Boasting its unspoiled, rugged landscapes, glorious sunshine-filled days and diverse landscapes from lakes mountains and canyons , the expansive state of Idaho, United States is a beacon for those in search of adventure and outdoor experiences. From rafting experiences in extrem rapids to swimming natural lakes and day tours in Boise, our ultimate Idaho bucket list is almost as vast as the state itself.
We have made a selection of the best destination in Idaho which made on our top 60 Idaho Bucket List.
Don’t forget to book your day adventure in Idaho on Viator.com.
1. Coeur D’alene, ID
The city is home to the Museum of North Idaho and North Idaho College, and it has become known for having one of the largest holiday light shows in the United States and hosting a popular Ironman Triathlon event.
Coeur d’Alene is a city in northwest Idaho. It’s known for water sports on Lake Coeur d’Alene, plus trails in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area and Coeur d’Alene National Forest. McEuen Park offers a grassy lawn and a trailhead for adjacent Tubbs Hill. The lakeside City Park & Beach includes picnic areas and a playground.
2. Timberline Adventure
7 ziplines, 2 sky bridges, 2 autobelays, lunch and S’mores tour options and views that are out of this world are what make Timberline Adventures the ultimate
3. Kirkham Hot Springs
4. Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a U.S. national monument and national preserve in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho. It is along US 20, between the small towns of Arco and Carey, at an average elevation of 5,900 feet above sea level. The Monument was established on May 2, 1924.
Craters is hot, hot, hot, but also well worth seeing IMO. We’ve gone into the lava tubes there and found it really interesting. If you are willing to get there really early while it is still perhaps a bit cooler, it is something to see! When you are in Island Park, be sure to check out a float trip.
5. Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls is a waterfall in the western United States, on the Snake River in south-central Idaho, approximately three miles northeast of the city of Twin Falls.
Shoshone Falls is open year round with the exceptions of temporary closures due to poor road conditions. The park hours are from dawn to dusk.
Beautiful park and waterfalls. The place was clean and easy to park. The place had bathrooms. It has a nice viewing areas that you can take great pictures. The water was very low. Not many people. A great place for kids and dogs. It costs about $5 to get in. But we’ll worth it. I wish it had a way to get to water level. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Find the Best Day Trip and Activity in Shoshone Falls on Viator.com
6. Priest Lake
Priest Lake, Idaho, United States is located in the northernmost portion of the Idaho Panhandle, 80 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington, with the northern end of the lake extending to within 15 miles of the Canada–US border. The primary lake, lower Priest, is 19 miles long and over 300 feet deep.
Dogs are allowed for RV/tent camping and for their 1 pet friendly cabin for no additional pet fee; only 2 dogs are allowed per cabin.
Basically the most beautiful place I’ve been. Went when it was heavy snow a few months ago. Quiet and gorgeous. Our dog had fun. Minimal stores were open
7. Sandpoint, ID
8. Pulaski Tunnel Trail
Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail is a 3.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Sandpoint, Idaho that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
Awesome hiking trail. The hike is beautiful and follows a stream all the way up the 2 mile trail. Due to the tall trees the hike is well shaded, but you still have plenty of sunshine. This trail tails a story and was fun to learn more about “Big Ed” Pulaski and the fires of 1910. Family friendly as I did the hike while carrying my 1 year old in an Osprey Poco. Highlight of the trip!
9. Wallace Silver Mine
Wallace and the surrounding area are recognized as the richest silver mining district on earth having produced 1.2 billion ounces since 1884.
Guided tour of an underground silver mine plus a gift shop selling regional specialties & rocks.
This tour is worth the trip to Wallace! All employees were friendly and helpful. The Trolly driver was a delight. The mine guide kept us spell-bound by his stories. We can only wish history classes were this entertaining.
10. City of Rocks National Reserve
11. Mccall, ID
McCall is a resort town on the western edge of Valley County, Idaho, United States. Named after its founder, Tom McCall, it is situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake, near the center of the Payette National Forest.
