I grew up in Idaho, and even with the entire touring I’ve performed, I nonetheless suppose Idaho is likely one of the prettiest states within the nation. Once I return to go to household, I at all times carve out time to get exterior to benefit from the jagged mountain peaks, pristine blue lakes, scorching springs, and different out of doors actions.
In case you are planning to go to Idaho and questioning the place to go, I’ll simply reduce to the chase. On this publish, I share the proper 9-day Idaho street journey itinerary designed with the out of doors fanatic in thoughts, with my favourite locations to go to, not-to-miss out of doors actions, cute resorts, epic campsites, and yummy eating places.
This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks.
Itinerary Overview
Utilizing my 7-day Idaho street journey itinerary, you’ll make an enormous loop across the state, beginning and ending within the vibrant metropolis of Boise. Since out of doors recreation is my speciality and what Idaho is thought for, this itinerary is full of mountaineering, biking, rafting, and scorching springs with stops within the cute cities of McCall, Coeur d’Alene, Stanley (my favourite), and Solar Valley.
Right here is the day-by-day overview of the entire enjoyable belongings you’ll get to do:
Day 1 : Discover BoiseDay 2 : Whitewater rafting on the Cabarton, Drive to McCallDay 3 : Burgdorf Scorching Springs, Paddle the North Fork of the Payette RiverDay 4 : Drive to Coeur d’Alene, Hike Tubbs HillDay 5 : Bike the Hiawatha Path Day 6 : Drive to Stanley, Sunbeam Hotsprings, Redfish LakeDay 7 : Hike to Sawtooth LakeDay 8 : Drive to Solar Valley, Hike Pioneer Cabin PathDay 9 : Discover Solar Valley, Drive again to Boise
I’m assuming you’re going to keep in resorts, and I’ll share some ideas. Nevertheless, many of those locations have wonderful tenting too. If that’s your plan, ensure to take a look at my information on discovering free tenting to assist reduce down in your prices.
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Day 1: Boise
Morning – Journey Bikes on the Boise Greenbelt
I grew up in Boise and it’s modified rather a lot over time – in a great way! Boise has an enormous number of out of doors adventures accessible proper from city, plus nice eating places and different leisure.
I inform each first-time customer to Boise that using bikes on the Boise Greenbelt is a should! The Greenbelt is a 25-mile paved path system that runs alongside the Boise River.
There’s tons of bushes, plenty of fairly bridges, and loads of locations to cease and put your ft within the river. If it’s a scorching day, you may even convey (or put on) your swimsuit so you may take a dip.
Assuming you aren’t touring with your personal bike, there are many totally different bike rental outlets close to the Greenbelt that hire each common and e-bikes. There’s additionally a motorbike share program with dozens of stations close to the Greenbelt and downtown.
My favourite part of the Greenbelt is from Esther Simplot Park to Julia Davis Park. If you wish to journey additional, maintain using previous Julia Davis to the Heat Springs Golf Course.
Afternoon – Seize a chunk, go to a brewery, and discover downtown
Downtown Boise may be very walkable and has so many nice eating places. A couple of favorites are:
Excessive Notice Cafe : an all-vegan menu with the most effective breakfast burrito I’ve ever had Wild Root : a menu designed round recent, seasonal substances with an incredible patio for individuals watching proper on ninth road. Funky Taco : eclectic, connoisseur tacos
I don’t drink alcohol anymore, however Boise additionally has a ton of breweries. I actually just like the out of doors space at Payette Brewing Firm. It’s canine and kid-friendly, they usually even have NA choices obtainable.
Freak Alley in downtown Boise Boise Lodging
Get a very good evening’s sleep as a result of tomorrow the true journey begins. There are a ton of cute, boutique resorts in downtown Boise.
Boise Resort Advice : I’ve stayed at The Fashionable and actually loved it. There’s a nice bar and actually scrumptious meals too, so that you received’t have to fret about venturing out after your lengthy day of exploring.Boise Tenting Choice : There isn’t an entire lot of tenting proper in Boise (aside from a number of paid RV parks), however if you wish to get out of city and begin making your approach up Freeway 55 in direction of McCall, there are a variety of small campsites proper off the principle street.
Day 2: McCall
Morning – Whitewater Rafting on the Cabarton
You’re going to stand up early at this time (6am departure) and make the gorgeous 2.5 drive up Freeway 55 in direction of McCall to Tamarack Resort .
