13 Top Places To Visit In Idaho This Fall
One of the best times of year to visit Idaho is undoubtedly in the fall. It is during these transitional months that the state’s natural colors come alive, not to mention that the temperatures become milder, making it the ideal time to get outdoors and explore. While the optimal time of year for leaf peeping in Idaho varies, it typically falls between mid-September and early November, with the brightest hues shining through in mid-October.
Now that you know the ideal time of year to take advantage of Idaho’s beautiful autumn season, let’s dive into the best places to visit in the state. If you want to marvel at stunning fall scenery, look no further than the 13 destinations below.
Stanley
Stanley, Idaho, is one of the top leaf-peeping destinations in Idaho. This small town is nestled in the Sawtooth Valley. It sits on the banks of the Salmon River and boasts stunning views of the rugged Sawtooth Mountains. There are over 1,000 miles of wilderness to explore in Stanley, with leaves typically turning in October. Locals suggest heading to Sawtooth National Forest to experience autumn in all its glory. Here, you can go for a leisurely stroll or challenging hike, like hiking to the North Face of Mt. Borah, which is the tallest mountain in Idaho at 12,600 feet. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the fall, including float fishing and climbing. You’ll also enjoy walking through the quirky western town of Stanley, which has a number of restaurants and shops.
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is another must-visit Idaho destination in the fall. Part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Hells Canyon is located in northern Idaho and is the deepest river gorge in the entire United States at 8,000 feet deep. Simply put, you’ve likely never seen anything like it.
The water running through the gorge comes from Snake River, which spans an impressive 1,000 miles. The fall season attracts many visitors due to the ideal temperatures for hiking. It’s also a great time of year to go fishing or simply go for a drive and spot the changing leaves. Some of the top hikes in Hells Canyon Recreation Area include Snake River Trail, Sheep Lake, Mirror Lake Trail, and Heaven’s Gate Trail.
Boise National Forest
Boise National Forest is nothing short of magical come the fall, which likely won’t come as a surprise when you discover that the forest spans over two million acres - that’s a lot of trees! Be sure to take a drive here while visiting Idaho in the fall. Even from the car window, you will be stunned by the beauty of the changing leaves in this national forest.
If you prefer to enjoy the great outdoors on foot, don’t hesitate to embark on one of the many hiking trails that run through the forest, some of which can even take you up the tallest mountain in the park - Steel Mountain at nearly 9,800 feet. For easy and moderate hikes, head to Skein Lake and Raft Lake. The Adelmann Mine Hike and the Bogus Basin Loop Trail are two additional easy hikes. Meanwhile, for more of a challenge, head out on the 9.4-mile Kepros Mountain Trail or the 11.7-mile Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley, Idaho, never looks more beautiful than in the autumn months. Located in south-central Idaho, Sun Valley is a resort town that boasts jaw-dropping fall foliage, outdoor adventures, and plenty of relaxation. In essence, there is something for everyone in this small ski town.
A few of the top activities that visitors enjoy in the fall include hiking the 8-mile Pioneer Cabin Trail (or going on any hike in Sawtooth National Forest), biking the 20-mile Wood River Trail, fly fishing at Silver Creek Preserve, strolling around the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens, soaking in the warm water at the Frenchmen’s Bend Hot Springs, and hitting the links at one of Sun Valley’s many famous golf courses.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is one Idaho destination that is at its most scenic in the fall. The moody and dramatic weather, coupled with the crimson leaves, makes for a stunning spot to soak in the hot water. Plus, the hot water in the springs is much more enjoyable when it isn’t equally hot outside of the pools.
Kirkham Hot Springs is a popular destination throughout the year. It has plenty of hot spring pools to relax in, as well as a number of nearby hiking trails. Since the springs are located along the South Fork Payette River, you can fish, hike, kayak, and soak all in the course of a single day. Please note that Kirkham Hot Springs’ hours of operation are between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm every day.
McCall
There’s nothing quite like fall in McCall! This small resort town in Valley Country, Idaho is one of the best times of year to visit. Unlike the bustling summer and winter seasons, visitors will truly have a chance to relax and soak in the beauty and peace of the area during the autumn months.
For those who don’t know, McCall is situated on Payette Lake, adjacent to Payette National Forest. This makes it a haven for camping, golfing, hiking, boating, fishing, and practically any outdoor activity you can think of!
Some of the best hikes if you’re looking to take in McCall’s mesmerizing fall foliage are Goose Creek Falls Trail, Boulder Lake Trail, and Box Lake Trail.
