Scenic Byways
Scenic Byways
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.
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.
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.
Discover What Moves You
- 5 Places to Sip Cider in Idaho
- Pairing Idaho Craft Beer with Food
- Enjoy an Idaho Urban Wine Tour
- 8 Things You Simply Must Seek Out to Eat and Drink in Boise
- The Best Places to Grab Cider in Southwest Idaho
- A Fall Food Retreat in Sun Valley
- Experience These Five Southwest Idaho Saturday Markets
- Idaho’s Top Five Farm-to-Table Restaurants
- Road Map to Idaho’s Fall Foliage
- 6 Hikes to Find Idaho’s Phenomenal Fall Foliage
- Find Fall Colors Along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway
- Your Guide to Idaho’s Trailing of the Sheep Festival
- 5 Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Boise to Explore This Fall
- Road Tripping Through Idaho’s International Selkirk Loop
- Find Fall Colors Road Tripping in Southern Idaho
- Boom or Bust: Exploring Idaho Ghost Towns
- Hidden History: Finding Basque Arborglyphs in Idaho
- Find ATV Adventures on the Mackay Mine Hill Tour
- Travel Through History in the Land of the Yankee Fork
- Planning a Historical Family Vacation in Idaho
- Spend a Day Exploring the Old World Charm of Bonners Ferry
- Experience the Oregon Trail in Idaho
- A Day Trip to Idaho City: The Perfect Getaway
Unlock Your Fall Passport
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.
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.