Idaho

Idaho straddles the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, bordered by Washington and Oregon to the west, Nevada and Utah to the south, Wyoming and Montana to the east, and Canada’s British Columbia to the north. The state covers seven travel regions: Northern Idaho anchored by Lake Coeur d’Alene and the panhandle, North Central Idaho around Lewiston, Moscow, Grangeville, and Riggins, Southwest Idaho around Boise and the Treasure Valley, South Central Idaho along the Snake River Plain around Twin Falls, Hagerman, and Burley, Southeast Idaho around Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs, and Bear Lake, Eastern Idaho serving as the western gateway to Yellowstone, and Central Idaho encompassing Sun Valley and the Sawtooth Mountains.

Idaho has no ocean coastline, but water is central to its identity. The Snake River cuts a dramatic arc across the south of the state, Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, forms the border with Oregon, and Lake Coeur d’Alene in the north is one of Idaho’s best-known scenic recreation lakes. The Sawtooths, Bruneau Dunes, Shoshone Falls, and Craters of the Moon are among the state’s most remarkable natural features. Major draws include Sun Valley’s ski terrain, the lake recreation of Coeur d’Alene, the volcanic landscape at Craters of the Moon, and the wilderness rivers of the central mountains.

The best time to visit is late May through September for hiking, lakes, and high desert scenery, and December through March for skiing in the central ranges.

Featured State Parks in Idaho

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