Idaho’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes offer thousands of miles of hiking trails, making the Gem State a haven for outdoor recreation. However, as more people discover the beauty of Idaho’s wilderness, it becomes increasingly important to share educational messaging about responsible hiking practices, like planning ahead and packing out trash.
Whether you’re backpacking, camping in one of Idaho’s stunning State Park campgrounds or renting a cabin, enjoying the warmth of a crackling campfire is one of the best ways to end the day’s adventures. Summer is peak time for outdoor recreation in Idaho, and it also marks the height of wildfire season.
Idaho boasts millions of acres of diverse and pristine wilderness, where breathtaking landscapes are inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife. From moose to deer, wildlife is a major highlight for visitors.
You’ll never be bored in eastern Idaho during the summer as there are so many activities to enjoy! Popular outdoor activities include visiting lakes, going fishing, and relaxing in a hot spring. You’ll also be able to enjoy unique activities like visiting an authentic Idaho ranch or going glamping in an airstream!
Designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, scenic byways are recognized for their outstanding archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational or scenic qualities. With 31 of these remarkable routes crisscrossing the state, Idaho’s scenic byways each promise an out-of-this-world experience.
From rugged mountains to river corridors, Idaho’s picturesque wilderness is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. Approximately 20,000 black bears and 100 grizzly bears can be found in Idaho, with black bears across the state, and grizzlies in Northern Idaho and Eastern Idaho, near Yellowstone National Park.
Experience the scenic beauty of northern Idaho on the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. Ride, walk or skate this unique paved trail any time of year to spot wildlife and explore the charm of quaint towns along the way.
Touted as the Pacific Northwest's oldest park, Heyburn State Park showcases all the ways to explore and enjoy northern Idaho. Join Park Ranger Dalton Crane to learn how to take advantage of all this fantastic park has to offer.
Jamás has sentido la felicidad de correr por un paisaje que parece hecho solo para ti? Eso es lo que encontré en los senderos cerca a Ketchum, Idaho. Allí encontré no solamente paisajes hermosos, sino también una oportunidad de conectarme profundamente con la naturaleza.
Have you ever felt the thrill of trail running through a landscape that feels like it was painted just for you? That’s what I found on the trails near Ketchum, Idaho, where I found not just breathtaking scenery, but an opportunity to connect with nature deeply.
The best five days in Boise are almost here! Treefort Music Fest is back in action, taking over Downtown Boise. With huge headliners, over 400 bands to catch throughout town, late night parties, early morning talks, food, ale, and so so much more: there’s a little something for everyone at Treefort.
Northern Idaho is home to many scenic experiences and the Coeur d'Alene Parkway is no exception. Join Park Ranger Tyler Westbrook to learn why this trail is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors in Idaho.
Nothing sums up Idaho in the winter quite like a skijoring event, and the Wood River Extreme Skijoring event in Sun Valley is one of the best events in the state. Whether you come to Sun Valley in search of mountain slopes and tasty food, or you come specifically for the skijoring, this travel tip should shed some light on the great places to check out.
Found on the edge of Idaho's high desert, Lake Walcott State Park features a world-class disc golf course and some of the best birding opportunities in the state. Tag along with Park Ranger Kirsten March to learn how to make the most of a visit to this southern Idaho park.
We kicked off our road trip in Boise, Idaho, and pointed our compass north for an exciting cat skiing getaway. From the get-go, the road trip towards McCall, ID had us stopping at every opportunity just to soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Make a stop at Hells Gate State Park where geology and history intersect. Located in Lewiston along the Snake River, this park offers an abundance of ways to adventure. Join Park Ranger Rick Ingram to learn more about the special qualities of this park.
Just because winter is here doesn’t mean you have to hang up your bike for the season! With wider tires built for soft, unstable terrains like snow, fat tire bikes provide an exhilarating way to keep cycling through the colder months.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Railroad Ranch at Harriman State Park and learn how the Harriman family legacy shaped Idaho.
When the sun sets, Idaho’s slopes come alive with the glow of illuminated trails. Night skiing offers an entirely different experience, blending the thrill of winter sports with the magic of a starlit sky.
My family has spent a lot of time in Eastern Idaho over the years. On each trip we try to get in a mix out outdoorsy experiences and educational fun. We like to combine hikes and paddle boarding, or skiing and hot springs, with museums and cultural centers.
From Big Ben to the City of Trees In the collective imagination, the cultural symbols of the United States are New York and Los Angeles, standing sentinel at the extremities of east and west. You go to these places because you are told that’s where things happen: there, a lineage of era-defining creativity lends this young nation a history beyond its years.
From the dazzling star garnet to the iconic potato, each of Idaho’s state emblems reflects its unique identity and heritage. Take a tour of these symbols, which provide a deeper connection with the Gem State experience.
Home to Idaho's oldest building, Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park is a treasure trove of history. Join Park Ranger Rob Brewer to learn more about what to explore in this northern Idaho park.
¿Qué significa ser la primera en tu familia? ¿La primera en graduarse de la universidad? ¿La primera en vivir en Estados Unidos? ¿La primera en aprender a esquiar? Significa expander posibilidades, crear oportunidades para más alegría y para crecer nuestra cultura.
What does it mean to be the first in your family? The first to graduate college? The first to live in the United States? The first to learn to ski? It means expanding possibilities, creating opportunities for joy and growing our culture.