Idaho’s a pretty dang big state, and odds are you probably haven’t explored all of it yet. In fact, discovering new places is what the Idaho experience is all about, and there are plenty of awesome spots waiting to be uncovered. McCroskey State Park is one of them. Despite the fact that it’s an official state park, this destination remains delightfully underrated. You won’t run into many crowds at this hidden gem park, so pack your bags and get ready to check this place out.
McCroskey State Park (officially Mary M. McCroskey State Park) is a wonderland of recreational activities and picturesque vistas. It's located in the Palouse region of Idaho, near the town of Potlatch.
The park consists of 5,300-acres right along the Idaho-Washington border. It acts as a transitional zone between two very different landscapes: the Palouse's smooth-rolling hills to the east, and the dense forest of the Rocky Mountains to the west.
The park also has a unique history behind its formation. The land originally belonged to a local conservationist named Virgil T. McCroskey, who made the area attractive to visitors by building scenic overlooks, roads, and picnic areas. He gave the land to the state in 1955 and named the park in honor of his mother Mary.
There are lots of ways to explore this picture-perfect setting, including 32 miles of open trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A 23-mile loop trail makes for a moderate adventure up Mineral Mountain and around the park.
However, the park's main attraction is a narrow, unpaved road known as Skyline Drive. Stretching for 18-miles alongside a steep ridge, visitors can enjoy stopping at the different vista points for breathtaking views of the park below.
With so much to see in this rich landscape, McCroskey State Park makes for an excellent camping destination. The park is home to nine developed campsites and primitive sites. Roadside camping is also permitted.
McCroskey's rugged terrain and off-the-beaten-path location make it the perfect spot for your next adventure. Head to this hidden gem of a park and get ready to experience this underrated corner of Idaho for yourself. Check out the park's website for more information.
Have you been to this hidden gem park yet? It’s amazing to think there’s always something new to discover here in Idaho! What places have you discovered lately? Keep us in the know and nominate them here.
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