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The time has finally come to dust off the calendar that’s been hanging on your fridge and start planning your iconic summer vacation. But where do you begin? With over 2,000 lakes throughout the state, more than 3,100 navigable miles of whitewater (the most in the lower 48 states), and two of the deepest canyons in the United States, Idaho makes it nearly impossible to nail down exactly where you want to go. But no need to fear, we narrowed it down for you using our most iconic Instagram locations. Here are 15 Insta-adored spots in Idaho you simply have to visit.

1. Paddle Board at Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake, Stanley. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Redfish Lake, Stanley. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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2. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Teton Valley

The Teton Mountains in the sun.
Teton Valley, Near Driggs. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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3. Visit Mesa Falls

Admiring Upper Mesa Falls from the viewing deck.
Upper Mesa Falls, Ashton. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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4. Zipline Across the Snake River Canyon

ziplining over the Snake River in Twin Falls

Ziplining, Snake River, Near Twin Falls. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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5. Take a Hike in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Hiking near a lake in the Sawtooth Mountains.
Hiking, Hell Roaring Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Near Stanley. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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6. Soak at Pine Flats Hot Springs

A father and daughter standing in a hot springs near a river.
Pine Flats Hot Springs, Near Lowman. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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7. Kayak along the North Shores of Payette Lake

Kayaking picture from above.
North Shore Streams, Payette Lake, Near McCall. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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8. Hike to Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls, South Fork of the Snake River, Near Swan Valley. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Fall Creek Falls, South Fork of the Snake River, Near Swan Valley. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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9. Jet Boat in Hells Canyon

Jet boating in Hells Canyon.
Jet Boating, Hells Canyon, Near Pittsburg Landing. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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10. Take a Selfie Next to a 212-Foot-Tall Waterfall

Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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11. Jump on a Water-Trampoline at Bear Lake State Park

A family sitting on a water trampoline on a lake
Water Trampoline, Bear Lake State Park, St. Charles. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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12. Hike Behind Perrine Coulee Falls

Hiking near Perrine Coulee Falls.
Perrine Coulee Falls, Twin Falls. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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13. Ride the Route of the Hiawatha

Riding a bike on a bridge through a forest.
Bike Ride, Route of the Hiawatha, Near Wallace. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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14. Golf the Famous ‘Floating Green’ at the Coeur d’Alene Resort

Golfing, Coeur d'Alene Golf Resort, Coeur d'Alene. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Golfing, Coeur d’Alene Golf Resort, Coeur d’Alene. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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15. Go Rafting on the Lower Salmon River

Riverside Camping, Lower Salmon Canyon, Near Lewiston 3
Riverside Camping, Lower Salmon Canyon, Near Lewiston. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

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Don’t let time get away from you – start the year ahead and #PlanForVacation today. Tag your vacation adventures using #VisitIdaho and follow us on Instagram for more iconic Idaho adventures, stories from other Idaho explorers, and Travel Tips for every type of vacation.

Idaho is full of adventures, we ask that when you visit that you act as a good steward of the land and practice responsible recreation.

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Published on January 29, 2019