You don’t have to dedicate an entire weekend just to get a taste of the Gem State’s great outdoors. If you’re craving a taste of nature but are short on time, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of these short and easy hikes in Idaho. These trails are simple, but you’ll be treated to the most incredible views that are sure to leave an impression. Here are eight of the best hikes in Idaho with amazing payoffs.
- Bloomington Lake Trail (Paris)
Tess Piper/Alltrails Thanks to this trail, you don’t have to spend a whole day trekking to one of Idaho’s beautiful alpine lakes. The hike to the utterly gorgeous Bloomington Lake is just 1.4-miles out and back. The trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from the town of Bloomington. The trail is very flat and simple, making it doable for almost everyone. Spend the day lounging by the lake and soaking up the beauty of the surrounding forest. Bloomington Lake Trail Head, Forest Rd 816, Preston, ID 83263, USA
- Crown Point Rail Trail (Cascade)
Tamera Rotarius/Alltrails Located in Lake Cascade State Park, this trail is very well-paved and perfect for a family outing in nature. The trail follows the shoreline of the beautiful lake where you can walk down to the sandy beaches if you desire. This would be an awesome place to spend the day swimming or hanging out by the lake. Lake Cascade State Park, 100 Kelly’s Pkwy, Cascade, ID 83611, USA
- Bruneau Dunes Loop (Bruneau)
Nicole Williams/Alltrails One of the most unique hikes in the state is the Bruneau Dunes Loop. Hiking around these massive dunes is like being transported to a different world. The trail is well-marked, but the best part of this hike is running up and down the sand dunes. The loop trail is approximately two and a half miles and takes you all around the gorgeous park. This is easily one of the best hikes in Idaho and you don’t want to miss it. Bruneau Dunes State Park, 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
- Shoreline Picnic Area Trail (Athol)
Daniel Mitchell/Alltrails If you’re looking for an easy way to explore Lake Pend Oreille, look no further. This is one of the best easy hikes in Idaho. The trail is just two miles and takes you along the shoreline of Idaho’s “Crown Jewel.” Majestic pine trees loom over the trail, making this a scenic hike you’ll never forget. With plenty of fantastic views and wildlife, this hiking trail is a true hidden gem. Athol, ID 83801, USA
- Mesa Falls Nature Trail (Ashton)
Shawn Lindsay/Alltrails Mesa Falls is one of Idaho’s most iconic sights. This magnificent waterfall must be witnessed by every Idahoan at some point in their lifetime. Fortunately, the nature trail that leads to the falls is very easy and one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Idaho. The trailhead is located in the Upper Mesa Falls parking lot. This trail is considered to be the best way to see Lower Mesa Falls since it ends at an amazing overlook of the waterfall. Mesa Falls, Upper Mesa Falls Rd, Ashton, ID 83420, USA
- Round Lake Trail (Sagle)
Hannah Smith/Alltrails The Round Lake Trail has everything you could desire in a hiking trail. At only one mile, it makes for a quick trip around Round Lake. However, you’ll see plenty of wildlife and foliage on this short trek. The trail is popular during the summer and you’ll often see kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders making their way to the lake. There’s plenty to see on this hike which makes it a favorite for kids. Round Lake State Park, 1915 Dufort Rd, Sagle, ID 83860, USA
- Baker Lake Trail (Ketchum)
Julie Houston/Alltrails Located near Ketchum, this is another short and sweet hike to a breathtaking lake. The trail is just 3-miles long to the lake and is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. With mountains and forest surrounding the lake, you’ll feel a million miles away from civilization. When you are searching for hiking trails near me, make sure to add Baker Lake Trail to your bucket list. Baker Lake Trailhead, Baker Creek Rd, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
- Summit Creek (Mackay)
Ivor Royston/Alltrails Located within the Challis National Forest, the Summit Creek Trail is a hidden gem that only locals know about. It spans nine miles out and back, making it the longest hike on this list. However, the trail makes for a nice and easy day hike if you want to immerse yourself in mountainous beauty. To get to the trailhead, drive along Trail Creek Road from Ketchum. You’ll reach the forest after approximately two miles and you’ll see the trailhead’s parking lot on your right. Challis National Forest, Idaho 83278, USA
These easy hiking trails in Idaho make it easy to experience the abundant beauty of our state. Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Idaho that you’d add to this list? What are your favorite easy hikes in Idaho? Let us know in the comments! For more awesome trails, check out these 10 Short Hikes Under 3 Miles In Idaho.
Tess Piper/Alltrails
Thanks to this trail, you don’t have to spend a whole day trekking to one of Idaho’s beautiful alpine lakes. The hike to the utterly gorgeous Bloomington Lake is just 1.4-miles out and back. The trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from the town of Bloomington. The trail is very flat and simple, making it doable for almost everyone. Spend the day lounging by the lake and soaking up the beauty of the surrounding forest.
Bloomington Lake Trail Head, Forest Rd 816, Preston, ID 83263, USA
Tamera Rotarius/Alltrails
Located in Lake Cascade State Park, this trail is very well-paved and perfect for a family outing in nature. The trail follows the shoreline of the beautiful lake where you can walk down to the sandy beaches if you desire. This would be an awesome place to spend the day swimming or hanging out by the lake.