Freeway 55 may be very scenic from Boise as much as McCall (this isn’t the river you’ll be rafting FYI) When you get to Tamarack, examine into the Tamarack Guided Adventures Desk for a full-day rafting journey on the Cabarton stretch of the Payette River.
I really like the Cabarton part as a result of most of it’s distant from the freeway (versus the Major Payette which runs proper subsequent to Freeway 55). This implies it’s very quiet, the surroundings is stellar, and you might even spot some wildlife.
The largest rapids are Class III, so it’s thrilling however by no means too scary. There are additionally some calm swimming pools the place you will get in for a swim.
I discovered our Tamarack Whitewater information to be very skilled and enjoyable. The journey consists of transportation to and from the takeout, lunch, and security gear.
Afternoon – Discover McCall
After rafting, make the quick 40 minute drive up McCall. McCall is certainly one of my favourite mountain cities within the West – I’ve considered transferring right here greater than as soon as! McCall has tons of outside actions , together with superior scorching springs, mountain biking, mountaineering, lakes, and extra (which you’ll discover on Day 3).
McCall Lodging
Wherever you resolve to remain, guide it for two nights.
McCall Resort Advice : My favourite resorts in McCall are The Evergreen or the enduring lakeside Shore Lodge . Each are inside strolling distance of the lake and the principle drag on the town.McCall Tenting Choice : Head to Ponderosa State Park (superior reservations extremely really helpful) the place you’ll discover good websites, lake entry, and decent-enough showers.
The view from the docks at The Shore Lodge McCall Eating places
For eating in McCall, these are my suggestions:
Cutwater Cafe : lakefront eating on the Shore Lodge with a shocking out of doors patioRupert’s : new-American mountain fare (not vegan-friendly), reservations reommendedCafe 6 Three 4 : fast and yummy breakfast and lunch with plenty of plant-based choicesFrenchie’s : burgers and po-boys
Day 3: McCall
Morning – Burgdorf Scorching Springs
Seize some breakfast on the town. I additionally counsel packing a lunch for at this time so that you don’t must drive all the best way again into city for meals.
Begin your morning off at Burgdorf Scorching Springs , which I think about to be a quintessential Idaho expertise. A brief and delightful drive from McCall, Burgdorf has three totally different gravel backside soaking swimming pools stuffed with geothermal spring water.
They require superior reservations with a purpose to stop the swimming pools from getting too crowded, and a 2-hour soaking go prices $20. They don’t have a lot in the best way of meals, drinks, or different provides, so convey no matter that you must take pleasure in your expertise.
Afternoon – Paddle the Higher North Fork of the Payette River
In your approach again from Burgdorf in direction of McCall, park on the North Seaside boat ramp on the high of Payette Lake. Right here you may hire a paddle board, kayak or canoe from Backwoods Adventures for exploring the meandering Higher North Fork of the Payette River.
It is a lovely non-motorized, flatwater part of river, and everytime I’m in McCall, I make some extent of exploring it. The primary time I used to be fortunate sufficient to see a moose hanging out proper on the river financial institution, and different wildlife sightings are additionally quite common.
I personally choose paddling in a single kayak, however I’ve additionally performed it on a paddle board and in my very own packraft. Relying on the time and power ranges, you are able to do a 2 hour or half-day rental. Your complete stretch is 7-miles lengthy with a number of sandy seashores you could pull off at.
Day 4: Coeur d’Alene
Morning: Drive to Coeur d’Alene
Right this moment you’ve obtained a little bit of a drive forward of you. It’s 5 hours from McCall to Coeur d’Alene which is up in Idaho’s panhandle. It is a distant stretch of freeway up by means of Riggins, Lewiston, and Moscow with sections hugging the Little Salmon River.
Once I did this journey, I booked it up Coeur d’Alene, however when you’ve got extra time, it is best to think about doing a jet boat journey by means of Hells Canyon – the deepest river gorge in all of North America. My dad and mom did this and beloved it. Most of those journeys depart from Lewiston.
Afternoon: Hike Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is a cute (however touristy) city on a large lake in Idaho’s panhandle. Should you’re into boating or golf, you would simply spend a number of days right here. Nevertheless, on this itinerary, it’s going to be a fast cease in your option to the Hiawatha Path.
