8 Breathtaking Towns To Visit In Idaho
Few things can truly take our breath away—a gem of insurmountable beauty, an experience of a lifetime, and the untamed wilderness of the land. Fortunately, the Gem State of Idaho, home to rich veins of gemstones, has all of these spectacular qualities best exemplified by the most breathtaking towns worth visiting. At Sandpoint, you will be mesmerized by the dominance and power of the Rocky Mountains. At Wallace, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer expanses of forests, hills, and gorges. At Salmon and Priest River, you will be swept away by the rolling rapids and dynamic delights of both the towns. But most of all, you will cherish your experiences like rubbing your palms all over a precious gemstone. Pack your bags and head out to these eight breathtaking towns to visit in Idaho.
Sandpoint
Let your compass point you to the not-so-sandy shores of Sandpoint. Lounging at the point between the Pend Oreille River and Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is backgrounded by the formidable Rocky Mountains. Among the many mountainous landscapes dominating the area are the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, which are crisscrossed with hundreds of biking and hiking trails for the most daring to brave. Visitors traverse the iconic Long Bridge stretching across Lake Pend Oreille towards Schweitzer Mountain Resort, where they can experience the recreational and adventurous aspects Idaho promises. Sandpoint is also a convenient starting point towards the expansive and verdant Kaniksu National Forest, one of the US national forests in Idaho.
More natural features abound in Sandpoint, especially in Lakeview Park where the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society's arboretum contains swathes of Idaho’s plant life in abundance. Not everything in Sandpoint is dedicated to nature because the Bonner County History Museum exhibits Native American artifacts, while the Museum at the Brig illustrates the military activities of Sandpoint. Since Sandpoint is a premier resort town, you can choose from several local lodgings, such as Schweitzer, Hotel Ruby Ponderay, and Pend Oreille Shores Resort.
Stanley
Stand firm in the stunning village of Stanley. Situated in the jaws of Sawtooth Valley, Stanley is a three-hour away getaway from Idaho City. With breathtaking views of several mountain peaks like Thompson Peak, Horstmann Peak, Grandjean Peak, Observation Peak, and Mt. Regan, visitors will never tire of the scenery. Take a spellbinding kayak across Lake Stanley, Redfish Lake, Sawtooth Lake, and the Salmon River. You can also venture into the beautiful and grand Boise National Forest, one of the biggest national forests in the US. Thanks to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, one can take horseback rides across millions of acres of snowing and rolling landscapes.
The most enthusiastic of climbers can undertake Elephant's Perch, one of the most recognized Classic Climbs in North America containing over 25 established routes starting from Saddleback Lakes, aka "Shangri La." At the Stanley Museum, learn to appreciate the Native American influences and legacies of the ancestral inhabitants of Sawtooth Valley. Discover the mining relics from the town's gold-mining past at the nearby ghost town of Custer and the Yankee Fork State Park. After many thrilling moments, loosen your muscles at the Mountain Village Hot Spring or in fine establishments like Redfish Riverside Inn or Valley Creek Lodge.
Salmon
Perch yourself like a bear over a river as you savor the cultural and natural splendor of Salmon, a magnificent and serene town on Salmon River. Much like Stanley, Salmon is on the outskirts of the vast Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. For those seeking a deeper connection with both the tantalizing past and the beautiful present, consider venturing into the Lemhi Valley. It was there, between the Bitterroot Mountain Range and the Continental Divide, that Sacagawea, the famed Native American woman who aided Lewis and Clark in their expedition, was born. The Sacagawea Interpretive, Cultural, & Educational Center provides more context to the woman and her people, while nearby ghost towns like Gilmore, Leesburg, and Shoup embody the terrifying effects of the Great Depression.
Among the cultural and artistic aspects of Salmon are the Wildlife Bronzes sculpted by local artist Robert Deurloo. For those who want to see more of Idaho’s wilderness, the Salmon-Challis National Forest hides many sylvan secrets and ancestral mysteries for you to discover. From hot springs to hiking trails and mountains cupping splendid lakes, there is no shortage of breathtaking wonders to sample in Salmon. But first, remember to book a room at the Sacagawea Inn, Syringa Lodge, or Salmon River Inn.
Priest River
The Pend Oreille River continuously baptizes Priest River, a blessed town only 22 miles from Sandpoint. With its panoramic position at the Selkirk Mountain Range, Priest River creates a recreational paradise for those yearning for the thrill of exploration and surprise. The Priest River Experimental Forest, for example, is one of the finest forests you can traipse and gallivant across in admiration of Idaho’s flora and fauna. The town has had a history of logging and forestry, and the Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center highlights the significance of the woodlands for Priest River’s industry.
