If you’ve a reverence for roaming outdoors, Idaho’s got the terrain for you. Over 60% of the state is public land, with 4.8 million acres designated as wilderness. Imposing mountains dotted with home-grown and world-renowned alpine resorts define the majority of acreage from the Selkirks to the Tetons. In between, white and flat water churns and curves from the Kootenai to the Snake Rivers.
Lushly forested lakeside communities, including Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, and McCall, invite adventure but also offer delightful creature comforts for reentry into civilization. The handmade huckleberry milkshakes, craft brews, and live music in community parks are so delightful, you may find yourself lingering an extra day. If you’re keen to experience nature’s splendor, here are the best base camps from north to south to access trailheads, mountains, and rivers for an expedition that’s all Idaho.
Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Northern Idaho
Stunning lakes, peaks, and serene snowfall in Idaho’s panhandle make this northern Idaho region a magnet for outdoor living in any season. With Coeur d’Alene and Pend Oreille lakes, the Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai Rivers, Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot Mountain ranges, and Silver and Schweitzer mountain resorts, there are numerous places to play, especially for families. This corner of the Pacific Northwest, once considered fly-over country, is gaining popularity.
Coeur d’Alene bustles compared to Sandpoint, yet both are equipped for adventure in-town and beyond. Pedestrians, bikers, and cross-country skiers can choose from scenic, paved trails along the 72-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes or the 23-mile North Idaho Centennial, while the historic trestles and tunnels of the old Hiawatha “rail to trail” offer a unique experience.
For hikers, Scotchman Peaks Trail, an 8-mile day hike, rewards adventurers with panoramic views following a 3700ft climb. The Gold Hill Trail matches breathtaking vistas in Sandpoint. Anglers will appreciate casting for trout along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River and Kootenai (less accessible yet tranquil), with ample opportunities for boating on either lake.
Top tips: The Festival at Sandpoint in late summer and Coeur d’Fondo & Oktoberfest in fall will add a spirited dash of outdoor culture to your Idaho experience.
Riggins, Western Idaho
Riggins, Idaho, is tucked in a narrow canyon between two gorges where the town dips its toes in the Salmon River and plays in the shadows of the Seven Devils. The geography seems intentionally rugged, providing thrills galore, including access to the nation’s deepest gorge. Water activities are a major draw during Riggins’ hot and sunny summers.
The Lower Salmon River, flowing through town, captivates floaters and kayakers with its sandy, secluded beaches and stretches of wilderness. Opportunities for fishing, visiting historic homesteads, and marveling at the human exploration history evidenced on the canyon walls further enrich these excursions.
Jet boating into Hells Canyon’s Snake River to the west and the Salmon “River of No Return” to the east is also popular, as it enables visitors to experience stunning scenery. For those wishing to soak in imposing vistas, Heaven’s Gate is a steep but short hike offering panoramic views into Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. For a deeper adventure, the 28-mile Seven Devils Loop embodies quintessential Idaho, featuring jagged peaks, tranquil trout-filled lakes, old fire lookouts, and a plethora of wildlife.
Top tips: Bring a picnic to White Bird launch site to relax in the sand and chat with local guides.
McCall in Midwestern Idaho
New construction may outshine the A-frame cabins of McCall’s rustic roots, but this Lake Payette homestead retains its family-friendly allure. With Lakes Payette and Cascade, the Payette River, and Brundage Mountain Resort, McCall ranks among the top destinations to combat the winter blues.
Similar to Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, McCall offers a bounty of natural attractions across all four seasons. In summer, Payette Lake buzzes with motorboats towing water skiers and wakeboarders. Renting a pontoon facilitates a relaxing shoreline tour, while white-water enthusiasts can take on the Cabarton, Main Payette, or South Fork of the Payette rivers.
Yet, for all its summer fun, McCall shines for serious snow play. Ponderosa State Park and Brundage Mountain maintain year-round trails for skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and biking. The Winter Carnival, lasting a couple of weeks in January and February, overtakes the town with ice sculptures, parades, and innovative snow sports like snow golf, dog-pulled cross-country ski racing, and motorized snowbiking.
Top tips: Stop by Ice Cream Alley to cool off after outdoor adventures—a “mountain-sized” scoop of huckleberry ice cream is the perfect treat for a visit to the Pacific Northwest.
Sun Valley and Stanley in Central Idaho
Ketchum has been a star on the Idaho map since Sun Valley Ski Resort opened in 1936, blending luxury with outdoor experiences. However, Idahoans argue that Stanley—accessible by a scenic drive over the Galena Summit from Sun Valley—might be the real gem of the Sawtooths. The Salmon and Wood Rivers, Redfish Lake, and Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve—the United States’ first gold-tier dark sky park—are also must-see attractions.
The slopes at Sun Valley are known for their quality, featuring long runs, short lines, and stunning views. In summer, the Sawtooths come alive with opportunities for biking, fishing, hiking, and camping. Highway 75 north of Ketchum offers numerous campgrounds along the Big Wood River, but as summer is busy, it’s advisable to arrive mid-week.
Pick your trail! Among favorites are the three-mile Titus Lake Trail off Galena Pass, perfect for a slight detour to Galena Lodge, and the 8.5-mile round trip to the 1930s-era Pioneer Cabin, known for its encouraging phrase, “the higher you get, the higher you get.” Literary enthusiasts will appreciate that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed fly-fishing at nearby Silver Creek.
Stanley provides access to trailheads along Galena Pass and the beaches, boating, swimming, and trails around Redfish Lake and the Salmon River. Don’t miss the Sawtooth Lake Trail to witness the breathtaking beauty for which this mountain range is celebrated. And remember to look up at the night sky!
Top tips: Check out Stanley Baking Company & Cafe for breakfast burritos to-go and enjoy Grumpy’s burgers and brew in Ketchum.
Victor and Driggs in the Teton Valley
Victor and Driggs may not get the same acclaim as Jackson Hole, Wyoming, but they offer the same spectacular Tetons without the bustle, lying along the border of West Yellowstone. With the Grand Targhee Ski Resort and Teton River, this region is a hidden treasure of Idaho.
Whether your passion lies in climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, or fishing, Teton Valley has it all, complemented by breathtaking mountain backdrops. Skiing at the ‘Ghee is spectacular, though locals also enjoy skiing “the Pass,” a stretch of backcountry accessible via Teton Pass connecting Idaho and Wyoming. Long-distance cyclists will find joy on the Yellowstone/Grand Teton Rail Trail, stretching 104 miles from Victor to West Yellowstone, while the 7.7-mile ride between Victor and Driggs suits those seeking a leisurely day trip.
If fishing is your goal, Trail Creek Pond is ideal for bank fishing with family, while Teton River offers several boat ramps for smooth casting. Climbers visiting Teton Valley have over 100 routes across different cliffs and canyons.
Top tips: Check out the Spud Drive-In Theater in Driggs, enjoy free live Music on Main every Thursday during summer in Victor, and indulge in huckleberry milkshakes at the Victor Emporium.
