THE PERFECT SEASON TO VISIT IDAHO

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THE PERFECT SEASON TO VISIT IDAHO

THE PERFECT SEASON TO VISIT IDAHO

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PERFECT SEASON TO VISIT IDAHO AND EXPLORE THE BEST TIME TO ENJOYING IN THIS AMAZING AMERICAN TOWN

Stanley, Idaho with Valley Creek in the foreground and Sawtooth Mountains beyond.

THE PERFECT SEASON TO VISIT IDAHO

Idaho boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the West, while being most commonly associated with potatoes. Its terrain is remarkably diversified, much like that of its neighbors Montana, Wyoming, and Washington. One moment you’ll be in lush, rolling valleys and the next you’ll be looking at mountains covered in pines. Idaho feels wonderfully isolated, being one of the least populous states in the union (there is only one area code). Discovering all the hidden gems along the route—such as lava fields, hot springs, and ghost towns—is what makes traveling here so magical.

 

When’s the best time to go to Idaho?

Idaho is a year-round state, with recreational opportunities in every season. Still, summer is when things really pick up, and campgrounds, especially in places like Stanley, can fill up fast. If you’re planning a warm-weather visit, you’d do well to reserve everything far in advance. Alternatively, you could go during the fall shoulder season, when roads are quieter, hiking trails are all but empty, and the Sawtooth Range boasts spectacular foliage.

How to get around Idaho

Most travelers to Idaho will arrive via the state’s largest airport in Boise. From there, it’s a relaxed—and gorgeous—drive on Highway 21 into the wilderness of Sawtooth National Forest and the iconic Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. For those vacationing in the northern part of the state, however, it’s easier to fly into Spokane International Airport, which sits just 22 miles from the Idaho border. And skiers should know that there are year-round direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles to Friedman Memorial Airport, near Sun Valley, with more options added during ski season.

Idaho doesn’t have any trains, so if you’re traveling to several destinations within the state, you’re going to need a rental car. In winter, be sure to book a vehicle with all-wheel drive. Roads are well maintained, but can be challenging in snow.

Food and drink to try in Idaho

Idaho is known for its potatoes, and most restaurants here feature spuds in one way or another. However, thanks to its multiple rivers, the state also specializes in trout, especially around the town of Hagerman on the Snake River. Dairy is an additional point of pride, and some of the best can be found at Ballard Family Dairy & Cheese. The farm is located in Gooding, Idaho, but its products can also be found on menus and in specialty shops across the state.

Culture in Idaho

Idaho honors its rich Native American heritage in places like Hells Canyon, a fascinating depository of ancient petroglyphs left by the Nez Percé tribe, and museums like the Sacajawea Center in Salmon. For a full picture of Idaho’s past, visit the recently renovated Idaho State Museum in Boise and tour exhibits on fur trappers, Native Americans, Oregon Trail pioneers, and more.

A unique festival worth traveling for is the Trailing of the Sheep, which takes place in Ketchum every October. Held to honor Idaho’s century-old tradition of Basque sheep farming (the state boasts the largest Basque community in the United States), the event draws thousands with lively music performances, sheep-shearing demos, and plenty of food and drink.

Can’t miss things to do in Idaho

If you’re visiting for the first time, head straight for Central Idaho, where you can ski at Sun Valley Resort, tour abandoned mining towns near Stanley, and stargaze in the massive Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. Outdoor enthusiasts willing to explore further won’t want to miss camping and hiking in the Sawtooth and Boise national forests, and, in July and August, kayaking on Redfish or Coeur d’Alene lakes.

 

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