Sandpoint
Planning a trip to northern Idaho this fall? If you answered no, then maybe you should be because Sandpoint, Idaho is located here and it is simply stunning during the autumn months. This small Idahoan town offers uncrowded trails, vivid picturesque drives, and the ideal weather for getting outdoors.
Some of the best spots to take in the beauty of fall in Sandpoint include the Mineral Point Interpretive Trail, Maiden Rock Trail, Evans Landing Trail, Gold Hill Trail, Scotchman Peak Trail, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, Pine Street Woods, and Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Ultimately, since Sandpoint is nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, you will have endless opportunities to marvel at the beautiful fall colors, whether you choose to do so by hiking, biking, climbing, boating, or on horseback.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
In all honesty, there is no bad time of year to visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument. That said, visiting in the fall is particularly unique, as you will see the Mars-like landscape that the monument is famous for juxtaposed with the vibrant hues of autumn.
This national park has a fascinating history that dates back to volcanic eruptions that took place between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago. The result? A basalt flood area featuring some of the most unique lava formations you’ve ever seen. Craters of the Moon National Monument remain geologically active today, though it’s been over 2,000 years since the area’s last eruption.
If you wish to explore the park, you’re in luck. There is a 7-mile loop road for visitors that takes you along most of the craters’ caves and trails, allowing you to see a lot of the area quickly and easily.
Yellowstone National Park
Did you know that a tiny portion of Yellowstone National Park is located in Idaho? It’s true! Although only 1% technically lies in the state of Idaho, it is a magical place to visit in the fall months. One reason for this is that the number of tourists in the park decreases substantially following the summer months. Even better, the leaves and grasses that dot the park turn from their usual green to unbeatable orange and yellow hues.
You also won’t have to hike far to see awe-inspiring fall scenery. Hiking just one mile into the backcountry can result in some seriously beautiful scenery. Wildlife spotting is also still possible in the autumn, so keep your eyes peeled for bears, elk, deer, moose, eagles, and bighorn sheep.
Thousand Springs State Park
Witness Thousand Springs State Park in all its glory this fall season. Nestled in southern Idaho, this gem of a state park has it all - waterfalls, hills, lakes, and valleys. This allows visitors to enjoy the park in a number of ways, like horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.
A few of the top attractions in Thousand Springs State Park include Malad Gorge, the Kelton Trail, Ritter Island, Billingsley Creek, Niagara Springs, Crystal Springs, and Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon. Thankfully, it is easy to get around the park (and leaf peep along the way) due to the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. Most attractions are accessible via this Byway, and a few others will take you off of it, but only via a short detour.
Idaho Botanical Garden
If you are traveling to Boise this fall, don’t miss out on the Idaho Botanical Garden. Located in the Old Idaho State Penitentiary District, this nonprofit attraction gets even prettier during the fall months.
The impressive botanical garden is made up of 32 acres of pristine green space. It is divided up into an array of unique, themed gardens, such as the English Garden, the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Meditation Garden.
Plus, the garden is known to host a wide range of events for children and adults alike throughout the year, and these don’t stop during the fall months. A few events you can look forward to once autumn hits are the Scarecrow Stroll, the Fall Plant Sale, and the Fall Artist Market.
Boise
Boise, Idaho’s largest city, is a fun time during any season, but there are several reasons to visit in the fall. For example, it’s nicknamed the “City of Trees,” and you can bet that those trees change colors in the autumn months. Walk down practically any street in Boise, and you will be treated to beautiful scenery. The same goes for if you visit any of the city’s parks, like Kathryn Albertson Park, Ann Morrison Park, and Julie Davis Park, or university campuses, like Boise State University or University of Idaho Boise. Speaking of Boise State University, you can take advantage of another fall activity while in the state capital - a college football game!
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park is yet another top place to visit in Idaho this fall. The park comes alive in the fall, with yellow and orange leaves dotting the sandy, dune-filled landscape.
Bruneau Dunes State Park is located in southwestern Idaho and has a history that spans between 15,000 and 20,000 years when scientists believe the dunes first formed. They were said to have formed following the Bonneville Flood.
Today, visitors to this state park can spend the day not only snapping photos of the gorgeous fall leaves but also fishing, hiking, horseback riding, or stargazing. Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the Bruneau Dunes Observatory, which has a collection of telescopes for guests to enjoy.
Are you ready to visit the great state of Idaho this fall? You officially have 13 reasons to do just that! This state boasts fall scenery like no other, which makes it the perfect place to spend the leaf-peeping season. Between the myriad of state parks, national parks, and national forests that can be found here (including Yellowstone National Park!), the plethora of cute mountain towns, and the seasonal attractions in the capital city of Boise, you can’t go wrong with an autumn vacation in Idaho.
