Idaho: A State of Endless Natural Wonders
Idaho is a state of diverse and spectacular natural wonders, offering endless recreational opportunities and attracting millions of tourists every year. With its rugged mountains, rolling farmland, lush farmlands, and sparkling lakes, Idaho is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Scenic Byways to Explore
Idaho is dotted with scenic byways that take visitors through the best of the state’s natural beauty. Here are some of the most notable scenic byways in Idaho:
- International Selkirk Loop & Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway: A 280-mile international drive that includes a 48-mile Wild Horse Trail, starting from Sandpoint and passing through British Columbia and Washington state.
- Pend Oreille Scenic Byway: This byway takes visitors along the stunning north shore of Idaho’s largest lake, from Sandpoint to the Montana state line.
- Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage: Follow miles of soothing river scenery reflecting the pastoral beauty of the area, along the same route that explorer David Thompson canoed in 1809.
- Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway: A beautiful drive that offers opportunities for bird watching enthusiasts to spot bald eagles and osprey.
- St. Joe River Scenic Byway: This byway is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, where they can see deer, elk, moose, and bear in their natural habitats.
- White Pine Scenic Byway: Discover the tranquil small lakes and marshlands along the lower Coeur d’Alene River while passing through the St. Joe National Forest.
- Hells Canyon Scenic Byway: A 22-mile winding drive through three reservoirs, providing a glimpse into the massive and deepest river gorge in North America.
- Payette River Scenic Byway: A 111-mile drive along the wild Payette River, passing through Smith’s Ferry, Cascade Lake, and arriving at McCall.
- Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway: A scenic drive through the turbulent South Fork of the Payette River, offering views of wildlife and opportunities to raft, fish, or soak in hot springs.
- Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway: A 131-mile drive from the Stanley Basin, past the South Fork of the Payette River, Lowman, and historic Idaho City, to Boise.
- Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway: A 50-mile high desert byway passing through a scenic agricultural landscape along the Snake River.
- Western Heritage Historic Byway: A 30-mile drive alongside old trails, passing through Kuna to the Snake River Canyon and Swan Falls Dam.
- Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway: A 101-mile drive through the remote high desert of Owhyee County, with its gnarled junipers and red cliffs of river canyons.
- Sawtooth Scenic Byway: A scenic drive from the high desert to Stanley (6,260 ft.), passing through Sun Valley, Galena Summit, and stunning alpine lakes.
- Thousand Springs Scenic Byway: A 68-mile drive through the Hagerman Valley, famous for its fish hatcheries, fossil beds, and thousand springs.
- City of Rocks Backcountry Byway: A 49-mile route beginning in Albion and concluding in historic Oakley, passing by the famous City of Rocks, a landmark for pioneers and climbers.
- Pioneer Historic Byway: A 127-mile drive through the towns of Franklin and Preston, offering glimpses into the lives of pioneers, as well as charming homes and churches