When you’ve obtained your bearings, head over to Tubbs Hill for a 2-mile loop alongside the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. It’s a straightforward, flat path with nice views and provides you a style of what this area is about. Notice it is a extremely popular path, so count on to share it with different guests.
Coeur d’Alene Accomodations
Coeur d’Alene Resort Advice : Inns in Coeur d’Alene may be costly, and because you’re solely right here for 1 evening, I’d suggest selecting someplace easy that’s inside your funds.Coeur d’Alene Tenting Choice : If you wish to camp on the town, you’ll have to remain at a paid RV park. I’ve stayed at Blackwell RV Resort and it had laundry and good showers, and it was proper on the lake. For extra primitive tenting, you’ll have to move east out of city on I-90.
Coeur d’Alene Eating places
For dinner, I like to recommend Hearth Artisan Pizza that’s proper within the coronary heart of downtown and strolling distance from Tubbs Hill.
Quick on Time?
If that you must reduce a number of days out of this Idaho street journey itinerary, I’d skip Days 4 by means of 6, eliminating the lengthy drive to and from the panhandle and the Hiawatha Path. As an alternative, I’d drive immediately from McCall to Stanley on spectacular Freeway 21, stopping at Kirkham or Bonneville Scorching Springs on the best way.
Day 5: Bike the Hiawatha Path
Morning: Biking
The Hiawatha Path sits on the Idaho/Montana border, and as certainly one of 15 rail trails within the nation designated as a “Corridor of Fame” path, biking it’s a actually distinctive expertise.
On this 14.4 mile bike path, you’ll journey by means of 9 pitch black tunnels, some greater than 1.5 miles lengthy, utilizing a motorbike mild or headlamp, and over 7 practice trestles the place you’ll get expansive views.
Most individuals (together with myself) journey it one-way from the Pearson Trailhead to East Portal. Your complete journey is downhill and once you attain the tip there are shuttle buses ready to move you and your bike again to the highest.
Previous to beginning, you need to cease at Lookout Move Ski Space which is 7 miles from the Pearson Trailhead to get your path go and shuttle ticket. Additionally they have bike leases, bike lights, and bike racks to your automotive obtainable if you happen to’re not street tripping with your personal.
Once I biked the Hiawatha Path it was mid-September, raining, and really chilly, and I used to be grateful to have strong rain gear and gloves. Even in summer season, the tunnels can really feel damp and chilly, so that you may need to convey some layers, simply in case.
For extra particulars, see this writeup on biking the Hiawatha Path .
One of many 7 trestles you journey over on the Hiawatha Path Night – Missoula
Probably the most direct approach from the Hiawatha Path right down to your subsequent Idaho street journey cease in Stanley travels by means of Montana. So that you’ll get to see a small sliver of Montana too.
Because you’re going to have a protracted day on the Hiawatha Path, I counsel you drive 1.5 hours to Missoula, seize dinner, and name it an evening. You probably have power and need to maintain driving, Salmon (4 hours complete from the Hiawatha Path) can be your subsequent good cease. Nevertheless, the street does get fairly curvy and mountainous in sections, so that you may not need to try this at the hours of darkness.
Missoula Lodging
Missoula Resort Advice : If you wish to discover Missoula, I’d suggest staying someplace close to East Broadway. That can put you inside strolling distance to all of the outlets, eating places, and riverfront. If you wish to lower your expenses, you may keep on the outskirts close to the freeway at a cheap-o lodge. Missoula Tenting Choice : Missoula tenting choices are slim, so I’d both camp within the Nationwide Forest close to the Hiawatha Path, or go south of Missoula to Lake Como in Darby. If the entire campgrounds at Lake Como are full, there are some dispersed tenting choices not removed from there.
Notice: There are two small shops in Stanley (your subsequent cease) that carry groceries, however they each are fairly horrible relating to recent, wholesome meals. If that you must resupply on groceries, I counsel stocking up in Missoula or Salmon.
Day 6: Stanley
Morning – Drive to Stanley / Scorching Springs
From Missoula, it’s a 5-hour drive to Stanley. The drive isn’t overly eventful, however there are some good views as you drive previous Misplaced Path Ski Space again into Idaho, in addition to alongside the Salmon River.
There’s a lot to do in Stanley , so I’d guide it down there as rapidly as doable.
