2024's 9 Most Scenic Idaho Towns

Idaho is a hidden gem for lovers of the great outdoors, where rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and vast forests come together to form stunning backdrops for quaint, small towns. With its unspoiled wilderness and sweeping vistas, Idaho's scenic towns offer a peaceful retreat from urban life and a gateway to adventure. Whether you’re looking to hike alpine trails, cast a line in crystal-clear rivers, or simply soak in the breathtaking beauty of the state’s dramatic landscapes, these towns provide an idyllic setting for nature lovers.

Sandpoint

Tucked between the towering Selkirk Mountains and the shimmering expanse of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is a town defined by its breathtaking landscapes. The lake, one of the largest and deepest in the Pacific Northwest, offers stunning views from every angle, with its serene waters reflecting the surrounding mountain peaks. Dense forests and rolling hills surround Sandpoint, offering countless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploration. The nearby Selkirk Crest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, where visitors can hike to alpine lakes or embark on scenic drives through wilderness areas.

In the winter, Schweitzer Mountain Resort transforms into one of the Northwest’s top ski destinations, offering over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain with views stretching across the lake and into Canada. In the fall, the vibrant hues of golden aspens and fiery maples add to the town’s natural splendor, making every season in Sandpoint a feast for the eyes.

McCall

Perched on the shores of Payette Lake, McCall is a mountain town enveloped by the grandeur of the surrounding Payette National Forest. The deep blue waters of the lake reflect the peaks of nearby mountains, creating a peaceful yet dramatic landscape. The vast forests and rugged terrain offer a natural playground, where hiking trails lead to hidden waterfalls, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and panoramic views of the lake and beyond.

Ponderosa State Park, a crown jewel of the area, is known for its miles of forested trails and pristine beaches. The park’s Osprey Point provides one of the best views of the lake, framed by the mountains that rise in the distance.

In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland hosting its famous Winter Carnival with ice sculptures, parades, and fireworks. Nearby ski resorts are the perfect place for a family-friendly atmosphere and legendary powder, offering everything from skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Through it all, the Payette River winds through, providing a peaceful backdrop for nature lovers year-round.

Ketchum

Ketchum is nestled in Idaho's Wood River Valley, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Sawtooth, Boulder, and Smoky Mountain ranges. These towering mountains, with their rugged cliffs and alpine forests, create a breathtaking backdrop for the town. The surrounding wilderness is filled with opportunities for exploration, from high-altitude hiking to scenic drives that wind through valleys and along rivers.

For those looking to cycle, the Wood River Bike Path provides scenic routes through the valley. In winter, Sun Valley Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding on Bald Mountain’s perfectly groomed runs, with views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The nearby Sawtooth National Recreation Area is a vast expanse of protected land where visitors can hike among jagged peaks and discover hidden lakes like Sawtooth Lake. Lucky visiotrs may spot elk, deer, and eagles all of whom call the region home. With its close proximity to Sun Valley’s iconic Bald Mountain, Ketchum offers stunning vistas and unparalleled access to Idaho’s wild beauty.

Stanley

Stanley lies in the heart of the Sawtooth Valley, framed by the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Range and the rushing waters of the Salmon River. This remote and rugged town is surrounded by one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the state, with towering mountains, alpine lakes, and dense forests stretching in every direction.

Visitors can enjoy pristine fishing and rafting opportunities on Salmon River. Redfish Lake, located just outside of town, is a tranquil gem where the Sawtooth Mountains are perfectly mirrored in the crystal-clear water. Located just minutes from town, it is a perfect hub for summer recreation with boat rentals, paddleboarding, and scenic shoreline hikes. Stanley is also the gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness. Embark on multi-day backpacking trips through untouched alpine landscapes, with over 700 miles of trails leading to hidden lakes, towering peaks, and scenic campsites. The surrounding valleys are rich in wildlife, with sightings of moose, wolves, and mountain goats offering a glimpse of Idaho's wild heart.

In winter, Stanley transforms into a snowy paradise perfect for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hot springs soaking under a starry sky. With its rugged beauty and remote location, Stanley offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking solitude in nature.