On September 9, you can either attend or witness the annual WaCanId Ride, a bicycle tour challenging bikers to cross miles of road in Washington, Canada, and Idaho (Hence, WaCanId) on the International Selkirk Loop, one of 11 most scenic road trips to take in the Rockies. Occupy your time ascending Mount Roothaan or standing atop a grand granite spire called Chimney Rock. You might also be invested in exploring the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars or taking photos of the cascading Granite Falls. Only 22 miles from Sandpoint, see more of what Priest River offers while resting up at the Eagle’s Nest Motel.
Wallace
Wallace, one of only four cities in the US that is entirely listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Due to its location in the Silver Valley mining district of the Idaho Panhandle, explorers can brave the many routes and trails in the Bitterroot Mountains or partake in the Sierra Silver Mine Tour to appreciate Wallace’s silver-mining operations. The town is renowned for two world-class pathways, these being the Route of the Hiawatha and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Each path can lead out into the humungous swathes of the Coeur d'Alene National Forest and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. There is also a good chance you might stumble upon Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in America.
One of the historical and natural landmarks in Wallace is the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, which memorializes a ferocious wildfire from 1910. The Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum similarly illustrates Wallace’s history, particularly Wallace’s significance in trade and transportation. You might be intrigued to stand on the Center of the Universe, a quirky manhole cover adorned with symbols of the great mines of the area. If you ever need a place to stay, the Hercules Inn, Wallace Inn, and Ryan Hotel have you covered.
McCall
Heed the call of the wild in the bewildering town of McCall. Approximately two hours away from the city of Boise, McCall is a splendid resort town on the western perimeter of Valley County and beside the serene Payette Lake. So named after Tom McCall, the founder, the town gives visitors access to boating and kayaking opportunities on Payette Lake as well as the dozens of treks and trails snaking all over the adjacent Payette National Forest. Residents and outsiders alike can create handcrafted snow sculptures during the McCall Winter Carnival, whereas the Brundage Mountain Resort and Tamarack Resort provide everyone with many skiing and snowboarding amusements. Ichthyologists can admire the McCall Fish Hatchery, which has been in operation since the 1930s. Trailblazers can journey through Ponderosa State Park for more sights of Idaho’s forests and mountains. And for those who want to sleep easily in the evening, the Hotel McCall, Nordic Inn, and Shore Lodge are some of the best lodgings you can afford.
Island Park
Are you excited to sunbathe on an island? Or are you eager to go exploring through a park? Well, fortunately for you, the town of Island Park creates an equal amount of enjoyment from both. Only 35 minutes away from the popular Yellowstone National Park, the town was built on an ancient volcanic caldera and includes many bucolic features perfect for any vacation. For starters, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a utopian landscape replete with iridescent waterfalls and glittering canopies. Nearby, the impressively built Island Park Dam controls the flow of water on Crow Creek, which flows into the grandiose Island Park Reservoir. Relax at Big Springs, one of the headwaters of the winding Snake River. Learn all about the Nez Perce Native Americans who inhabited the region, or take screenshot-perfect photos of Mesa Falls and Cave Falls. See more from a place engendering the sunny atmosphere of an island and the quietude of a park, and spend your cool nights at the Riverfront Retreat, the Lakeside Resort & Lodge, or Harper’s Cabin.
Garden Valley
Tucked and hidden in the Boise National Forest and 53 miles away from Boise, the vivacious and verdant town of Garden Valley welcomes travelers with all sorts of idyllic treasures. During summertime, Garden Valley blooms with whitewater adventures on the Payette River and forest explorations through the dynamic and beautiful Boise National Forest. When autumn falls, hunters are allowed access to some of Idaho’s premier hunting grounds. As for winter, one can heat themselves back up in a few hot springs in Garden Valley or even in warm lodgings like the Three Bears Inn. More treats and surprises await in Garden Valley, such as the Star Ranch, which embodies the region’s ties to ranching, or the vistas of Terrace Lakes Resort, which overlooks the Sawtooth Mountains. Go ahead and waltz through the arcadian beauty of Garden Valley, and allow yourself to feel the bliss and serenity from when Adam and Eve dwelled in the Garden of Eden.
In a state haunted by ghost towns from the old Wild West, Idaho feels alive and vibrant thanks to the endless array of biomes and biodiversity. From Shoshone Falls to the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho has many metaphorical and literal gems for you to idolize. But the most breathtaking of these treasures are the many awesome towns that preserve and protect these natural landscapes. You will feel warm and cozy while lounging in some of the hot springs of these towns, or you will feel revitalized and adventurous while exploring the many national parks and climbing treacherous mountains in the area. Wherever your feet take you, your breath will certainly be taken away first by the sheer sight and experiences in the most breathtaking towns to visit in Idaho.
