and you can hear the creek flow happily nearby.  

6. Inferno Cone Viewpoint

• Location: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, near Carey
• Distance: 0.4 miles

The Inferno Cone Viewpoint Trail is one of my personal favorite hikes at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. This trail is short, at only 0.4 miles, but it features an incline the entire journey. However, don’t let the climb intimidate you—my children under the age of six have completed this trail without any issues. And once you reach the top, on clear days, you’ll be able to see for miles. Keep in mind that the road to reach this trail is closed in the winter months, and a fee is required to enter the national monument. I recommend visiting the National Park Service website before you plan your visit.

7. Creekside Towers Trail

• Location: City of Rocks National Reserve, near Almo
• Distance: 1.4 miles

City of Rocks National Reserve is a destination worthy of every outdoor lover’s bucket list. And if you want to enjoy the views that this area is so well known for, the Creekside Towers Trail is where you need to go. This loop trail is approximately 1.4 miles with some elevation gain, but it’s quite gradual, making the hike enjoyable. Along your way, you’ll not only capture distant views of mountains and forests, but the trail takes you up close to some of the most remarkable rock formations–this is one adventure you don’t want to miss.

Spectacular Idaho views are around every corner, and you don’t need to hike up tall mountains to enjoy many of them. What other easy trails in Idaho would you add to this list? Do you have a favorite hike that we need to check out? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. And if you are planning an upcoming adventure in Idaho, make sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to create an adventure you are sure to love.