While spring in Idaho often means steadily increasing temperatures, rising rivers, and a bounty of wildflowers, there’s no denying that the return of colorful blooming flowers and the return of lush greenery is a welcome sight after winter. There’s no better time to start exploring or getting your hiking boots broken in for summer!
While the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh in Fairfield gets an abundance of attention around this time of year for its vibrant purple lilies, and our glorious mountains and foothills are adorned with rainbows of wildflowers, one overlooked region is a sunny sea of particularly beautiful blooms this time of year: North Central Idaho. Here, you’ll find a never-ending ocean of golden flowers stretching and rolling as far as the eye can see – and it’s as lovely as can be!
The colors and textures of this photogenic region of rolling hills and wheat fields are as varied and unexpected as the wild weather is.
Alejandro Rdguez/Flickr
Idaho's Palouse is much smaller than the Washington landscape that rolls down into our slice of paradise. And while Moscow is particularly known for its incredible colors in the fall, the surrounding Camas Prairie region and its rural communities form a sight that is just as spectacular - especially during spring.
John Florence/Flickr
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In this farming oasis, every rise and fall of the landscape changes colors, depending on what local farmers plant.
Even more magnificent is that the colors change throughout the season and are never the same twice! It's a spectacular place for photographers and countryside lovers alike; simple, but captivating.
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But while every season offers colorful rewards in both the Palouse and Camas Prairie, spring and early summer brings an ocean of striking, bright yellow canola, mustard, and wild grasses that form an incredible contrast to Idaho's ever-changing skies..
Neil Williamson/Flickr
Keep in mind that the southern and far western Palouse progress through the farming seasons earlier than the central region, with the northeast usually progressing the latest.
Fortunately for locals, the picture-perfect blossoms are positively enchanting to see in person! You'll also find a mix of varieties, giving depth and texture to the sweet corn-colored fields.
Maria Eklind/Flickr
Add in a moody spring sky, and the Canola is especially breathtaking.
Hundreds of years ago, Canola Oil was used to light lamps. Today, the cooking oil is generally a household staple, oftentimes grown right here in the Gem State -although few people realize it.
You might also hear the rich, golden plants called "rapeseed," the Idaho variety of which typically has more buds than the Oregon variety (Brassica napus and Brassica campestris). The name comes from the Latin word, "rapum," which means turnip. Just a little history to go with the beautiful sight!
Some back road driving is needed to check out the lovely farm country landscapes, making this a perfect daytrip.
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While the vast majority of the fields are intentionally planted, rotating crops over the years means you might just find an unexpected pop of color in an otherwise green meadow.
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Talk about a picture-perfect Sunday drive!
Our favorite spots? Off Highway 95 between Grangeville and Culdesac, and tucked away near Cottonwood.
Scott Thoms/Flickr
All the way up to Lewiston, you'll find fields of this harvestable crop dotting the landscape. Just take a few detours and enjoy the sights!
Check out the Google Map here for the main road. There are no rules - just explore the rural countryside to your heart's content! You'll fall in love with this overlooked floral wonderland.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, memorable activity to do this season, this luscious rural phenomenon is all you’ve ever needed. If you’ve ever visited the Palouse – during the Canola blooms or any other magical season – we’d love to see your photos!
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