First Timers to Idaho
 

Looking for input about the most scenic areas to visit and best tourist areas for walking around. My husband and I try to drive a loop (back to airport city where we started), with no more than 2-4 hours a day in the car, but would consider more time if needed for a must see site. Otherwise, just hearing top scenic areas/towns would be great. Thank you for any input. We have been to Yellowstone and Tetons.

When would you be visiting?

My favorite part of Idaho is the Sawtooth Mountains, anywhere between Ketchum and Stanley. We were there earlier this month and stayed at both Redfish Lake Lodge and in Ketchum. We were in Ketchum for their annual sheep festival. We also revisited Craters of the Moon which is nearby. Northern Idaho around Sandpoint is also scenic but I'm partial to central Idaho. Southern Idaho is mostly flat farmland but there are pockets of scenery like City of Rocks but it's a bit remote. How much time do you have? We've been once in the spring and three times in fall. We went a bit later in the fall this year to coincide with the festival and there was light snow and single digits at night in Stanley so keep that in mind.

Stanley
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Redfish Lake
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Redfish Lake Lodge cabins
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Pettit Lake
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Galena Summit

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4e458f8d66.jpg

Trailing of the Sheep was a lot of fun Trailing of the Sheep FestivalThis was our first time attending.

Sheep dog trials
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Sunday morning before the parade
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Sunday's parade
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Craters of the Moon
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City of Rocks
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4770470bbe.jpg

Patty- is the Trailing of the Sheep a must do? My sister and I have discussed attending as we are of Basque decent and our dad and grandfather were sheepmen. Looks wonderful!

Thanks so much everyone for inquiries! Flights from Cincinnati to Idaho Falls are ALOT higher, so may fly into Boise or Spokane. We just went to Utah for the 4th time and that place sure spoils you regarding scenery! And there's certainly no scenery in Cincy that comes anywhere close to out West! We travel in September when visitors are lower (hoping weather is still 60's?/70ish?) but we are sure aware of elevation changes with temps. We do hike up to 2 miles at our age (66, 72), museums are fine. So sightseeing from a car is alot of our exploring, walking around at tourist areas too. Patty - the pics are great! Appreciate hearing from you all.

MichelleY - I think you'd love it! As someone who knows nothing about sheep ranching, it was fascinating. I'd go again. 2021 will be the 25th anniversary. There are many varied activities. We got there on Friday and went to a ranching Q&A. Friday afternoon there were 14 restaurants in downtown Ketchum serving lamb bites. Saturday morning we went to the dog trial and Folklife Fair in the afternoon. Both are in Hailey. There were Basque, Peruvian and Scottish performers at the fair that were also part of the parade on Sunday. Sunday morning we went just north of Ketchum to photograph the sheep that were part of the parade and then went back to town to watch the parade. There was also a closing party on Sunday in the town square with live music. It was a busy 3 days and there were a few things we would've liked to have done but just didn't have time to do it all.

TravelinVic - Boise would be good for south/central Idaho and Spokane for northern Idaho. Idaho Falls is closer to Yellowstone/Tetons. September should be beautiful. We've been in September and had 80 degree weather at elevation so you never know.

Yes, I can see where IF would be more expensive to fly in/out of since it is such a small airport. We lived there years ago. Even though Boise or Spokane are cheaper in cost, it might be worth it with the time savings for you. Just something to consider. We loved being so close to Yellowstone from IF, and took full advantage of it:)

I'd be inclined to include a couple of destinations in Oregon and Washington as part of a loop out of Spokane. Google the places on this map, for example - https://goo.gl/maps/imw6fyrPrq5i2dsw6 . By flying in and out of Spokane, you could include some time in the Washington/Idaho Palouse region (rolling hills covered in wheat, home of Appaloosa horses) both coming and going, and if interested, you could also include the stunning area around Joseph, Oregon in the Wallowa mountains, and - for a real treat if intereted - maybe visit Pendleton, Oregon during the Round-Up, one of the premier rodeo and Native American gatherings in the country. https://www.pendletonroundup.com/ It takes place in mid-September.

