As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Contrary to popular belief, not every Idahoan is obsessed with camping. Cold nights spent sleeping on a hard ground? Getting dirt in places you didn’t realize could get dirt? It’s not for everybody. However, that doesn’t have to stop you from spending time in Idaho’s glorious wilderness areas. There’s a countless number of lodges, inns, cabins, and motels that are perfect for surrounding yourself in the beautiful outdoors while still maintaining the wonderful comforts of home. Don’t let certain aspects of camping scare you away from planning an adventure in Idaho’s outdoors! Check out these beautiful lodges.
River Dance Lodge prides itself on being set in a location that few people know about along the banks of the Clearwater River in Kooskia, Idaho. At this resort, you'll find yourself staying in a cozy and handcrafted cabin that combines the feeling of luxury with rugged outdoor living. Its location makes it an ideal place for rafting and fishing enthusiasts. Or simply relax in one of the private hot tubs while enjoying the view of the surrounding forest-covered mountains.
Set in the middle of the vast Frank Church Wilderness, the Middle Fork Lodge spans for 80 acres and is the perfect setting for your next adventure. They offer a variety of cabins to choose from including River Cabins, a Honeymoon Cabin, a Family Cabin, and the original Homesteader's Cabin. Set in the midst of one of the largest wilderness areas in the country, there's all kinds of activities available for everyone. Take a leisurely stroll along the mighty Salmon River, hike up to the nearby hot springs, discover Native American pictographs, or watch for local wildlife. There's no way you'll be bored.
Located in Lowman, the Sourdough Lodge is a no-frills type of place. Here you can choose between staying in one of their quaint cabins or the motel. Here, it's all about the extraordinary location. Take a rafting adventure on the South Fork of the Payette River, take advantage of one of the many horseback riding trails with Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters, or take a soak at one of the two nearby hot springs (Kirkham or Bonneville). It's not as luxurious as some of the others on this list, but it's set in the middle of Idaho wilderness. It doesn't get much better than that.
Bear Creek Lodge in McCall, Idaho is a popular year-round destination for many Idahoans. You'll stay in one of their beautiful rooms in the main Lodge or one of the spacious units in their duplex cabins. You're close to pretty much any recreational activity you can think of here. Spend the day at the gorgeous Payette Lake, take a hike in the incredible Payette Forest, or experience some world class skiing at the nearby Brundage Resort. This place is perfect for an outdoor, yet lavish, vacation in one of the most gorgeous areas in Idaho.
At Mores Creek Cabins you'll have an opportunity to experience some truly unique types of lodging. Stay in one of their octagonal stone cabins, a wall tent (perfect for maintaining the feeling of sleeping in a tent, but without the feeling of sleeping on the ground), or a tepee. Yes, they even have tepees available to rent! Located off of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway just a few miles away from Idaho City, you'll be staying in one of the most historic parts of Idaho and surrounded by views of the Boise National Forest.
Sulphur Creek Ranch calls itself "The Best Kept Secret In Idaho's Backcountry," and it's not hard to see why. The location of this lodge is so remote that it actually can't be accessed by motorized vehicles. The only way of getting to this little slice of paradise is via airplane or horseback (if you're neither a pilot or horse owner, no worries. They will pick you up). If you feel like truly roughing it, you can take the eight mile hike to the lodge from the Middle Fork of the Salmon Trailhead. It may seem like a lot of trouble just getting there, but it's totally worth it once you arrive. The prime location within some of Idaho's most beautiful and remote wilderness is the perfect reward.
Surrounded by the Salmon River Mountains in Stanley, this all-inclusive guest ranch make you feel instantly right at home. You'll truly feel like part of a family With meals served family-style in the main lodge, a swimming pool available for guests to enjoy, and a weekly campfire next to Loon Creek in which people come together to roast s'mores and play music together. You'll probably find that you never want to leave.
The Steelhead Inn is a riverside motel located near Riggins, Idaho. This is easily one of the most dramatic areas of wilderness in Idaho with the massive Hells Canyon and looming Seven Devils Mountain Range both located nearby. Spend your days playing on the Salmon River which is immediately located beside the motel or simply observe it while relaxing in the riverside gazebo.
