10 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In Idaho
Sandwiched between Montana and Wyoming to the east and Washington and Oregon to the west, Idaho could very well be the most underappreciated state in the country, especially if we are speaking of scenery. As if it is not enough that Idaho contains a decent slice of Yellowstone, the Sawtooth Mountains, and several other spots all conspire to imbue it with a look that will tickle the heart of any summer vacationer. Whether you are looking to open the faucets of adrenaline in your body or craving some much-needed relaxation, the Gem State has options that will leave you confused. But if you want to save on cost and still get a top-notch experience, the following are ten affordable summer vacation spots in Idaho you may want to check out.
The Jolly Camper And Cottage Rental
This property allows you to tag your furry family member along and offers breathtaking views of the inimitable Grand Tetons. The Jolly Camper and Cottage is located less than 3 miles from Ashton, Idaho, and in an area that claims to grow more seed potatoes than anywhere else on Earth. Other than its proximity to the Grand Tetons, a summer adventurer can use this rustic property as the base from which to launch out to other Idaho stunners, including Yellowstone, which is just about an hour's drive away. While you can secure a cozy cabin here at rates that start at $90, you can also camp at rates that start at only $30. As you may agree, accommodation during a summer vacation seldom gets this cheaper.
Cascade
Do not be like those who skip Cascade for McCall, Cascade's neighbor about 30 miles to the north, which is bigger and more famous. Cascades has nearly everything McCall has to offer, if not more, especially when it comes to outdoor adventure. Secreted in a region defined by alpine forests and breathtaking mountains, Cascades provides the idyllic setting for a memorable summer experience. There is the free-to-enter Armstrong Park & Playground, for instance, a clean and quiet space that your child will not want to leave. If this free space does not tickle your fancy, you can opt for Lake Cascade State Park and wander through the scented pine trees, sit around a sparkling lake, give your legs some workout along the park's beautiful trails, and when the sun sets, pitch your tent and camp at rates that start at a sweet price point of $23.
Idaho Falls Riverwalk
There are times a summer vacationer wants some heart-pounding adventure that will give the body some real work. At other times, however, all one needs is a leisurely stroll in a new place while inhaling some heart-ravishing vistas. If the latter is what you are looking for, then Idaho Falls Riverwalk should be on your must-do list. All you will need to do is hit the roads for Idaho Falls, a gem of a town that sits along the scenic banks of the Snake River and happens to be the largest city east of Idaho's capital Boise. You will love strolling through a paved walking path and casting your eyes at the water that looks like reflecting glass. While views of the river, the falls, and the downtown area will ravish your heart, the beautiful sculptures that dot the walkway will arrest your attention. And no, you will not have to pay a dime.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Idaho is known for its many hot springs, as is the whole western region of the United States. A visit to Idaho, therefore, can never be complete without enjoying a soak at one of the state's most beloved water pleasure spots. A visit to Kirkham Hot Springs, located about 4 miles from Lowman, Idaho, entails a drive that is just as stunning and of the kind that will prepare you for what awaits. The reason Kirkham is a must-do is because it is one of a few hot springs in the country where the hot water comes from above, like a hot-water shower. Whether you will want to jump off the rocks and float down, catch a curious trout raising its head to look at what is happening around it, enjoy a beautiful view of the Payette, or partake in several other fun-filled adventures, Kirkham Hot Springs checks every box. But wait for the most exciting part: Except for a $ 5 parking fee, Kirkham Hot Springs is completely free of charge.
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area
A visit to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area will secure you a front-row seat at one of nature's most spectacular exhibitions. A summer adventure will want to hit the trails within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and fill his lungs with some clean, crisp air. And do not be tempted to undervalue this hiking experience. This area boasts the cleanest air in the United States — except for Alaska and Hawaii. And while all Sawtooth Wilderness users will need a permit, these permits are free and are available at all trailheads. Then again, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is not something to be enjoyed in minutes. A one or two-day camping experience is what does it some justice. And this will set you back as little as $7, especially at the Wood River Tent and Picnic Area.
