9 Most Charming River Towns in Idaho to Visit in 2024
Idaho, the gorgeous Gem State, may be landlocked but is reachable by sailing the Pacific Ocean. This is because Idaho has 3,100 miles of rivers, more than any other state in the lower 48. This potato-producing state also boasts more than 2,000 lakes, making it one of the most popular places in the US for watersports and fishing. Several charming river towns in 2024 provide a base camp for those who want to explore everything Idaho has to offer, including the stunning rivers and lakes.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is a small town with a big river reputation. It is the largest town close to the Pend Oreille River and to the point where it flows out of Lake Pend Oreille. Sandpoint is incredibly beautiful, with the Long Bridge offering unmatched views of the lake, the Schweitzer ski resort, and the surrounding Selkirk Mountains. It was named the most beautiful town in America because of its panoramic vistas, but Sandpoint also offers much more than views.
Downtown Sandpoint is filled with historic buildings and is home to the Cedar Street Public Market, where visitors can participate in wine and beer tasting, or visit the Panida Theater to watch a show. After a lovely day exploring the best of the town limits, Sandpoint City Beach awaits with a sandy beach and lake views.
Those who want more of the views and the outdoors can head to Farragut State Park on the south side of the lake. The park was once a WWII naval training air station, but today offers camping, swimming, recreation, and hiking.
Clark Fork
The tiny town of Clark Fork is half an hour’s drive from Sandpoint. Named for William Clark, who joined Meriwether Lewis on the infamous western wilderness expedition in 1804, Clark Fork sits on the banks of the historic Clark Fork River. The Cabinet Range overlooks the town and river where wildlife-watching and fishing opportunities abound. Elk, deer, bears, and cougars roam free, while sunfish, perch, trout, and bass occupy the river.
Clark Fork has just over 500 permanent residents, a population number that lends to the traditional American small-town atmosphere. These residents welcome visitors with open arms. Then, they point the adventurous ones to the challenging Scotchman Peak forest trail, and the laidback ones to Cabinet Gorge Dam, where ice moving from Canada once filled the Clark Fort Valley, creating a 3,000-foot deep ice wall.
Swan Valley
Swan Valley boasts a population of 255 and a prime location on the South Fork of the Snake River. It is the perfect Idaho town to unplug and rewind. There is no nightlife buzz or fine dining al fresco restaurants. There are only good coffee shops, low-lit bars, and a world of outdoor activities to explore.
Visitors can make the short trek to the magnificent Fall Creek Falls and marvel at the natural fountains the water forms on each side. Gaze at the sunrise before tossing a fishing line into the river or canoeing in a lazy fashion down the river. There are surrounding ‘islands’ to explore, and camping in the area is free. The Swan Valley Outfitters promises a fun day out on horseback.
Moreover, there is the Palisades Creek Trail for hiking and the Snake River Roadhouse, where classic American cuisine will hit the right spot after a fun day.
Salmon
Salmon is another stunning river town in Idaho on the banks of the Salmon River. Here, visitors will find the Central Idaho Continental Divide and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This wilderness area alone covers 2.3 million acres and offers countless trails as well as mountains and rivers. Salmon also offers a glimpse into its history with the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Education Center. The Lemhi Historical Museum in town showcases the lives of early Salmon settlers and the struggles of the Indigenous people.
Those who want to get up close to the surrounding mountains can hike up to the Goldbug Hot Springs, to be rewarded with valley views and relaxation in the form of geothermal pools. The Salmon charm extends to overnight horse or mule packing trips that take visitors into the heart of Idaho’s unspoiled wilderness. There are family picnics to be had at Williams or Wallace Lake and rafting for those looking for a thrill.
Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry is a quaint town in Boundary County less than 30 miles from the Canadian border. It lies along the Kootenai River’s south bank and is known for being the friendliest town in Idaho. Bonners Ferry harks back to the old world even though it is no longer primarily a river transportation town. The Wild Horse Scenic Byway leads to a perky waterfall, while the trailhead to the 225-foot Copper Falls in the Kootenai National Forest is a must-do. There is also the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, six miles from town, where moose, bears, beavers, and birds have their own safe haven.
Back in town, the Boundary County Museum spotlights the lives of the Indigenous Kootenai People and the adventures of the town’s namesake, Edwin Bonner. The Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa offers a glitzy (and perhaps lucky) night out, while the Mirror Lake Golf Course allows golfers to tee off in style.
Saint Maries
Saint Maries doesn’t give off golfing vibes. Instead, the combination of mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers provides a mysterious backdrop that draws visitors from all over the US. The mystery doesn’t detract from the charm, however, especially the St. Joe River Valley, which is the main setting for St. Maries. This 120-mile river offers whitewater rafting and tube floating, while the surrounding area beckons to those who want to snowmobile in winter and go biking in summer.
Visitors who want to learn more about the town’s history can visit the oldest standing building in Idaho, the Cataldo Mission (north of town). And the Hughes House Museum is filled with antiques and photo displays of the town’s early years.
Priest River
Priest River, at first glance, has the same type of look as Saint Maries. The trees turn the same color in fall, and the fog turns everything into the same Idaho picture. However, Priest River is doubly blessed with the Priest River on the east and the Pend Oreille River flowing in the south. Because of all these tranquil waters, fishermen flock to Priest River, and hikers cannot wait to go up the Gisborne Mountain trail for wildlife watching. Visitors can also pick mushrooms and huckleberries in season, as well as spend several hours gazing at the 23,000-acre lake reflecting the Selkirk Mountains.
In town, the Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center highlight the area’s history, including the construction of Priest River’s first sawmill in 1897. The recently renovated Beardmore Block dates back to the 20s and stands among other historic buildings. But Priest River’s true allure lies in its outdoor offerings. With unbelievably beautiful scenery and unlimited hiking and water activities, visitors will have a hard time leaving at the end of their time here.
Riggins
Riggins may have less than 400 permanent residents, but it is far from being just another small town in Idaho. It lies at the confluence of the Little Salmon and Salmon Rivers and got its name from Fred Riggins who used to carry resident mail to the town.
Riggins is a massive attraction for whitewater rafting and fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can opt for full-day or half-day river rafting trips. Travelers who love hiking can take a stroll along the Salmon River, while history buffs can take in the Riggins World War Memorial Monument. There is something for art lovers, too, at the Unique Antler Design wildlife gallery, where moose antler carvings and sculptures are displayed.
Those who want a selfie with a difference can drive to the 45th Parallel, touted as the halfway mark between the equator and the North Pole on US Route 95.
Challis
The small town of Challis is one of the prettiest places in Idaho. It sits along the area where the Salmon River drains and offers direct access to the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The town offers an adventurous stop on the way to Yellowstone with its state park, Land of the Yankee Fork, which offers hiking trails, hot springs, and no fewer than three ghost towns called Bayhorse, Bonanza, and Custer.
Challis’ frontier mining history is on full display at the park as well as at the Challis Museum, and visitors can also learn more about Native American heritage.
During the fall, those camping in the Challis Hot Springs area can keep their eyes peeled for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, before heading off to kayak, raft, or fish.
In 2024, Idaho is a true bucket-list travel destination for those who love the wilderness and unspoiled nature. Visitors will find spectacular sights throughout the small towns, including snowy meadows, frozen lakes, canyons, evergreen forests, and towering mountains, not to mention the vast number of tranquil rivers and lakes. So, shrug on your adventure jacket and take a trip to one of the most charming and naturally pristine states in America.