Photos (not mine) -

Palouse from Steptoe Butte

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Bruneau Canyon, near Boise

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Joseph, Oregon

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Pendleton Round Up

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Have never flown into Boise, but we do like the Spokane airport. The Southwest flight that gets in there is late -11 or 12 at night - but the Ramada airport is just outside the doors and across a quiet road. In the morning, we just walk back across to the car rental. So, so easy.

If you fly into Spokane you could drive into Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, which are both gorgeous.

so pretty

LOVED seeing the photos of Stanley! I've been there each of the past 8 summers--just beautiful and so relaxing!

A BIG thanks again for the info and pics to all! How big of an area is The Palouse with the beautiful rolling hills? i.e. one road or multiple? And with Palouse Falls being farther east, is it well worth the trip? Would love returning to further parts of Oregon but I think we'll have our hands full in Idaho!

Found a website all about Palouse area: https://www.scenicwa.com/palouse-scenic-byway

The Palouse extends into Idaho - https://idahoptv.org/outdoors/shows/...se/palouse.cfm

As for whether to include parts of Oregon or Washington, it would help if you indicated how many days you plan to visit. Palouse Falls (farther west, not east) is around an hour and a bit from, say, Moscow Idaho or Walla Walla, but if you skipped the falls in September it wouldn't be a huge loss; the amount of water flowing over the falls then will be pretty minimal.

Idaho is pretty big, and big parts of the state are difficult to access because of a lack of through roads, so you're going to have to make some choices. Do you want to include the southeast of the state - toward Yellowstone, or the northern panhandle (Coeur d'Alene to Sandpoint) as well as the Sawtooth region, the Palouse.... ? There's really only one highway (US 95) that travels north-south through the state; the other (faster) routes travel through Washington/Oregon or Montana, so including parts of those states in a road trip usually happens by default.

So lots of choices. How long do you have?

Gardyloo - thanks again for the link with ALL the map locations. Just read Palouse area is 4,000 square miles - yikes! If we DID skip Palouse Falls State Park (so far will probably fly into Spokane), will we see enough of the rolling hills by driving to Steptoe State Park (can't find how long the roadway is in the park) and then down to the city of Palouse? Will then head east from Palouse. Lots to research so I'm very early in planning stages of where we head next and for how long. Palouse is my priority so any info about that would "make my day"! Still figuring out where to stay near town of Palouse as a possibility in case weather not good one day.

We visited the Palouse area in September and really liked seeing the rolling hills and exploring the many backroads. I received excellent suggestions from my Fodors Friends here. There is also a lot of information available online for scenic driving tours of the Palouse. A beautiful amazing area.

I'd definitely suggest that you stay in Colfax, WA rather than the sleepy town of Palouse. Not even sure if there are any accommodations in Palouse. We stayed at a very adequate Best Western in Colfax for 4 nights and used that as our base to explore the area. There are not a lot of restaurant options if you happen to be there on a Sunday or Monday, so take out meals from the local supermarket served the purpose. There is a main street with several nice stores and the town seems to be updating itself.

Everyone suggests going to Steptoe Butte, but I'll say as an amature photographer, I was somewhat underwhelmed by it. Perhaps it's more photogenic with the spring greens and golds. It is best early in the morning--sunrise. The road to the top is very narrow, twisty and unguarded, so if that bothers you, be aware. I had originally planned to make several trips there, but once was enough as I found so many more interesting structures and views just driving the many back roads.

From there you could continue your trip east into Idaho.

Have a look at this map and the places on it - https://goo.gl/maps/pAhFEZxJG2vY4gnL8

Starting at Spokane airport, this would take you south past Steptoe Butte to the Palouse town of Dayton. Dayton has a very attractive downtown area, and a terrific old-world hotel, the Weinhard. The countryside around Dayton is lovely and a good introduction to the Palouse.

