Idaho Roadtrip: 2 Weeks 12 Stops
Take a tour through Idaho’s stunning scenery and unique geological features with this mini travel guide. In this post we are sharing how we spent 2 amazing weeks in Idaho with 12 incredible stops.
After spending an amazing 9 days at Glacier National Park in Northern Montana we made our way to a state we’d never been to before, Idaho! We’d heard some pretty great things about Idaho, from boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene, to the clear blue waters at Redfish Lake, to the 800,000-acre lava field at Craters of the Moon National Monument! There is definitely no shortage of outdoor activities in Idaho.
We started our road trip in late August in Northern Idaho, so we were still able to enjoy the warm summer days before many places closed and it got too cold. Whether you have just one day or a few days to spare, Idaho is a place you must visit!
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ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA
LOCATION: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area - Montana/Idaho Border
Travel Guide: Riding the Route of the Hiawatha Trail in Idaho
Our first stop in Idaho was in the small town of Osburn, which we used as a base to explore some of the areas popular activities such as the Route of the Hiawatha Scenic Bike Trail. This scenic bike trail is run by Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area in Northern Idaho. The trail runs 15 miles downhill with a 1.6% grade and features 10 tunnels and 7 sky high trestles.
It crosses 2 states and covers what used to be the Milwaukee Road, a railroad line that ran from Chicago to Seattle in the early 1900’s. We loved this trail because it’s a great way to see Northern Idaho and learn all about the history of the area.
2. COEUR D’ALENE
LOCATION: Northwest Idaho
Coeur d’Alene was one of our favorite stops in Idaho because it felt the most like home (Florida) than any other place we’d visited on our midwest trip. Clear blue skies, the smell of sunscreen and gasoline, the sound of boat engines and water hitting the docks, we were so surprised this mountain town so close to Canada had such a tropical feel.
Coeur d’Alene is located in Northwest Idaho right on the border of Washington. The city is named after a Native American Tribe and is known for its numerous water activities on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Some of the most popular things to do are, play a game of golf on the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, walk the world’s longest floating bridge, and rent a boat & enjoy a day out on the water.
We drove 45 minutes in from the town of Osburn and spent the day hanging out at McEuen Park, enjoying the views, and watching the seaplanes take off at the lakeside Buoy Bar & Grill. If you find yourself near Northern Idaho, definitely check out Coeur d’Alene!
3. GOLDBUG HOT SPRINGS
LOCATION: Elk Bend/ Central Idaho
Hiking Guide: How to Visit Idaho’s Goldbug Hot Springs Oasis
Making our way south we made it to our first hot spring in Idaho, the Goldbug Hot Springs. This beautiful natural hot spring is located in the small community of Elk Bend, Idaho, just 30 minutes south of Salmon. It can be accessed via the 3.6 mile Warm Springs Trail and features several levels of warm pools to soak in with unbeatable mountain views.
We hiked up to the springs one early summer morning with our dogs and had the place all to ourselves. Griffin used this shoes as water booties and had the best time exploring all around the hot spring.
4. CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT
LOCATION: Arco / Central Idaho
Travel Guide: Plan the Perfect Trip to Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon is a 753,000 acre National Monument & Preserve located in South Central Idaho. It was established in 1924 and is known for The Great Rift, a 52 mile long crack in the earth’s crust where lava spewed as early as 2,000 years ago. The park features fields of lava, caves (lava tubes), craters, spatter cones, and lava-charred trees. The park offers ranger programs, excellent night sky viewing, and winter skiing.
5. SUN VALLEY
LOCATION: Central Idaho
Sun Valley is America’s first ever destination resort located near the Sawtooth National Forest. This 4 seasons resort offers a picturesque 18 hole golf course, opera house, luxury spa, and much more. Sun Valley also has the largest automated snowmaking system in the world making this resort a top destination.
6. KETCHUM
LOCATION: Central Idaho
If you are looking to visit the Sawtooth Mountains, you might choose to make a stop in Ketchum Idaho. This is the largest city in the Sawtooth Recreational Area and features tons of unique hotels, restaurants, and shops to explore. It’s located along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway right next to the popular destination ski resort, Sun Valley. This is a great place to spend a sunny summer day outside enjoying local cuisine. Definitely check out Warfield Distillery and Glow Cafe for some amazing food and drinks.
7. REDFISH LAKE
LOCATION: Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Redfish Lake is by far one of the most popular places to visit in the Sawtooth Mountains. It’s known for its numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, fishing, and water activities. The glacial fed aqua blue water is the headwaters for the Salmon River and is home to the once endangered Sockeye Salmon and Rainbow Trout.
We spent the day walking along the gorgeous shoreline and running around the dog beach. If you’re near the Sawtooth Mountains, Redfish Lake is a must do!
8. STANLEY
LOCATION: Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Stanley is a small charming mountain town located in central Idaho in the Sawtooth National Forest. It’s the start of the Sawtooth Scenic Byway and provides fantastic mountain view’s, historical museums, hot springs, the best local shops. Be sure to stop at Stanley Baking Company & Cafe for some great coffee and breakfast.
9. SAWTOOTH SCENIC BYWAY
The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is a 115 mile scenic drive that runs from Shoshone to Stanley in the Sawtooth National Forest. The drive features tons incredible hiking, charming mountain towns, and breathtaking views. Many call this area the Mini Grand Teton and I couldn’t agree more! For those who love the mountains, definitely check out the Sawtooth National Forest, you won’t be disappointed.
10. BRUNEAU DUNES
LOCATION: Bruneau, Idaho
Visiting the Tallest Dunes in Idaho: Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park is a 4,800 acre park located in Southwest Idaho. It became a state park in 1967 and is known for having the tallest single structure dune in North America at 470 feet tall. The sand dunes are thought to be the remains of the Bonneville Flood that occurred 15,000 years ago. The park features an observatory for excellent night sky viewing, a campground with views of the dunes, and of course sand boarding down the dunes.
For a truly amazing experience spent the night at a campsite and check out the night sky! We saw the Milky Way every night and had a colorful serene sunrise.
11. PERRINE BRIDGE
LOCATION: Twin Falls
The Perrine Bridge is one of Twin Falls most popular attractions. This 1,500 foot long truss arch bridge sits 486 feet above the Snake River and is a year round bass jumping site for adventure seekers.
12. SHOSHONE FALLS
LOCATION: Twin Falls, Idaho
Our last stop before leaving Idaho was at Shoshone Falls, also known as the “Niagara of the West”. This waterfall is located in south central Idaho in the city of Twin Falls. The falls are 45 feet taller than the famous Niagara Falls in New York/Canada with a height of 212 feet and a width of 1,000 feet.
The best time to view is the falls is in spring and early summer as the water flow is at its peak. There is an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle and pets are welcome to tag a long. It’s a great place for a quick stop or to spend the afternoon. We popped in with our dogs for about 30 minutes on a Monday afternoon in September and it was fairly busy and only one section of the waterfall was flowing but it was still a sight to see! If you’re in the area, definitely check it out!
Let us know what are your favorite places in Idaho in the comments below!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Take a tour through Idaho’s stunning scenery and unique geological features with this mini travel guide. In this post we are sharing how we spent 2 AMAZING weeks in Idaho with 12 INCREDIBLE stops.