For anyone who loves to travel and explore new places, Idaho is a true paradise. Our landscape is endless! But what’s truly special about the Gem State is our landscape’s unique scenic diversity. But of all the places in Idaho that are spectacular, mysterious, magical, and otherworldly, this one can be considered something particularly special.

For anyone who has ever read and/or watched J.R. Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings, you know that the Elf and Dwarf-filled scenery that inspired the movies is simply incredible. But you don’t have to be a Hobbit or live in Tolkien’s realm of fantasy to experience the fantastical wilderness known as Middle Earth. That’s because “Middle Earth” is right here in Idaho at Priest Lake State Park.

At first glance, this beautiful lakefront state park in north Idaho -- just a short drive from Canada -- is beautiful, but not at all fantasty-like.
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
But the transformation is breathtaking as the sun begins to move across the horizon. This scenic haven starts to embody the colorful, magical qualities that shaped Tolkein's landscape into such a memorable one.
The fiery sunsets over the lake have an eerie quality that captures the blazing Eye of Sauron keeping watch over the landscape.
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
You can almost picture the looming presence of Mount Doom rising up in the distance.
But a slight shift in the season transforms the lake and surrounding landscape into a grey, haunting Mordor.
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook

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Travel into the national forests surrounding the park and you'll see a green, woodsy landscape that captures the beauty of Rivendell.
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Even the Hobbit's Lake-town looks like it should be here.
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Fortunately, Smaug doesn't rest at the bottom of this lake. although legend has it that Priest Lake is home to its own water monster!
But much like the movies offer twists, turns, and heartbreak, every day in this glorious state park showcases Idaho's beauty in a whole new light.
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook
Priest Lake State Park/Facebook

What do you think? Tolkein’s fantastical landscape may never be recreated, but can you envision the tumultuous events of Middle Earth taking place here amidst the vibrant, wooded landscape of Priest Lake State Park?

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