8 Top Places To Visit In Idaho In The Fall
For a fun fall destination in the northwestern United States, look no further than Idaho. This unsuspecting state is full of quaint towns and rugged landscapes, ideal for hiking enthusiasts and families looking to spend time outdoors with their kids. Fall might be the best time of year to visit, and these are some of the places you won’t want to miss while exploring the Gem State. Find out why it’s truly a hidden gem.
Stanley
Stanley, Idaho, is one of the top places in the state to visit during the fall. The town is located in the Sawtooth Valley and is surrounded by more than 1,000 miles of rugged wilderness, giving way to vibrant autumn foliage from late September through October. Stanley is a year-round destination, but during fall, there are many things to see and do in what might be the most picturesque time of year. Stanley is known for being home to some of the Northwest's best bank, wade, and float fishing. Besides fishing, climbing is a great fall activity in Stanley that is possible through the end of October. There are some easy hikes and climbs like the Trail Creek Summit and more challenging options for experienced trekkers, like the North Face of Mt. Borah, the highest peak in Idaho.
Palisades Reservoir
Palisades Reservoir in Idaho is located within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This scenic valley boasts dense forests on rolling hills alongside the waterway and snow-capped mountains in the distance. The reservoir spans 25 square miles and is home to two boat clubs and private cabins. Fun activities to enjoy on the reservoir during autumn include fishing and boating (both motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed). Boat rental services like Renegade Drift Boat Rentals are a great place to get a watercraft for the day.
Sandpoint
The charming town of Sandpoint, Idaho, has a population of fewer than 10,000 people and is a peaceful place to enjoy the pleasant autumn months. It’s situated between three mountain ranges on Lake Pend Oreille, making it a hub for outdoor adventures and sports. Fall is the perfect season to book a cozy room in a local bed and breakfast like Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, nestled in nature with convenient access to the town’s top attractions. Fall activities to experience in Sandpoint include biking the Gold Hill Trail, fly fishing on the Kootenai River, and grabbing a pint at Laughing Dog Brewing.
Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls is a must-visit attraction in Idaho for fall visitors. It’s sometimes affectionately nicknamed the "Niagara of the West." The waterfall is located in the town of Twin Falls and is an impressive 212-foot tall and 900-foot wide cascade. Though the falls are often at their driest during autumn (and the heaviest flow is during the Spring), it’s still a scenic time to explore the area. Best of all, it makes for calm kayaking through the Snake River below.
Swan Valley
Fishing enthusiasts will want to flock to Swan Valley, Idaho, this fall for some of the best dry-fly fisheries on the continent. Along with Irwin and Palisades, Swan Valley sits on the South Fork of Idaho’s picturesque Snake River banks. For the perfect fall getaway that immerses travelers in nature, go camping at Sleepy Bear RV Park & Camping in Swan Valley, fly fishing, paddling on the Snake River, and hiking in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Thousand Springs State Park
Thousand Springs State Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination for fall adventure in Idaho. The park is divided into six units that visitors must drive between, but each unit provides a unique experience. Hikers can traverse the Oregon trail at the Kelton Trail, while leisurely visitors seeking a picnic can relax at Malad Gorge. For fishing or horseback riding, check out the Billingsley Creek unit of the park: Tour Ritter Island or the newly opened Visitor’s Center for History and Learning. Bald eagle spotting is a pastime for wildlife photographers at the Box Canyon Nature Preserve. Family-friendly activities like fishing or having lunch outdoors are available at Niagara Springs.
Boise
Boise is the capital of Idaho, and while it’s always worth visiting when in the state, this city is never more beautiful than during autumn. The nickname the “City of Trees” is a good clue as to how stunning the fall foliage is on the city streets from September through October. Besides taking photos among the leaves and enjoying the comfortable temperatures autumn brings to Idaho’s capital, there are lots of harvest-themed events taking place around the city. Fall in Boise is the ideal time to visit a pumpkin patch, pick apples at an orchard, or bring the kids to a corn maze.Boise also hosts an annual Oktoberfest to celebrate German food and culture at the Nampa Civic Center on the last weekend of September.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley, Idaho, is a popular resort town all year, but fall is a special time to visit. It’s considered one of the best seasons in the town because there are fewer tourist crowds, lots of festivals and events, and the autumn foliage is spectacular. During September, visitors to Sun Valley can enjoy the Sawtooth Brewery’s Oktoberfest celebration of German food and culture in neighboring Ketchum’s Town Square. Mid-October is also a time to attend the Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival, which is a five-day celebration of American music styles like Jazz, Blues, cabaret, swing and more. It's a huge event with more than 200 musicians performing during its run. Autumn in Sun Valley is also the perfect time of year to enjoy outdoor activities in this mountainous area, like hiking, biking, and fly fishing.
Fall In Love With Idaho
Idaho is one of the most underrated states in the region, often overshadowed by Washington and its border state, Montana. But Idaho has its own charm and comes alive with vibrant autumn colors during the fall season. It’s one of the best times for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the state’s beautiful parks, small towns, and even big cities.