Driggs

Driggs is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Grand Tetons, offering some of the most striking mountain views in Idaho. The iconic peaks of the Teton Range rise dramatically on the horizon, providing a stark contrast to the rolling farmlands that surround the town. This natural beauty extends into the nearby Teton National Forest and Caribou-Targhee National Forest where hiking and bike trails wind through lush forests, across wildflower-covered meadows, and up to alpine lakes.

The Teton River meanders quietly through the valley, offering peaceful scenes of wildlife such as trumpeter swans and bald eagles. The river also provides opportunities for fly-fishing, kayaking, and scenic floats, nearby wildflower festivals and world-class skiing in the winter. With the towering Tetons as a constant companion, Driggs is a haven for nature enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Idaho’s mountain beauty.

Victor

Not far away lies another scenic town called Victor. Victor is nestled in the southern part of Teton Valley, surrounded by sweeping views of the Teton Range. Like in Griggs, the Grand Tetons dominate the horizon, with their jagged peaks rising dramatically from the valley floor, creating a striking backdrop to this small mountain town.

The valley itself is crisscrossed by rivers and streams, including the scenic Teton River, where wildlife such as moose, beavers, and otters can often be spotted. The surrounding forests and foothills are perfect for hiking, with trails that lead to high mountain passes, through meadows filled with wildflowers, and alongside rushing streams. Victor’s connection to nature is palpable, offering both solitude and adventure in a stunning mountain setting.

Hailey

Located in the scenic Wood River Valley, Hailey is a town framed by mountains and forests that stretch for miles. The Big Wood River runs through the valley, providing a tranquil setting for fishing spots and peaceful riverside walks surrounded by cottonwoods and towering pines.

The nearby Pioneer Mountains offer a dramatic skyline, with craggy peaks and alpine ridges rising high above the valley floor. Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, just a short drive away, offer some of the best skiing in Idaho, with slopes for every skill level and stunning views from the summit. Trails in the surrounding wilderness wind through aspen groves and rocky outcrops, leading to spectacular views over the valley.

In the fall, the golden hues of aspens and willows paint the landscape in vibrant colors, while winter brings serene scenes of snow-covered peaks and peaceful rivers. With its rich array of natural landscapes, Hailey is an ideal spot for those seeking a deep connection to Idaho’s outdoors.

Donnelly

Nestled between Lake Cascade and the Payette National Forest, Donnelly is a small town with a big scenic appeal. Lake Cascade, with its calm waters and surrounding mountain views, offers year-round recreation, from kayaking and fishing in the summer to ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter. Its calm waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating postcard-worthy views at every turn.

The nearby West Mountains, part of the larger Payette range, offer a rugged landscape of thick forests, high ridges, and alpine lakes. Trails lead through forests of towering ponderosa pines and along the lake’s shores, while the surrounding wilderness is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species. Nearby Tamarack Resort is a haven for skiers and snowboarders in the winter months, while its mountain biking and hiking trails provide scenic escapes in the warmer seasons.

Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’Alene is perched on the northern shore of its namesake lake, with rolling hills and forested mountains surrounding its pristine waters. The expansive Lake Coeur d’Alene stretches out in every direction, creating a picturesque scene of tranquil blue waters perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming against a backdrop of lush green hills. The town is also famous for its scenic drives, including the Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests.

The surrounding Coeur d’Alene National Forest offers miles of wilderness trails that wind through dense forests, alongside rivers, and up to high points where sweeping views of the lake and valley unfold. Hike, mountain bike, or spend time with nature in these gorgeous surroundings. Wildlife is abundant, with frequent sightings of eagles, ospreys, and deer, adding to the region's natural charm.

From the towering peaks of the Sawtooths to the serene waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho's small towns offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Whether you’re skiing down snow-covered slopes in Driggs, paddling pristine waters in Stanley, or hiking through mountain meadows in Victor, these scenic towns provide endless opportunities to explore and reconnect with nature. Soak in the beauty of Idaho, or escape from the hustle of big city life and find tranquility in the natural calm of these picturesque towns.