The route would then follow US 12 through the Palouse (the town of Pomeroy is also very nice) and into Idaho at Lewiston. You'd then cross Idaho on this marvelous highway, ending just over the Montana state line.


You'd then head south toward Sun Valley, back across to Boise, then back north toward Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. On the way back, you could stop at the other iconic Palouse overlook at Kamiak Butte, a short detour off US 95.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...51b5a0d276.jpg

This would give you a terrific selection of landscapes; highly recommended.

Again, thanks for everyone's help. This is the route I have come up with for a first trip to Idaho, hoping we are not trying to cover too much in a week's time; this will be the first part of June.
1st Day: Fly into Spokane - head to Palouse area. Gardyloo - glad to hear about Dayton/Pomeroy area; staying in Clarkston which will be close to Hells Canyon boat tour
2nd Day: Boat trip into Hells Canyon; stay again in Clarkston
3rd Day: Drive to Boise for one or two nites; i.e. not sure if it will be too much to drive the next day, from Boise, to Craters of the Moon and then stay in Hailey, to INCLUDE Shoshone Falls area. Not sure what else there is to see, scenic-wise, in the Twin Falls area (and the town itself). Looks like at least 6 or more hours of driving (which is why I chose Hailey) which is plenty for us in a day. Otherwise, need reco of what town to stay in before heading to Craters of the Moon, up to Sawtooth area.
4th or 5th Day: Drive to Missoula
5th or 6th Day: Drive to Coeur d'Alene and possibly Sandpoint (but stay in Coeur d'Alene)
6th or 7th Day: Drive back to Spokane overnite before returning home the next day
Our main goal is the most scenic areas and fun towns to walk around in. Also not sure what we shouldn't miss driving up and through the Sawtooth Mountains. Any other help always appreciated.

LadyVic: are you related to TravelinVic (the OP)?

Yes Janisj - somehow my username changed to a previous name when accessing Fodors

What do you hope to see in Missoula MT? Whitefish and West Glacier have much more to offer IMO. Idaho Falls has more lodging choices than Arco or Hailey.

Don't you hate it when that happens :)

Great - I was about to advise you to start a new thread of your own instead of hijacking TravelinVic's LOL

Not totally clear about your days 3 & 4 (or maybe day 5) plan. But I think the stay in Missoula is just to get you part way to Coeur dAlene - right? If so, Whitefish and W. Glacier won't be much help. Not sure how/where is better than Missoula but it will be a long drive.

Thanks Janisj. I mentioned only a possible daily timeline in case we only stay one nite in Boise, and then perhaps stay in Twin Falls area. The next day onward to Craters, and Sawtooth area. You are correct about Missoula - just trying to work our way toward the Northeast to Coeur/possibly Sandpoint and Spokane. Good to know about the Idaho Falls area.

Forgot to mention, have been to Whitefish and Glacier (which is so fantastic)

There isn't much in Twin Falls and it's not worth a detour south just to go north again so I'd skip Shoshone Falls. From Boise I'd head to the Sawtooth area (I'd stay in Ketchum over Hailey). No reason to go to Idaho Falls either if you're trying to get up to Coeur d'Alene. Stop at Galena Summit. There are several lakes just off of 75 that you can drive to. Stanley Baking is very good if you want to pick up something to eat. It will be a long day up to Missoula.

Yes to the Sawtooth Mountains
Yes to Galena Summit
Yes to Stanley (which is occasionally the coldest place in the lower 48 )

And if you're going to/near Missoula and then driving west... study up at glaciallakemissoula.org to learn about the ancient floods which carved the Columbia Gorge while moving much of the eastern Washington topsoil into western Oregon in the process. You can stand in Missoula and look up on the valley walls to see horizontal lines representing the water levels of the ancient lake during different ice ages.

If you are interested in the Palouse, I think late spring is a fantastic time to visit when the rolling hills are almost an "Irish Spring" green color. I also love late summer before the wheat harvest when they've turned gold.

