Ultimate Idaho Road Trip Guide: 10 Must-See Destinations

Discover Idaho's Best Road Trip Destinations: Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and Natural Wonders

Consider this your Idaho travel guide to some of the best stops in Idaho, including beautiful scenery, water falls, natural rock formations and picture perfect hot springs. Idaho is the best Pacific Northwest state to road trip through, offering plenty of thrills and adventure for everyone. The changing season brings great views and a variety of terrain to explore.

Northern Idaho Road Trip Highlights: Lakes, Mining Towns & Outdoor Adventures

1. Coeur d'Alene was named by French traders passing through the area. It translates to “heart of an awl,” referencing the Native American tribe's keen trading practices. The most notable landmark here is the scenic, dam-controlled Lake Coeur DAlene. Spanning 25 miles long and between 1 and 3 miles wide, it offers plentiful opportunities for swimming, fishing and hiking along its many trails and state parks. Hike through the Coeur d'Alene National Forest for some of the best views in the state.

2. Wallace, Idaho is a delightful, historic mining town in Northern Idaho. In fact, it has remained one of the largest producers of silver ore in the country for over 100 years. From Coeur d'Alene, drive less than an hour East to discover a little piece of Idaho history. Take a tour through the underground silver mines, visit the Wallace Brewing Company to sample a flight of local brews, or bring your motor toys to explore its 1000+ miles of mining, logging and forest service roads that have been converted into the world's largest mountain bike, ATV and snowmobile trail system.

3. Payette Lake is the heart of McCall Idaho, and a vibrant year-round destination. It's crystal clear, glacial fed waters make it a delight for swimming and water sports in the summer. Camp or visit the day-use beach at Ponderosa State Park to take advantage of this scenic location. Bike or boat into town for a tall scoop of ice cream at Ice Cream Alley. Winter visitors are encouraged to visit Manchester Ice Rink for ice skating or enjoy one of five world-class cross country ski areas.

Central Idaho Must-See Attractions: Boise, Sun Valley & Mountain Adventures

4. Boise Idaho, the capital city is a must-visit on your Idaho road trip! The Boise metropolitan area is the largest in the state, with plenty of shopping, eating and activities for all tastes and interests. Be sure to visit the Idaho Botanical Garden, a 33 acre year-round living museum, with both unique native and exotic plants. The MK Nature Center offers almost 5 acres of walking paths along the Boise River Greenbelt, including underwater viewing windows for a fish-eye view of the natural wildlife. Fine art fans will love spending the day at the Boise Art Museum or wandering the Freak Alley Gallery, a free space dedicated to local graffiti and mural artists.

5. Sunvalley/Ketchum is a scenic 3 hour drive East of the Capital city. Known for its ski resorts, the slopes bring the crowds, but in the summer (i.e. road trip season), visitors can take advantage of a number of beautiful trails and hikes. Pack a picnic and bring a blanket for the Sun Valley Music Festival, a free classical orchestra featuring world-class musicians at the Sun Valley Pavilion all summer. Check the Sun Valley events calendar for free public events all year long.

6. Loop back North from Sun Valley to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and complete your Central Idaho tour. Take your pick from a variety of naturally fed hot springs in the Stanley area including Boat Box Hot Springs, Valley Creek Hot Springs, and Mountain Village Hot Springs. Avid campers will love the area's pristine Sawtooth Mountain national forest. Visit in the late spring to catch the wild flower blooms. Magic Valley favorite Redfish lake is located in Custer County, just south of Stanley Idaho. It is the largest lake within the Sawtooth National Recreation area. With its clear and pristine lake, swimming beaches and boat launch, this is the perfect place for a summer getaway.

Southern & Eastern Idaho Road Trip Gems: Waterfalls, Lava Fields & Hot Springs

7. Craters of the Moon National Monument is a remarkably preserved lava field, which closely resembles the surface of the moon. This volcanic sea on central Idaho's Snake River Plain allows visitors to explore and discover its undulating lava tubes and craters! Located in Arco, Idaho, this weird and scenic landscape and the perfect setting for historical education lovers and explorers. 

8. Hells Canyon is North America’s deepest river gorge, located in the remote region of Idaho and Oregon, where the Snake River flows between. It has stunning scenic views, whitewater rafting and plenty of places to spot wildlife. The canyon was carved by the snake river, which flows vastly along the border of Idaho and Oregon. This area includes 214,000 acres of wilderness and is the perfect stop to add to any road trip map!

9. Lava Hot Springs is located in Bannock County, Idaho. The city is quickly becoming a popular resort location, known for its hot pools of mineral water that have been believed to have curative properties associated with the hot mineral water. Some refer to the springs as “the healing waters.” The hot pools are open year round and range between 102 degrees and 112 degrees.

10. Shoshone Falls on Idaho's Snake River canyon, is known as the “Niagara of the west.” These waterfalls are located in Twin Falls and are a must see at their peak flowing times. At 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide making it one of the largest waterfalls in the United States. The flow of this waterfall is dependent on how much snow fall per year the region receives. While you're in the Twin Falls area, make a reservation for a beautiful meal at the historic Turf Club. This fine dining restaurant with a hidden speakeasy is sure to offer a dining experience like no other. With locally sourced ingredients and friendly service, this local favorite is a must-dine during any road trip adventure!

Idaho truly offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking road trip experiences in the Pacific Northwest. From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene in the north to the healing hot springs of Lava Hot Springs in the south, every mile of your Idaho adventure promises new discoveries. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, historic charm, or simply stunning natural beauty, this itinerary ensures you'll experience the very best of what the Gem State has to offer.

So pack your bags, fuel up the car, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on your Idaho road trip adventure!