11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Idaho
The Gem State is often overlooked as a vacation destination in the Pacific Northwest due to its lack of a coastline or universal popularity. However, Idaho is full of off-the-beaten-path towns, incredible landscapes, and interesting histories to delve into as a traveler. These 11 towns are woven into the fabric of Idaho’s core, offering solace from crowded tourist spaces elsewhere; they are filled with a smaller population of welcoming, friendly locals ready to share their beloved corners of Idaho.
Challis
“A Small Town with A Big Heart” Challis is a wonderful town in central Idaho with much to offer visitors looking for the best outdoor activities. Challis summers feature the rugged River of No Return Endurance Runs in June and the beloved Braun Brothers Music Festival in August that draws in hundreds of music lovers from all over the country. Visitors can raft the upper Salmon River with thrilling rapids or plan a calmer float near The Middle Fork and hop into the natural hot springs. Local outfitters like Middle Fork Outfitters assist travelers in guided hunts or fishing trips, depending on the season. Camping is readily available for RVs and tent campers within Challis or Darling Creed. Bed & Breakfast is an excellent choice for a stayover.
St. Maries
Northern Idaho’s little gem, St Maries, is a quiet town only a few hours south of the Canadian border. Bicycle enthusiasts come to St. Maries for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a 73-mile paved trail that spans the length of the Idaho panhandle. Travelers can stay at the RiverFront Suites and grab a morning coffee at Shift & Grind Coffee before heading out for a day on the St. Joe River. Dirtbike and ATV lovers can head to Christmas Hills Recreation Area for some epic trails. In the winter, St. Maries becomes a snowmobiling paradise with over 600 acres to roam.
Mackay
Surrounded by the Lemhi Mountain Range and Mackay Reservoir, Mackay is a serene getaway for any outdoor recreator. Many visitors choose to camp around Mackay Reservoir, where anglers cast out primarily for trout and bass. For visitors wanting to forgo a camping adventure, a stay at the Bear Bottom Inn is an affordable alternative option. It also serves specialty pizzas with homemade crust along with burgers, nachos, and 12 beer options on tap. History Buffs will enjoy the Lost River Museum. Experienced hikers can look forward to some incredible views at Borah Peak, which is nearby. This challenging ascent climbs up to 12,662 feet and is most regularly accessed in late summer due to weather conditions.
Pine
Pine is a teeny town on the edge of Anderson Reservoir. Boaters, anglers, hunters, and campers gather here for supplies at Nitz Pine Store or to enjoy a meal and a few drinks at The Pine Resort. Camping along the shore of Anderson Reservoir or along the Boise River is the typical overnight stay setting near Pine. However, there are also comfortable motel rooms available at The Pine Resort. ATV trail riding and dirt biking are available during the warmer months; visitors can rent equipment and vehicles directly at Anderson Ranch Rentals by reservation. After a day of adventure, travelers will enjoy a soak at Trinity Hot Springs.
Riggins
Once known as “Gouge Eye” due to a saloon fight in the 1850s, Riggins is a good old Western small town with many festivities throughout the year. Riggins is an outdoorsman’s paradise with prized Steelhead fishing and year-round hunting for big game and birds. Riggins hosts the popular “Women with Bait” tournament every February through March for groups of beginner and experienced fisherwomen. In spring and summer, Riggins comes alive with the annual Riggins Rodeo, Salmon River Jet Boat Races, and various music festivals. For visitors looking for the whole package experience, book with Mountain River Outfitters for beautiful lodging and guided trips all in one.
Stanley
Stanley is a living picture of untouched Idaho. It is surrounded by over 1,000 miles of rugged wilderness and provides activities and fun to visitors year-round. In the summers, the town of Stanley is abuzz with hikers, explorers, anglers, and campers. The nearby Sawtooth Mountain Range has incredible hiking trails like Alice Lake, Sawtooth Lake, and Goat Lake that are popular with backpackers and day hikers alike. Stanley hosts Thursday night street dancing throughout the summer, along with several music events and festivals at the Mountain Village Lodge, where visitors can also book a room and reserve unique hot spring soaks with mountain views.
Victor
Victor is located within Teton Valley on the eastern edge of Idaho near the extraordinary Teton Mountain Range. It is home to a vibrant community and fewer crowds than that of its famous neighbor, Jackson Hole. Victor is the perfect base for exploring hikes like Pole Canyon Trail or hiring a local guide at WorldCast Anglers to experience world-class fly fishing. Visitors can book a lodge stay at Moose Creek Ranch along with a guided horse trail ride. BBQ at Knotty Pine Supper Club is unbeatable after a day of adventuring.
Salmon
Salmon sits awaiting all visitors who love the great outdoors. Salmon can be visited year-round, but one of the most favored activities in the area is rafting. Visitors can book weeklong adventures on the Salmon River with experienced guides like Idaho River Adventures; they offer several trip options, including a unique musical rafting trip that combines live music from local musicians. Travelers can also book world-class hunting or fishing trips with local companies in Salmon, like Big Timber Outfitters. In the winter months, Salmon is abuzz with cross-country or downhill skiers at and around the Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Area. 100 100-acre wood Lodge is a perfect accommodation option with cozy lodge rooms, daily breakfasts, and backcountry tour offerings.
Ketchum
Nestled along the Rocky Mountains, Ketchum is a picture-worthy example of Idaho's beauty. Winter slopes welcome skiers and snowboarders at Dollar or Bald Mountain. Well-groomed trails at the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center are another winter favorite. Ketchum offers a walkable downtown with fun shops for visitors to wander, such as Maude’s Coffee and Clothes, Huck and Paddle, or Country Cousin Store. Dine at the incredible restaurant Vintage for an extensive wine list paired with steak or fish entrees, or the Pioneer Saloon for a classic Prime Rib cut and cozy ambiance. In the summer months, Ketchum becomes a golfer’s reprieve at Bigwood Golf Course or nearby Trail Creek or White Clouds course. Mountain bikers rejoice in Bald Mountain tracks opening for summer riding and lift assistance.
Idaho City
Less than an hour away from Boise, Idaho City is a small, historic novelty of a town. Established in 1862 during the gold rush era, Idaho City was once a flourishing town that was the most populous of the Northwest until the downturn of the availability of gold. Today, visitors can wander the remnants of this well-preserved era at the Boise Basin Museum, Pon Yam House, or the Strauss House. After a day of history lessons, the Springs are a great retreat for relaxation with a large public pool or private pools with hillside views. The Gold Mine Saloon and Hotel make for a great post-spring meal and beer, along with affordable, comfortable rooms.
Wallace
In Northern Idaho, up against the Bitterroot Mountains, Wallace is a gem of a destination town for curious explorers and history buffs. It draws in outdoor enthusiasts for skiing or snowboarding at Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area or bicyclists looking for epic views on the Hiawatha Trail. Wallace is very well preserved historically and offers self-guided walking tours through the Wallace Chamber of Commerce that highlight sites like the Northern Pacific Depot and the Oasis Bordello Museum. For meals, the Fainting Goat Restaurant and Bar or Cogs Gastropub are local favorites.
Idaho never disappoints with its small-town gems and great outdoor recreation. Any one of these towns will serve as an excellent choice for a quick getaway or a longer-term vacation. Traveling through Idaho’s small towns is a pleasure to the senses, from the fresh mountain air from its northern forests to the vast beauty of its southern deserts. Visitors to Idaho will never tire of its countless opportunities for fun in the wilderness.