Stanley
Though home to just about 100 residents, Stanley earns a spot on this list because of the sheer number of summer adventure opportunities within its precincts. Yes, some swear Stanley is the gateway to everything beautiful and awesome in the Gem State. And that is not just because of its proximity to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area — and to all the narrow ridgelines and hanging valleys that define Sawtooth's landscape. You can indulge in numberless free or cheap summer adventures in Stanley. You can start with fishing at the Salmon River, for instance, or raft down its drops and rapids. But if you want the peace and serenity of lakes, Goat Lake, Sawtooth Lake, and Redfish Lake are all within the town's proximity.
Sandpoint
Secreted between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges just sixty miles from the Canadian border, Sandpoint is another summer adventure wonderland a vacationer can enjoy on the cheap. The town sits on the banks of the picturesque Lake Pend Oreille, which is the largest lake in Idaho. Among the many summer activities you can enjoy at Lake Pend Oreille, which you will be happy to learn is a free-day-use area, include horseback riding, kayaking, fishing ( the lake boasts a decent population of mackinaw and rainbow trout), hiking, and of course, swimming. But again, you can arrive, find a cool spot, and sit down to a delicious visual feast. The scenery around the lake is incredible and of a type you will want to keep as your laptop's screen saver. And this is just a surface scratch. There are a lot more summer adventure options around Sandpoint that can easily steal a month.
Miracle Hot Springs
While central and northern Idaho plays host to a higher number of summer adventure destinations than other parts of the state, that does not mean there is nothing worth backpacking for in southern Idaho. If you doubt it, you may want to check out Miracle Hot Springs, a water paradise in the tiny town of Buhl, Idaho, less than a two-hour drive southeast of Boise, Idaho's capital city. Away from the glitter and glass and the crowded thoroughfares of big cities, a visit to Miracle Hot Springs is a sojourn to a quiet desert landscape and an encounter with nature in its most rustic. The famous facility boasts four general admission pools, 15 private pools, and a number of VIP pools that may not be of interest to a budget traveler. Here is the clincher. You can soak in the general pools for the whole day at only $14.
Orofino
Orofino is an under-the-radar Idaho summer vacationer's playground located about 250 miles north of Boise. This is a distance that will take you about 5 hours if you are driving from the state capital. Curled up along the north bank of the Clearwater River, Orofino is encircled by some of Idaho's most astounding natural beauty. These include pine forests, majestic mountains, and sparkling brooks. At the Nez Perce National Historical Park, which is unique because it boasts an impressive 38 sites that span four states, first-time visitors can relive the history of the Natives who followed its routes. And at the free-to-enter Canoe Camp, where the Lewis and Clark team got help from the Nez Perce to carve the canoes which eventually took them to the Pacific Ocean in 1805, visitors will find several outdoor activities to indulge in.
Craters Of The Moon
Whether you are an amateur or professional geologist, or you just love rocks and volcanoes despite never attending a geology class, Craters of the Moon should not miss appearing in your Idaho summer vacation itinerary. The unusual volcanic landscape that defines Craters of the Moon is an ocean of lava flows that is so vast you may not see anything like it in your lifetime. At an entrance fee of only $10, which guarantees free entry for seven consecutive days, you can down the Crater's caves, hike its trails, enjoy a scenic drive, or just wander aimlessly, snapping photos. If you are sold out, Craters of the Moon's park entrance is 24 miles northeast of Carey, Idaho, if coming from that direction, or 18 miles southwest of Arco, Idaho.
The Takeaway
Idaho may be best known for potato production. However, the 43rd state to join the Union also plays host to an impressive number of hot springs, wild and whimsical terrain, scented pine forests, and many other natural features that make it one of the most underrated summer vacation destinations in the United States. As if this is not enough, many of Idaho's summer vacation venues can be enjoyed free of charge — or at an affordable price. If you are wondering where to start, book a room at the Jolly Camper and Cottages, travel to Cascade, soak at Kirkham Hot Springs, or pitch camp at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
