Celebrate the Season in Full Color

From fiery foliage and pumpkin patches to cozy getaways and golden-hour drives, Idaho’s autumn is everything you want it to be—and more.

Cozy. Colorful. Crave-Worthy.

This season, Idaho transforms into a mosaic of harvest flavors, scenic drives and outdoor wonders. Whether it’s soaking in a hot spring, wandering a local farmers market or exploring a historic ghost town. Savor Idaho’s culinary side, celebrate the season at fall festivals or bundle up and retreat to nature wrapped in autumn color.

Aerial view of the Salmon River winding through golden plains and rolling hills with mountains in the background.

Scenic Byways

Fall Foliage

Hot Springs

Close-up of an elegant dish served in a roasted onion, garnished with blackberries and paired with fresh greens.

Food & Wine

Woman shopping for plants at a fall farmers market booth under golden trees in Idaho Falls.

Farmers Markets

Weathered wooden buildings at Bayhorse Ghost Town under a clear blue sky.

Ghost & Mining Towns

Couple walks hand-in-hand through a foggy forest trail lined with golden leaves and glowing sunrise.

Fall, Idaho-Style

Get the most from your autumn escape with these travel tips. From routes that maximize your leaf peeping to family-friendly hikes and local eats, you can plan smarter and explore deeper.

9 Things You Need to Do in Idaho This Fall

A hilly landscape in Sun Valley with forests of trees with fall colors, and in the background, snow-covered mountains.

Road Map to Idaho’s Fall Foliage

two people hike on marshall ridge near stanley

Discover Idaho’s Fall Experiences By Road, Foot, And Water

Golden hour view over the South Fork of the Snake River.

The 3 Best Weekend Road Trips to Take This Fall

Fall for the Sawtooth Valley

two people walking across a mountain bridge

5 Family-Friendly Fall Hikes Around Idaho

Explore Idaho’s Ghost Towns

aerial shot of a car driving along Highway 12 near Kooskia

Discover 7 of Idaho’s Quirky Scenic Byways

Discover What Moves You

Flavors of Fall

Outdoor Escapes

Fall Back in Time

Wine flight featuring five varietals on a wooden tray at Y Knot Winery, with blurred guests in the background.

Hiker in red jacket crosses a rocky stream surrounded by fall brush and snow-capped peaks.

Historic mining structure with red and brown wood siding at Bayhorse Ghost Town.

Unlock Your Fall Passport

Get the digital fall passport that guides you to Idaho’s best fall activities.

Whether you’re road-tripping or staying close to home, it’s your ultimate checklist for seasonal fun.

Download Now

A fall scenery image from the Fall Passport displayed on an iPad, beside a phone showing another image from the Fall Passport of a glass of wine being poured.

Tread Lightly, Wander Wisely

Idaho’s fall beauty is breathtaking—and fragile. Explore trails with care, pack out your trash, avoid muddy routes and fully extinguish campfires. Together, we can keep Idaho stunning for everyone.

Travel With Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the weather like during the fall in Idaho?

Average daytime high temperatures range from 40° F to 80° F. Temperatures will vary across the state, and overnight lows can dip below 30° F in areas like Stanley.

How long does fall last in Idaho?

While temperatures begin to drop in September, the season for fall colors in Idaho lasts from early October to mid-November.

Where can I see fall foliage in Idaho?

Each region in Idaho showcases its own version of fall colors—from gold-drenched trees towering over trails to crimson-speckled byways, this road map to Idaho’s fall foliage will help you plan your colorful itinerary.

When is peak fall foliage in Idaho?

Peak colors vary every year and depend on a variety of factors. Historically, the fall foliage is at its most vibrant in early October in the northern, central and eastern parts of the state, and by mid-October, the colors are developing farther south. Weather permitting, the colors will hang around until early November.

Can I see the northern lights in Idaho in the fall?

Yes! The best time to see the northern lights in Idaho is between September and March.

What is a western larch and is it found in Idaho?

A western larch is a deciduous conifer. Unlike other evergreen trees, the western larch’s pine needles turn a brilliant marigold color in the fall. Find these showstoppers along Warm Lake Road from Cascade to Warm Lake or along the International Selkirk Loop near Bonners Ferry.

Are there festivals or events during the fall in Idaho?

Yes—all across Idaho, you’ll find a variety of fall festivals and events. Check out Coeur d’Alene’s Harvest Fest & Apple Palooza, Moscowberfest in Moscow, Twin Fall’s Harvest Festival, the Great Pumpkin Festival in Pocatello, Idaho Falls’ ARTitorium’s Annual Harvestfest and Ketchum’s Trailing of the Sheep Festival.