Heyburn State Park Is an Underrated Idaho State Park That Will Impress You This Fall

Idaho’s state parks draw in thousands of visitors every single year. However, many of these parks see their largest crowds during the summer months and for good reason—the outdoor activities and the warm weather make this a great time for adventure. But there is one state park that we feel truly shines during the autumn. This is a park that is often overlooked by nearby natural features but is one that will surely impress you this fall. It is Heyburn State Park in northern Idaho.

Many visitors to northern Idaho (myself included) head straight to destinations like Lake Coeur d’Alene or Lake Pend Oreille. While there are many things to love about these destinations, particularly in the fall, Heyburn State Park is an underrated area that you’ll want to make sure is on your itinerary.

This Idaho state park is located in the small town of Plummer and features more than 5,700 acres of land and 2,300 acres of water. It was established in 1908 and is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest.

I find this park is a little slice of heaven during autumn. It is filled with forests featuring ponderosa pines and trees that transform with fall's palette, adding pops of color to the landscape. There are also three lakes you can enjoy here—Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden Lakes—as well as the St. Joe River. While the autumn months may be a little too chilly for swimming, it’s still a terrific time for fishing, paddling, birdwatching, or observing larger wildlife.

Yes, the water opportunities are plentiful at Heyburn State Park, but there’s nothing quite like lacing up your hiking boots and surrounding yourself with the fall foliage on a hike. This Idaho state park has miles of hiking trails just waiting to be explored. Some of these trails are long and a bit challenging, while others are perfect for a family adventure.

The Lakeshore Trail is one of the easier nature trails in the park. This out-and-back hike is less than two miles and quite flat. This is a trail where you can enjoy some of the breathtaking scenes that this park is known for, and it’s also a great place to view wildlife like moose in the water.

If you are looking for a hike that’s a bit more challenging, the Shoeffler Butte Loop is one to consider. This is also a great trail to view fall foliage. Just be prepared for inclines as you will climb more than 600 feet in elevation.

If you love to ride your bike, make sure to spend an afternoon riding along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, which runs right through this park. In total, this paved trail is 73 miles and takes riders between Mullan and Plummer. You can access this trail in Heyburn State Park, and I recommend you explore as much as you are willing and have time. It's a fabulous activity for a quiet autumn day.

And, of course, you'll want to ride over the 3,100-foot Chatcolet Bridge, which crosses the southern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene and meets Lake Chatcolet and the St. Joe River. This bridge is part of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes and was once used by the Union Pacific Railroad. It is one of our favorite places to enjoy the lake and fall foliage views.

There are some incredible day trip destinations in northern Idaho, but I particularly love Heyburn State Park. This underrated park is beautiful any time of the year, but there’s something magical about a visit in autumn. If you are looking for even more Idaho state parks to visit in fall, check out a few of our favorites.

Don’t forget to plan your own trip to Idaho’s panhandle with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.