On the best way into Stanley, you’ll go a few of my favourite scorching springs. Sunbeam Scorching Springs is 12 miles exterior of Stanley alongside ID-75. There’s a signal and a small parking space, making it onerous to overlook.
A lot of the soaking swimming pools are down a small hill to the correct of the bathhouse subsequent to the Salmon River. You possibly can go from scorching springs to the river and again or discover an space that’s the proper temperature by mixing the cold and warm water collectively.
Notice that if you happen to go in early summer season throughout peak run-off, the river ranges may be too excessive, washing out the swimming pools. If that’s the case, go left of the bathhouse the place there are two tubs which have scorching water piped into them.
Afternoon – Redfish Lake
Redfish Lake is probably the most well-known lake within the Sawtooths and is worthy of a day hold.
They’ve paddle boards for hire, in addition to pontoon boats. You may as well take the boat shuttle to the opposite facet of Redfish Lake the place a variety of totally different hikes depart from, together with this backpacking journey to Baron Lakes which I did a number of years in the past.
Should you’re simply seeking to hold on the seaside and go for a swim, I choose driving over to the Sandy Seaside boat ramp on the east facet of the lake. It’s a bit quieter than the realm close to the Redfish Lake Lodge, and also you get nice views of Mt. Thompson (pictured under), which is the very best peak within the Sawtooths.
Stanley Eating places
If you wish to eat out, the most effective dinner choices in Stanley are the Sawtooth Resort (higher for these with dietary restrictions) or the Mountain Village restaurant.
Stanley Lodging
Stanley Resort Advice : I’ve solely camped in Stanley, but when I had been going to remain in a lodge, I’d keep on the Stanley River Retreat and Cabins that are newly reworked and situated proper on the Salmon River. Should you choose to be proper within the coronary heart of Stanley, Mountain Village Resort is an alternative choice. The rooms are extra dated, however they’ve a restaurant and bar the place you may have the ability to catch some dwell music in summer season. Mountain Village additionally has its personal personal scorching springs which can be obtainable for company.Stanley Tenting Choice : Stanley has so many free and paid campgrounds. My favourite paid campgrounds are proper on Redfish Lake. You’ll positively need a reservation although. Should you can’t get a reservation, Sunny Gulch campground can be very nice and has first-come, first-served websites. You may as well take a look at my information to discovering free tenting to scout some superior dispersed tenting areas close to Stanley. Should you want cell service, take a look at Nip and Tuck Highway.
Day 7: Stanley
Morning: Stanley Bakery / Hike to Sawtooth Lake
The Stanley Bakery is a MUST for breakfast. The oatmeal pancakes are well-known round these elements, they usually even have loads of gluten-free and plant-based choices, in addition to baked items to go. This place will get busy, so get there early or be ready to attend in line.
After filling your stomach, drive up Iron Creek to the Sawtooth Lake Trailhead. That is significantly certainly one of my favourite hikes of all-time. The hike is nearly 10 miles round-trip with 1,800 ft of elevation acquire, resulting in probably the most BLUEtiful lake you’ll ever see. There are some steeper elements, however size apart, I’d think about this a average hike.
You possibly can put together for this hike by studying my Sawtooth Lake mountaineering information .
Afternoon – Mountain Village Scorching Springs or Stanley Lake
Feeling like your muscle mass may use one other good soak? Mountain Village Resort has 3 totally different scorching springs , and also you don’t must be a lodge visitor to make use of them. I like these scorching springs as a result of they’re deep, they usually have among the finest views of the Sawtooths on the town. They’re additionally tremendous clear. To soak right here, it’s a must to make a reservation and pay a small payment.
Should you’ve had sufficient of Idaho’s wonderful scorching springs, then I counsel heading to Stanley Lake. It’s rather a lot much less busy than Redfish Lake with extra attractive views of Mt. McGowan.
Day 8: Solar Valley
Morning – Drive to Solar Valley
The drive from Stanley to Solar Valley is gorgeous. As you drive in direction of Galena Summit, you’ll go Pettit Lake and Alturas Lake. Should you’re in search of extra picture alternatives, these are price stopping at.
Subsequent, you’ll drive to the highest of Galena Summit. Should you occur to be touring with mountain bikes, there may be an unbelievable free mountain biking path system with over 40 miles of trails that begins proper at Galena Lodge.