The McCall area is home to the finest alpine and Nordic skiing & snowmobile terrain in the world. Originally founded as a logging town, McCall destination for outdoor recreation and adventure enthusiasts. With the highest average snowfall in the state, McCall is known in the winter for its snowmobiling, alpine, Nordic and backcountry skiing.
12. Stack Rock Trails
Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail is a 11.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Boise, Idaho that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate.
13. Hells Canyon
Hells Canyon is a ten-mile-wide canyon in the western United States, located along the border of eastern Oregon, a small section of eastern Washington and western Idaho. It is part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area which is also located in part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
14. Rafting Payette River
The Canyon Section of the South Fork Payette made it to our Idaho Bucket List. It has some of the best whitewater rafting in Idaho. It’s quite a ride with 25 class 3 & 4 rapids.
The Main Payette River is a classic Idaho whitewater river with plenty of pool and drop rapids ranging from Class II to Class III. It is an ideal training ground for kayakers and the perfect stretch for families and first-time rafters.
15. Payette National Forest
The Payette National Forest is a U.S. National Forest located in central western Idaho, in parts of Valley, Idaho, Adams, and Washington counties. The land area consists of approximately 2.3 million acres of federally managed lands.
Yes, you can hunt in U.S. National Forests, and in nearly all states it is quite common. … National forests are managed by the United States Forest Service
16. Stanley, Idaho
No Rapids. Great for all ages and abilities. Float through the majestic Sawtooth Valley and The Upper Salmon River Canyon. Numerous hot springs along this
Kirkham is arguably the most famous (and most popular) hot springs in Idaho. This is partly because it is relatively close to Boise, but it’s also because of the waterfall which serves as a shower! In all our travels, we’ve never seen a hot spring shower before!
Book Today your rafting experience on Salmon River on Viator.com.
17. Bench Lake Trails
Enjoy this 7.80 mile, out and back trail near Stanley, Idaho. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average
18. Boise, Idaho
Boise is the capital city of Idaho. The Boise River Greenbelt is a series of tree-dotted trails and parks hugging the water’s edge. In an art deco building, downtown’s Boise Art Museum has contemporary works and an outdoor sculpture garden. The grand, sandstone Idaho State Capitol Building is nearby. The Old Idaho Penitentiary contains 19th-century prison cells and gallows, plus historic military weaponry.
The top attractions to visit in Boise area:
- Boise River Greenbelt
- World Center For Birds of Prey
- Old Idaho Penitentiary
- Freak Alley Gallery
- Idaho State Capitol Building
Looking for a day tour or a Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Bose? Book it on Viator.com.
19. Schweitzer Mountain
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a ski resort in the northwest United States in northern Idaho, 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Sandpoint.
20. Chimney Rock
The Mount Roothaan Trail is a 2.5-mile hike in the Selkirks high country to a magnificent overview of the range’s most iconic landmark.
Chimney Rock is a unique three sided granite tower that sits atop the Selkirk range in north Idaho’s panhandle. It has been called the “lightning rod” of North .
The first part of the trail was easy till about mile 3 when you start ascending and then travel the rock fields. Seen some great views. Definitely worth it
21. Bruneau Sand Dunes
Bruneau Dunes State Park must be on any Idaho bucket list. It’s a public recreation and geologic preservation area in the western United States, located in Owyhee County in southwestern Idaho. It is northeast of Bruneau and fifteen miles south of Mountain Home.
The state park includes desert, dune, prairie, lake and marsh habitat with opportunities to observe nocturnal species. Activities include fishing, birdwatching, camping, hiking, swimming and viewing the stars at one of only two public observatories in Idaho. Feel free to climb but no vehicles are allowed on the dunes.
22. Kootenai National Forest
23. Sawtooth National Forest
24. Snake River, Ihado
With The Snake River, our Idaho Bucket List comes to and end. It’s a major river of the greater Pacific Northwest region in the United States. At 1,078 miles long, it is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, in turn the largest North American river that empties into the Pacific Ocean.
The Snake River likely got its name from the first European explorers who misinterpreted the sign made by the Shoshone people who identified themselves in sign language by moving the hand in a swimming motion which appeared to these explorers to be a “snake.”
