Winter in Idaho brings up a few positives and a few negatives. What is winter in Idaho like? Well, of course, many of us love to celebrate the season with fun Christmas festivals and events. There’s snowfall and low temperatures, but that doesn’t mean that the outdoor adventures have to end. In fact, Idaho winters simply mean that the scenery gets even better! The beautiful landscape here is something every outdoor enthusiast should take some time to explore in the winter season. We are home to so many snow-covered destinations. One of our favorite spots for Idaho winter photos is the one and only Harriman State Park in Island Park, ID. This is one of the best destinations in the Gem State for jaw-dropping winter scenery. It’s an incredible park that boasts some downright breathtaking landscapes during the wintertime, and it’s a sight you’ve just got to see for yourself.

Harriman State Park is tucked away in the eastern corner of our state, in Island Park. This is a real gem that boasts unending scenic vistas and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially in the wintertime. This is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, but it's especially known for its winter scenery.
Harriman State Park/Facebook
As winter makes an arrival each year, the eastern region of Idaho turns into a snowy wonderland. You certainly won't find a shortage of jaw-dropping winter scenery in the Gem State! Harriman State Park is one of our favorite places to experience the winter backcountry like never before.
Harriman State Park/Facebook
This is definitely a popular summertime destination, but Harriman State Park is slowly but surely making a name for itself when it comes to winter fun, too. Whereas other parks in the state may shut down and go dormant for the winter, Harriman makes it a goal to stay just as accessible and open for business when it comes to hosting visitors and events.
Harriman State Park/Facebook

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The park offers a long list of fun winter attractions. One of the most popular activities during winter in Idaho is cross-country skiing.
Harriman State Park/Facebook
At Harriman, you'll find more than 25 miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and and snowshoeing, which stretch all over the pristine, frosty landscapes.
A relatively recent addition to Harriman State Park's list of activities is fat-biking. This was introduced to the park just a few years ago, and Harriman was the first state park in Idaho to offer such a thing.
Harriman State Park/Facebook
This unique activity may be new, but it's seeing tons of new participants with each season.
There are also all kinds of upcoming events on the Harriman State Park calendar. From group hikes through the snow to Dutch oven cooking classes, you'll always find tons of fun things to do at the park - no matter what time of year it is!
Harriman State Park/Facebook
Many outdoor attractions go into hibernation once winter comes, but Harriman State Park is certainly an exception. This beloved park not only boasts some of the best scenery during winter in Idaho, but you'll also find tons of fun things to do during this time of year.
Harriman State Park/Facebook

For more information about Harriman State Park, check out the Idaho State Parks and Recreation website or the Harriman State Park of Idaho Facebook page.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay near Harriman State Park, check out this beautiful Island Park, ID cabin.

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More to Explore

Idaho Winters

Lisa Sammons | December 12, 2023

What is winter in Idaho like?

Winter in Idaho can vary greatly depending on what area of the state you're in. In some regions of Idaho, temperatures can get as low as -2° F! Towns like Island Park in eastern Idaho tend to get the most snow, averaging more than 200 inches of snowfall each year. The state's annual average snowfall is right around 187 inches.

What are some of the most fun things to do in winter in Idaho?

There's no end to a list of fun things to do in winter in Idaho, whether you love outdoor exploration or prefer to remain huddled up indoors. Here are a few of our favorite winter activities in the Gem State:

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Harriman State Park, 3489 Green Canyon Rd, Island Park, ID 83429, USA