Alturas Lake Afternoon – Hike to Pioneer Cabin
Assuming you aren’t biking at Galena Lodge, at this time you’re going to deal with one other hike. This one is a bit steeper and more difficult than the hike to Sawtooth Lake, masking 8.0 miles and gaining 2,500 ft in elevation.
The primary 1.5 miles are within the forest, however as you get greater, the path opens as much as views of the Pioneer Mountains. At 4 miles, you attain Pioneer Cabin, which was constructed as a ski hut approach again in 1937, with a few of Solar Valley’s most dramatic landscapes.
Solar Valley Eating
For a small city, Solar Valley has an incredible meals scene. Listed here are a few of my favourite spots:
Rickshaw : tremendous flavorful Asian road mealsServa : Peruvian ceviche with a separate vegan menu5B Fruit : smoothies and acai bowls
Solar Valley Lodging
Tenting in Solar Valley isn’t fairly as plentiful as it’s in Stanley, however there are nonetheless fairly a number of choices without cost and paid campgrounds. There are additionally a number of good resorts on the town that put you inside strolling distance of the entire outlets and eating places. Remember the fact that Solar Valley is a resort city, and the lodging costs mirror that.
Solar Valley Resort Advice : My high 3 selections for Solar Valley resorts can be the Limelight Resort for contemporary facilities, Resort Ketchum for a hip vibe, or the Knob Hill Inn for European allure. Solar Valley Tenting Choice : The closest free tenting to city is just some miles up Path Creek Highway, near the Pioneer Cabin Trailhead.
Day 9: Solar Valley / Drive again to Boise
Morning: Discover City / Journey Gondola
Solar Valley / Ketchum is a brilliant cute city. It’s price poking round Major Avenue and the remainder of downtown.
For a birdseye view of the realm, take the Roundhouse Gondola from the River Run base up Bald Mountain.
From the highest of the gondola, you may seize lunch on the Roundhouse Restaurant with panoramic views or hop on the scenic Christmas elevate to the highest of the ski space. There are many totally different mountaineering trails if you wish to discover, or you may take some pics and journey again down.
Afternoon: Drive again to Boise
That wraps up your 10-day Idaho street journey itinerary. The drive from Solar Valley to Boise is just below 3 hours. There aren’t numerous locations to cease, so it is best to seize lunch in Solar Valley earlier than you hit the street.
You probably have extra time
You probably have greater than 9 days to your street journey, there are such a lot of extra issues you are able to do in Idaho. Listed here are some ideas:
Go to Sandpoint : Sandpoint is on the high of the panhandle, and I really choose it to Coeur d’Alene. It’s house to Schweitzer Ski Resort and Farragut State Park the place you’ll discover tons of mountaineering, biking, berry selecting, lakes, and extra.Spend extra time in Stanley : There are actually dozens of epic hikes in Stanley. Some favorites embody Bench Lakes, Hell Roaring Lake, and 4th of July Lake. I even have but to do the Alice-Toxaway Loop (a protracted day hike or in a single day backpacking journey) which is meant to be the cream of the crop in Stanley.Go to Southern Idaho : I didn’t cowl Southern Idaho on this itinerary. Some highlights in these areas embody Shoshone Falls, Metropolis of Rocks, and Craters of the Moon Nationwide Monument. Drive Freeway 21 between Banks and Stanley : It is a dramatic stretch of freeway with a number of scorching springs alongside the best way. My favorites are Kirkham and Bonneville Scorching Springs.
Often Requested Questions
What are the most effective months for an Idaho street journey?
If you wish to hike and bike, my favourite months to go to Idaho are late June, early July, and September. Mid-summer may be scorching and smoky relying on whether or not there are wildfires burning. Winter can be nice in case you are seeking to ski and do different winter sports activities.
What number of days do you want in Idaho?
To correctly discover the state, I believe you want at the very least 7 days, though you would simply spend 2 weeks masking all of Idaho. You probably have much less time than that, I’d give attention to the Boise, McCall, Stanley space to your street journey.
What’s the most lovely place to go to in Idaho?
My favourite space of Idaho is Stanley and Solar Valley. These are house to probably the most dramatic mountains in Idaho with tons of mountaineering, biking, paddling, scorching springs, and different out of doors actions.
Extra Idaho Suggestions
Have a number of additional days to spend in your Idaho street journey? Get extra concepts for issues to do in these weblog posts:
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What different Idaho street journey stops have you ever been to or would suggest for an itinerary? Go away a remark under!
