Even for the most diehard outdoor enthusiasts, getting out on the trail during wintertime can be a challenging task. However, those who do muster up the courage to brave the winter elements are usually rewarded with amazing scenery and some unforgettable memories, because we happen to think Idaho is home to some of the best hikes in the country! It definitely helps that Idaho is home to a ton of great winter hiking trails. From short jaunts through the woods to breathtaking mountaintop adventures, we compiled a list of some cool and calming hikes to check out this season that just so happen to be some of the best hikes in Idaho. Make it your resolution to tackle some of these trails, which we think are some of the best hikes in Idaho, in the year ahead!

1. Blue Creek Trail, Coeur d'Alene
Blue Creek, Idaho 89832, USA
Daniel Mitchell/AllTrails
If you're on the hunt this winter for a brief jaunt that still offers plenty of gorgeous scenery, the Blue Creek Trail is a great choice. Leading you through the Wallace Forest Conservation Area, the trail's scenery is especially spectacular during wintertime. And at just 2.6-miles long, it's perfect for families and casual hikers.
2. Stargaze Point Trail via Beaver Creek Summit, Garden Valley
Beaver Creek Summit, Idaho 83637, USA
Steve Oswald/AllTrails
At 2.9-miles long, the Stargaze Point Trail is a popular snowshoeing destination in the Boise National Forest. You'll start at the Beaver Creek parking lot and hike along a well-marked trail to Stargaze Point, which sits at a breathtaking elevation of 6,682-feet. This trail is rated as moderate with an elevation gain of 800-feet, but the view is worth it!
3. Fourth of July Summit Loop, Cataldo
Fourth of July Summit, Idaho 83814, USA
Michelle Cornelsen/AllTrails
As one of the most beloved snowshoeing destinations in the state, this area is packed with an expansive network of groomed trails that are well-maintained throughout the winter season. The trek to Fourth of July Summit is particularly mesmerizing, leading you deep into the snowy wooded landscape on the 5.1-mile trail.
4. Payette Lake Peninsula Trail, McCall
Payette Lake, Idaho 83638, USA
Mike Deeter/AllTrails
Payette Lake is a real beauty during the wintertime and this short and sweet trail is perfect for experiencing it. At four miles long, the trail starts at the Activity Center parking lot before leading you along the western side of the peninsula. Just keep in mind that the park and this trail are open to snowshoers and skiers only during the winter season.

Related Stories

This Short And Easy Hiking Trail Will Take You To One Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Idaho

This Short And Easy Hiking Trail Will Take You To One Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Idaho

 History Is Hiding At The End Of This 0.3-Mile Trail That Takes You To A Lesser-Known Historical Site In Idaho

History Is Hiding At The End Of This 0.3-Mile Trail That Takes You To A Lesser-Known Historical Site In Idaho

 With Bridges, Lakes, And Mountains, The Norton Lakes Trail In Idaho Is Almost Too Good To Be True

With Bridges, Lakes, And Mountains, The Norton Lakes Trail In Idaho Is Almost Too Good To Be True
5. West Highland Valley Trail, Boise
#11 West Highland Valley Trail (Dog On Leash), Idaho 83716, USA
Steve Oswald/AllTrails
Winter is prime time for exploring the foothills just outside of Boise, Idaho. Whereas the lack of shade can make a hike through the foothills unbearable during the summer, winter boasts incredible scenery for as far as the eye can see. The West Highland Valley Trail is 5.7-miles long and rated as moderate due to the elevation gain of 1,423-feet.
6. Crooked River Trail, Idaho City
Lower Crooked River Trailhead, NF-327, Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Tejas Shetty/AllTrails
If you're looking for something more remote, then the Crooked River Trail won't disappoint. This 7-mile out-and-back trail perfectly highlights the quiet tranquility of the Boise National Forest during wintertime. By far one of the best things about the trail is seeing the river completely frozen over!
7. Snowshoe Hare Loop, Boise
Boise National Forest, Idaho 83637, USA
Steve Oswald/AllTrails
Another great snowshoeing spot, the Snowshoe Hare Loop was once an old logging road but is now a treasured hiking spot that boasts an excellent snowy landscape. With little elevation gain and at only three miles long, it makes for a great trail to tackle on any winter day.
8. Upper Falls Community Forest, Post Falls
Post Falls, ID 83854, USA
Andy Mitchell/AllTrails
A trail doesn't have to be super long and difficult in order to pack a punch, as the Upper Falls Community Forest Trail has certainly proven. This brief 3.3-mile trail boasts terrific scenery from beginning to end, eventually leading you to a wonderful view of the Spokane River.

What do you think? What’s your favorite winter hiking trail in Idaho? Let us know in the comments. If you’re looking for more of the best hikes in Idaho, check out list of 10 Picturesque Trails In Idaho That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking.

And if you’re wondering what to pack for your winter adventures in Idaho, be sure to bookmark our ultimate travel guide!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Hikes In Idaho

SKS | April 21, 2022

What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Idaho?

Idaho is a state overflowing with class A hikes to rivers, waterfalls, and stunning mountains. While some of these hikes require you to be an advanced hiker, there are plenty of amazing hikes located throughout the state hikers and kids of all abilities! If you are looking for some of the best kid-friendly hikes to go with your family around Idaho, here are some of our favorites.

Fishhook Creek

Fishook Creek is a perfect family hike found near Lowman, Idaho. Clocking in at just 2.5 miles, this hike has minimal elevation gain and is perfect for hikers of all ages! This hike will bring you around creeks, through pine tree forests, and meadows, all while giving you a breathtaking view of the Sawtooth Mountains. This hike will lead you to The Beaver Ponds, where you can explore the surrounding meadows and if you are lucky, see the beavers working on their dam! Located just off of Highway 75 and Redfish Lake Road with plenty of room in the parking space, Fishook Creek is one of the best kid-friendly hikes in the entire state!

Shadow and Fern Falls

If you are looking for a kid-friendly waterfall hike, Shadow and Fern Falls is the perfect hike for you! Found in Shoshone County, home to the massive Shoshone Falls, Shadow and Fern Falls are much smaller waterfalls, but you won’t be disappointed! This hike is more like a short walk, but it is perfect to escape outside for some fresh air during the day. The walk to Fern Falls is only a ¼ mile from the parking lot, and only has about 200 feet of elevation, which means that you will get to see these waterfall hikes even if you only have time to pop over during your lunch break!

Related Articles

Explore Idaho