Lake Cascade State Park, 100 Kelly’s Pkwy, Cascade, ID 83611, USA
Nicole Williams/Alltrails
One of the most unique hikes in the state is the Bruneau Dunes Loop. Hiking around these massive dunes is like being transported to a different world. The trail is well-marked, but the best part of this hike is running up and down the sand dunes. The loop trail is approximately two and a half miles and takes you all around the gorgeous park. This is easily one of the best hikes in Idaho and you don’t want to miss it.
Bruneau Dunes State Park, 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
Daniel Mitchell/Alltrails
If you’re looking for an easy way to explore Lake Pend Oreille, look no further. This is one of the best easy hikes in Idaho. The trail is just two miles and takes you along the shoreline of Idaho’s “Crown Jewel.” Majestic pine trees loom over the trail, making this a scenic hike you’ll never forget. With plenty of fantastic views and wildlife, this hiking trail is a true hidden gem.
Athol, ID 83801, USA
Shawn Lindsay/Alltrails
Mesa Falls is one of Idaho’s most iconic sights. This magnificent waterfall must be witnessed by every Idahoan at some point in their lifetime. Fortunately, the nature trail that leads to the falls is very easy and one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Idaho. The trailhead is located in the Upper Mesa Falls parking lot. This trail is considered to be the best way to see Lower Mesa Falls since it ends at an amazing overlook of the waterfall.
Mesa Falls, Upper Mesa Falls Rd, Ashton, ID 83420, USA
Hannah Smith/Alltrails
The Round Lake Trail has everything you could desire in a hiking trail. At only one mile, it makes for a quick trip around Round Lake. However, you’ll see plenty of wildlife and foliage on this short trek. The trail is popular during the summer and you’ll often see kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders making their way to the lake. There’s plenty to see on this hike which makes it a favorite for kids.
Round Lake State Park, 1915 Dufort Rd, Sagle, ID 83860, USA
Julie Houston/Alltrails
Located near Ketchum, this is another short and sweet hike to a breathtaking lake. The trail is just 3-miles long to the lake and is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. With mountains and forest surrounding the lake, you’ll feel a million miles away from civilization. When you are searching for hiking trails near me, make sure to add Baker Lake Trail to your bucket list.
Baker Lake Trailhead, Baker Creek Rd, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA
Ivor Royston/Alltrails
Located within the Challis National Forest, the Summit Creek Trail is a hidden gem that only locals know about. It spans nine miles out and back, making it the longest hike on this list. However, the trail makes for a nice and easy day hike if you want to immerse yourself in mountainous beauty. To get to the trailhead, drive along Trail Creek Road from Ketchum. You’ll reach the forest after approximately two miles and you’ll see the trailhead’s parking lot on your right.
Challis National Forest, Idaho 83278, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Idaho March 14, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the most scenic hikes in Idaho? There are several hiking trails in Idaho that are scenic from start to finish. Goldbug Hot Springs, for example, is a popular hiking trail in Idaho and is beautiful throughout your entire journey. This is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back trail with some steep inclines. However, the relaxing hot springs at the end of the trail makes every step well worth the trek. Another one of our favorite scenic hikes in Idaho is the Blue Lake Trail near Cascade. This 1.6-mile, out-and-back hiking trail takes you to a lake with some of the bluest water in Idaho. This is another hiking trail that can be a bit challenging due to some steep inclines, but you won’t regret exploring this hiking trail. If you are searching for one of the best hikes in Idaho that also offers incredible views, the Table Rock Trail near Boise is the winner. This is a popular hiking trail so be prepared to see many hikers along your way. However, once you reach the overlook at the top of the loop trail, you will capture some of the most beautiful views of Boise and the surrounding area. This is a great place to sit, relax, and admire Mother’s Nature creations that surround you.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Idaho
March 14, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the most scenic hikes in Idaho? There are several hiking trails in Idaho that are scenic from start to finish. Goldbug Hot Springs, for example, is a popular hiking trail in Idaho and is beautiful throughout your entire journey. This is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back trail with some steep inclines. However, the relaxing hot springs at the end of the trail makes every step well worth the trek. Another one of our favorite scenic hikes in Idaho is the Blue Lake Trail near Cascade. This 1.6-mile, out-and-back hiking trail takes you to a lake with some of the bluest water in Idaho. This is another hiking trail that can be a bit challenging due to some steep inclines, but you won’t regret exploring this hiking trail. If you are searching for one of the best hikes in Idaho that also offers incredible views, the Table Rock Trail near Boise is the winner. This is a popular hiking trail so be prepared to see many hikers along your way. However, once you reach the overlook at the top of the loop trail, you will capture some of the most beautiful views of Boise and the surrounding area. This is a great place to sit, relax, and admire Mother’s Nature creations that surround you.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are several hiking trails in Idaho that are scenic from start to finish. Goldbug Hot Springs, for example, is a popular hiking trail in Idaho and is beautiful throughout your entire journey. This is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back trail with some steep inclines. However, the relaxing hot springs at the end of the trail makes every step well worth the trek.
Another one of our favorite scenic hikes in Idaho is the Blue Lake Trail near Cascade. This 1.6-mile, out-and-back hiking trail takes you to a lake with some of the bluest water in Idaho. This is another hiking trail that can be a bit challenging due to some steep inclines, but you won’t regret exploring this hiking trail.
If you are searching for one of the best hikes in Idaho that also offers incredible views, the Table Rock Trail near Boise is the winner. This is a popular hiking trail so be prepared to see many hikers along your way. However, once you reach the overlook at the top of the loop trail, you will capture some of the most beautiful views of Boise and the surrounding area. This is a great place to sit, relax, and admire Mother’s Nature creations that surround you.
