10 Underrated Places In Idaho To Take An Out-Of-Towner
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Jennifer
Author
It seems like everyone visits Idaho exclusively for its well-known “big-name” attractions, while so many other incredible places fly under the radar. Even a quick Google search will turn up the same ol’ things. But Idaho has so much more to explore off the beaten path! Next time your friends or relatives come to visit, take them somewhere a little more unexpected and definitely less crowded. There’s so much more to Idaho than meets the eye, and you’ll both have fun (re)discovering some new places.
Maybe you've already paid a visit to Roosevelt Cedar Grove, Hobo Cedar Grove, or any of Idaho's other popular reserves dedicated to preserving and showcasing the towering beauty of Idaho's oldest and largest Cedar trees. But this enchanting oasis of western white pine is a unique haven all of its own. Tucked away in northern Idaho near Coeur d'Alene, this experimental forest is one of the most productive forest areas in the entire Rocky Mountain Region, and looks like something straight out of a fairytale!
The Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls has become an iconic symbol and destination in southern Idaho-- and aptly so, as the tallest bridge in the state. But the Moyie River Canyon Bridge in Boundary County offers a lush, dramatic view of northern Idaho's timbered Moyie River Canyon from nearly the same height: the Perrine Bridge stands at 486 feet while the Moyie River Bridge stands at 424. With fewer crowds and expansive green beauty that looks stunning no matter the season, this is one place that will awe your out of town guests for sure.
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Mammoth Cave is an overlooked wonder in Idaho, especially compared to the Shoshone Ice Cave... but it shouldn't be! This massive cave seems to go on forever, and the self-guided tour includes lanterns, a fascinating onsite museum of artifacts, and even uniquely carved "face rocks," which are a hit with the kiddos. While this chilly cavern isn't recommended for winter exploring, you can bet you'd avoid the crowds! Get all the details here.
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Whether a leisurely drive in the summer, a colorful trip in the fall, or a beautiful, snowy drive in the winter, this seriously underrated "tunnel of trees" is a delightful day trip: a peek into one of Idaho's forgotten state parks via an 18 mile primitive road.
More info and directions here.
More info and directions here.
Jennifer/OnlyInYourState
This hidden gem, nestled away in a rather historic portion of Melba, is an idyllic getaway for the creative wanderer. The main loop is only around a mile or so in length, but you'll find yourself delightfully lost in the whimsical displays, gardens, and overlooks that line this meandering path next to the Snake River.
More info and directions here.
More info and directions here.
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For a scenic bike ride, it's nearly impossible to go wrong in Idaho. But the Weiser River Trail is a unique rail-to-trail stretch that encompasses the old Pacific and Idaho Northern (PIN) railroad grade from Weiser, Idaho to New Meadows, ID. The 84-mile long trail starts in Weiser and passes through Midvale, Cambridge and Council, navigating this charming region of historic and friendly small towns. You can find all the details here.
900 miles of natural hot springs, all perfectly mapped into the most epic outdoors adventure of your life? Yes, please! Idaho has the highest concentration of natural hot springs in the country, so marinating at least one with good company (especially big city folk) is a must-do. But for the ultimate vacay and challenge, the Idaho Soaktennial Trail will transform your relaxing soak into an incredible extended adventure of more then 2 dozen hot springs.
More info and directions.
More info and directions.
Idaho's portion of West Yellowstone is an overlooked haven that is home to many of the same natural wonders that America's first National Park has become famous for, but on a much smaller scale. Included in this list of wonders is Big Springs--a uniquely clear natural spring that rises up out of the earth, and is the largest of its kind in the country. Here, you'll also find the historic Johnny Sack Cabin, which is a picture-perfect testament to the unique historical figure of the same name.
More info and directions.
More info and directions.
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Perfect for a leisurely walk, relaxing retreat, or a spiritual pick-me-up, the Monastery of St. Gertrude is an absolutely wonderful piece of Idaho's history and Palouse landscape. Here, situated in the scenic Camas Prairie region, the chapel provides views across the landscape of the Clearwater, Bitterroot, and Seven Devils Mountains in a divine landscape that captures Idaho's rural beauty to perfection. And you won't find a more hospitable environment to unwind and refocus.
More info and directions.
More info and directions.
Patty Pickett
Idaho has more historic ghost towns than any other state in the west, and they each add a distinct character and charm to our big-little state. While many of these are no longer remembered, have been incorporated into other ghost towns, or have nothing left to remember their existence other than a few bricks or headstones, there are plenty of ghost towns worth visiting that are off of the beaten path.
More info and directions.
More info and directions.
What do you think? Idaho’s most popular attractions just barely scratch the surface of everything our diverse state has to offer! Do you have any other favorite, underrated places to add to this list?
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