As someone mentioned, Spokane could be a "base" for a couple of days to explore the Palouse and northern Idaho. One of my favorite road trips in this area is a scenic drive from Spokane south to Clarkston via Wawawai Road through the Snake River canyon. You can do this on your way south towards Palouse Falls. Right as you're about to reach the turnoff to go to Pullman, you'll turn right off of US 195 onto state highway 194, which is a windy road that twists into the canyon. The drive is breathtaking surrounded by basalt cliffs on both sides along the Snake RIver and will take you into Clarkston.

From there, you have options. You can stay in Clarkston as you've considered. You can go on to Palouse Falls and then make your way back north to Spokane. Or you could go on to Walla Walla (my recommendation), stay there overnight, and do some wine tasting and explore this fascinating and historic town. The Whitman Mission National Historic Site is a must if you're here.

If you head north of Spokane, the Coeur d'Alene area has been mentioned already, and I concur that it's worth visiting. I love Coeur d'Alene and have a lot of great memories there. Super cute walkable downtown on a beautiful lakefront. In my opinion, Sandpoint is less scenic, and would be ideal if you plan to ski in winter/early spring. Otherwise, I would pass through Sandpoint and go on to Priest Lake, which, in my opinion, might be the most gorgeous lake in Idaho, right at the foot of the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

Last but not least, you mentioned Missoula. While other posters were dismissive of it, I think it is absolutely worthwhile to spend a day there. NorthwestMale has some great tips on learning about the unique ancient ice age geology of this area. The Lake Missoula floods are fascinating and essentially carved out the entire landscape of the northwest, and as he mentioned the wave marks on the hillsides surrounding the town are still visible.

If you're in Missoula on a Saturday, pretty much the entire downtown and the Caras Park along the river are alive with the Saturdayd markets. I absolutely love this place on a late spring or summer Saturday morning, the community is just bustling and people are super friendly. Fantastic farmers market, and the downtown of Missoula is also super walkable, lots of cozy cafes and restaurants, a bunch of great breweries (go to Kettlehouse and try the Cold Smoke Scotch Ale), and a thriving art scene. It's a college town, so it has that sort of youthful hipster buzz about it. Fantastic trails along the river, and being at the foot of the mountains, some great hiking just minutes away. Missoula is one of my favorite towns in the U.S., and it's starting to get discovered.

Some in here mentioned Whitefish and West Glacier, and that is a LONG way north. Beautiful for sure, and the entire Flathead Valley driving north from Missoula is STUNNING, with the Mission Mountains and Flathead Lake stealing your breath away. If you're coming all the way up from Boise, you will be dreading more time in the car (it's eight hours on a curvy two lane road from Boise to Missoula, just so you are warned). With a week I would choose either Western Montana or Southern Idaho/Sawtooths to pair with the Palouse and Northern Idaho, not both. Or you'll be spending all your time in the car and everything will be rushed.

Something to look at if you decide on the Palouse and southern Idaho is to fly into Spokane and then depart from Boise. If not spending a lot of time in the car is what you're after, that would be a good plan to save you a LOT of time driving and leave yourself some flexibility in terms of time and itinerary.

A couple of final thoughts. There's a gondola at Silver Mountain Resort in northern Idaho near Kellogg that will take you to the top of Silver Mountain. Absolutely worthwhile with incredible views, and right off I-90 between Missoula and Coeur d'Alene. Also, the town of Wallace, Idaho is a really historic mining town with a quaint downtown nestled in the mountains just a few miles before you reach Silver Mountain on I-90.

This part of the country is so vast and beautiful that you'll love it no matter what route you choose, and you'll be back because there's so much to see. I've lived in or visited this part of the country for many years and have yet to see all I want to see. Happy travels!

What a wealth of info, jeverett - a big thank you!

Completely agree. Missoula is absolutely wonderful in the summer. We love it! Don't miss Biga Pizza, Montgomery Distillery, Plonk, Catalyst for breakfast, and all the great breweries. Watch the surfers in Brennan's wave. Get ice cream from Big Dipper.