Explore Idaho’s Palouse At This Underrated State Park
By Courtnie Erickson|Published July 13, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
If you have been to northern Idaho, you have hopefully driven through the Palouse. This is one area of the state that is unique and should be on every bucket list. While you can always visit towns like Moscow to admire the beauty of the Palouse Region, one way to really explore this area is at Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park, better known as McCroskey State Park. This underrated state park in Idaho features a scenic drive through a dense forest, beautiful views of the Palouse prairie, and hiking trails that will make you fall in love with this part of the Gem State.
McCroskey State Park is a unique — and unforgettable — way to explore the Palouse Region. You’ll find this state park off of Highway 95, approximately 25 miles north of Moscow.
Many Idahoans have never been to McCroskey State Park or even heard of it. But this is one of the largest state parks in the state and it is also the second oldest state park in Idaho.
Virgil T. McCroskey, a local conservationist, worked hard to make this land and area attractive to tourists by building picnic areas, planting flowers, establishing a road, and even creating gorgeous overlooks. While the legislature was worried about the success of this state park and whether it would make enough revenue to justify it, McCroskey agreed to maintain this state park with his own money for 15 years (he was in his 70s at the time). McCroskey fulfilled his promise by maintaining the park for 15 years and died just a few weeks after his commitment was complete.
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When you visit McCroskey State Park, you’ll have 5,000 acres to explore. Most people venture to this state park for its hiking trails. There are nearly a dozen interconnecting trails within the park, each offering different lengths and difficulty levels.
The Mary Minerva McCroskey Memorial State Park Loop Trail is one hike that offers a little bit of everything. This 4-mile loop trail takes you through forested areas and to overlooks with the most beautiful views of the Palouse. Don’t be surprised if you run into various wildlife on this trail, including deer and moose, and keep your eyes out for mountain bikers who frequent this trail as well.
Skyline Drive is an 18-mile dirt road that can be quite rough in areas. You will want a high clearance vehicle to make this drive.
However, this road will take you through spectacular dense forests and tunnels of trees. You’ll also come across some stunning views of the Palouse. Make sure you stop and admire the beauty — nowhere else in Idaho will you capture similar views!
Make sure to bring a picnic lunch and spend the day at this state park. You will find four picnic areas around the park, perfect for a short break in between all of your adventures.
And if you want to stay for a few days and explore this state park, the Palouse Region, and the charming nearby small towns, there are three primitive camping areas scattered around this park as well, perfecting for setting up a "home base" for all of your upcoming adventures.
For information on this state park, including current updates, closures, and more, visit Idaho’s State Parks website and make sure to follow its Facebook page as well.
Have you been to McCroskey State Park? If so, what did you do during your visit? Let us know in the comments!
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