9 Idaho Natural Wonders You Need To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List
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Emerson
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With summer quickly approaching, you’ve probably been thinking about what Idaho adventures you should take on next. With so many great natural attractions to choose from, it can be a tough decision! That’s why we gathered this list of nine Idaho natural wonders that should definitely be on your outdoor bucket list. From turquoise lakes to bizarre geologic formations, there’s bound to be a few destinations that pique your interest. Take a look and be sure to add these Idaho natural wonders to your bucket list.
Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars and Granite Falls, NF-302, Metaline Falls, WA 99153, USA
Witness the stunning grandeur of ancient cedar trees that are believed to be up to 2,000-years-old when you visit Roosevelt Grove in North Idaho. Hiding approximately 13 miles north of Nordman, the trees in this grove can be up to 12-feet in diameter and 150-feet tall. Seeing these beauties with your own eyes is definitely something to experience! Check out this video of this incredible Idaho wonder:
City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo, ID 83312, USA
Boasting 14,407 acres of beautiful rock formations in all shapes and sizes, the City of Rocks National Reserve offers up endless backcountry adventure. From camping and hiking to mountain biking and rock climbing, there's something for all explorers at this outstanding park. Comprised of granite pinnacles, fins, and domes, the landscape at the City of Rocks is unlike anything you've seen before:
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Bruneau Dunes State Park, 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
Home to the tallest freestanding sand dunes in North America, Bruneau Dunes State Park is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. Park visitors can explore the surrounding trails, climb the dunes, or even slide down them on a sandboard—available to rent at the visitor center. The park also boasts Idaho's only public observatory, which regularly offers group stargazing opportunities.
Egypt or Idaho? You decide:
Egypt or Idaho? You decide:
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Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, Challis, ID 83226, USA
Did you know that the largest federally managed wilderness area in the United States outside of Alaska is right here in the Gem State? The Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness is composed of a vast 2.367 million acres, and seeing some of it should be on every Idahoan's bucket list. Make it your goal to discover some of the area's rugged mountains, canyons, and whitewater rivers.
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Balanced Rock Park, Balanced Rock Rd, Buhl, ID 83316, USA
Located just south of Buhl is one of the strangest sights in all of Idaho: Balanced Rock. Standing at 48-feet-tall and weighing 40 tons, this behemoth of a rock formation is famously perched on a pedestal only 3-feet by 17-inches. If you have yet to capture a picture of this iconic Idaho wonder, you're in for quite a treat, as it's truly something special:
Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, USA
Idaho's largest lake is truly a sight to see. At 43-miles long and boasting 111-miles of shorelines, this big blue body of water in Bonner and Kootenai counties will take your breath away. The majority of this lake's shoreline is non-populated, so plan your next wild adventure at this stunning lake in the Idaho Panhandle. It's beautiful and mysterious and has long captured the imaginations of all who lay eyes upon it:
Upper Mesa Falls, Idaho 83420, USA
Shoshone Falls may be known as the "Niagara of the West" -- but there's something to be said for the lesser-known Upper Mesa Falls in eastern Idaho. This stunning waterfall resembles a 10-story-tall curtain of cascading water and it's a view you won't be able to take your eyes off of. And don't forget to check out Lower Mesa Falls a mile down the river. It's glorious!
Bear Lake County, ID, USA
We may share half of Bear Lake with Utah but it's still one of the finest sights in the Gem State. The natural freshwater lake boasts the most spectacular turquoise-blue water, earning it the nickname of "the Caribbean of the Rockies." There's no better spot for a beach day in Idaho, so plan an adventure to this lake in the state's southeastern corner soon. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?
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Craters of the Moon National Monument
Last but not least is the fantastic Craters of the Moon National Monument. The park's bizarre volcanic landscape can be explored by numerous hiking trails, a scenic loop drive, and by snowshoe or skis in the winter. Take the Caves Trail to see four of the park's five impressive lava tubes. It's the type of landscape you simply have to see to believe:
How many of these outdoor bucket list destinations have you already seen? Is there anything you would add? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
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Idaho Bucket List
What are some more places in Idaho for my bucket list?
There's no limit to the beauty and wonder in Idaho. Here are some more bucket-list worthy destinations in Idaho:
- The Sawtooths. One of the country's most photographed ranges, the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho are a true treasure. The wilderness area is home to 40 trails that total over 350 miles. Used for day hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding, there's abundant adventures to be had in the Sawtooths.
- Burgdorf Hot Springs. Idaho might just be the most underestimated state in the country. Not only is it immensely beautiful, but it's also a veritable hot springs treasure trove. And the most glorious of them all is Burgdorf Hot Springs. This resort in McCall, Idaho, has something for everyone: two hot pools that simmer at an average temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, along with a smaller pool that's perfect for kids. This property is definitely rustic; the cabins are comfortable, but sparse (you'll need to bring your own bedding), and during the winter, this resort is only accessible via snowmobile. It's worth the effort, however, as Burgdorf Hot Springs offers guests the rare opportunity to truly get away from it all.
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Salmon-Challis National Forest covers 4,235,940 acres, making it one of the largest national forests in the Lower 48. It covers much of the land area of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness area south of Alaska. Numbers aside, this forest is a place of immense beauty and splendor, boasting the state's most unbridled scenery and wildlife. It's an iconic adventure destination for nature-loving Idahoans; and, considering it protects several mountain ranges, rivers, and extensive wildlife, it's no wonder why!
What's the best waterfall in Idaho?
Without a doubt, Shoshone Falls is Idaho's most iconic waterfall, boasting falls that are higher than Niagara's. The sight of this cascade is downright awe-inspiring, and a favorite among ardent waterfall chasers. The best place to view the falls is from the overlook in the eponymous Shoshone Falls Park during the spring; however, Shoshone Falls truly is a sublime sight any time of the year, and it's known for leaving spectators speechless.