These Idaho Craters Are The Coolest Thing You’ll Ever See For Free

One of the most underrated areas in the state is a destination you'll definitely want to make an effort to visit. Few people realize these Idaho craters even exist, not to mention that you can actually see them for yourself -- for free! We won't lie, seeing the legendary crater rings in Idaho is no easy feat. Located in the middle of nowhere, these craters take time and effort to find. However, you'll find that the extra work is totally worth it. Plan an adventure to see this stunning natural attraction for yourself and prepare to see one of Idaho's most spectacularly unknown sights.

The best thing about living in Idaho is checking out all of the natural wonders our state contains. Not only are they absolutely spectacular, but seeing them is an activity that's completely free of charge! Crater Rings near Mountain Home is no exception.

Known as one of the few examples of volcanic craters in the continental United States, these symmetrical craters can be found approximately eight miles northwest of Mountain Home. It's definitely the middle of nowhere, but that somehow makes this destination even more magical.

Known simply as Crater Rings, this little-known destination was actually designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. The site itself is owned by the Bureau of Land Management and is considered part of the beautiful Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA.

Seeing the craters with your own eyes is definitely a unique experience. First of all, each crater looks absolutely humongous. The eastern crater is about 3,000-feet across and 350-feet deep, whereas the western crater is about 2,500-feet across and 300-feet deep.

Experts aren't positive how the craters were formed, but they do know that it was caused by volcanic activity. The most widely-believed explanation for them is that they were once lava lakes similar to the famous Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in Hawaii.

The craters are situated right at the summit of a broad shield volcano—a type of volcano comprised mostly of fluid lava flows and which resembles a low shield-shaped dome. The volcano is believed to be the youngest in the Mountain Home area at less than 2 million years old.

This otherworldly landscape may not be super well-known, but it's a sight that never fails to evoke a sense of awe. Seeing them firsthand, you may just forget you're in Idaho of all places!

Directions: From the Mountain Home exit on I-84, turn left on American Legion Boulevard. You'll follow this road through Mountain Home before turning right on N. 2nd St. E. Keep driving for 3.5 miles before turning left on Ditto Creek Road. Follow this road for around 5 miles before turning left onto Cinder Butte Road. From here, you should reach the base of the shield volcano after approximately two miles.

What do you think? Will you be planning an adventure to see these Idaho crater rings for yourself? Check out more of Idaho's most spectacular landscapes and read up on The 7 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Idaho.