Winter is a magical (and beautiful!) time of year in the Gem State. However, many of us Idahoans rejoice as the first signs of spring begin to appear. There are many activities that we are often itching to do once the snow starts to disappear and the warmer weather begins making a regular appearance. Here are just nine of our favorite post-winter activities in Idaho.
- View Shoshone Falls
Stan Petersen/Flickr Idahoans know that spring is the best time to visit the remarkable Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls. During an average spring, Shoshone Falls will peak between 10,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second, which is incredibly impressive. In the summer, the flow slows down significantly as a portion of the water is diverted for irrigation. Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
- Walk around a botanical garden
Garrett/Google Nothing screams spring like new flowers and fresh buds on the trees. One of the best ways to enjoy this time of year is by walking around one of the botanical gardens in the state. Idaho Botanical Garden, for example, is located in the Boise foothills and is home to multiple gardens with all types of vegetation. If in the northern part of the state, plan a visit to the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which features 63 acres and more than 17,000 plants.
- Schedule a lake or river cruise
Lake Pend Oreille Cruises/Facebook One of the best ways to view Idaho’s enchanting landscapes is on a lake or river cruise. This is the perfect place to capture gorgeous sunsets, view wildlife, and just enjoy Idaho landscapes. Multiple cruise options are available around the Gem State including at Payette Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, and Lake Coeur d’Alene. One excellent cruise option during the spring months is on Lake Pend Oreille where you can take a scenic tour around the four Islands of Hope and see a bald eagle sanctuary.
- Bask in the beauty of the Camas Lilies at Camas Prairie
Edwin Poon/Flickr Every spring, you’ll see a one-of-a-kind view that you won’t see any other time of the year in Idaho — acres of land covered in beautiful purple flowers. The Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area, which is comprised of more than 3,100 acres and located on the western end of Camas Prairie, is the best place to see these beautiful purple flowers. Make sure you plan a visit during the month of May when, typically, the big bloom occurs. Camas Prairie, Idaho 83327, USA
- Visit the baby bears at Yellowstone Bear World
Yellowstone Bear World/Facebook There is nothing more adorable than all of the baby bears you’ll see at Yellowstone Bear World. This drive-thru wildlife park gets you up close to all types of free-roaming wildlife from grizzly bears to bison. If you want a hands-on and unique animal experience, sign up to feed the baby bear cubs. Visit the Yellowstone Bear World website for more information on this experience, hours, tickets, and more. Yellowstone Bear World, 6010 S 4300 W, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
- Take a stroll on an Idaho Greenbelt
Boise River Greenbelt/Facebook Whether you put on a pair of running shoes, hop on a bike, or just go for a casual stroll, the Boise River Greenbelt, and the Idaho Falls Greenbelt, both come alive in the spring. These paved paths sit next to rivers and feature wide trails, gorgeous vegetation, and even wildlife sightings. In fact, the Boise River Greenbelt was named one of the best river walks in the entire United States.
- Explore a state park
Harriman State Park of Idaho/Facebook There are more than 27 state parks in Idaho that will get you out of the house to enjoy the warm weather. Thousand Springs State Park is one state park in Idaho that features six different areas, allowing you to easily find the perfect place to explore from canyons to waterfalls. Harriman State Park is one of the largest state parks in Idaho and is located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This means that during your visit you may see all types of wildlife, including many young babies.
- Go for a scenic drive
Pam Falcioni/Flickr When you don’t have to worry about the weather, many Idahoans are anxious to get in their car and explore some of the beauty of the state. There are at least 32 designated scenic byways waiting to be explored and countless backcountry roads scattered around the Gem State. To help you plan your next scenic drive in Idaho, check out our backroad and scenic byway road trip in Idaho. It’s one of the prettiest adventures you will go on in the Gem State.
- Disconnect and go on a hike
Scott Cobb/AllTrails While you can always go for a winter hike, you want to take advantage of dry trails and warmer (but not too hot!) weather on some of the best spring hiking trails in Idaho. One hike we highly recommend, particularly if you are looking for a short and easy day hike, is the Spring Valley Reservoir Loop Trail near the small town of Troy. Spring Valley Reservoir, Idaho 83871, USA
Are there any activities you would add to this list? What is your favorite thing to get out and do once winter finally thaws? Share it with us in the comments!
Stan Petersen/Flickr
Idahoans know that spring is the best time to visit the remarkable Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls. During an average spring, Shoshone Falls will peak between 10,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second, which is incredibly impressive. In the summer, the flow slows down significantly as a portion of the water is diverted for irrigation.
Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
Garrett/Google
Nothing screams spring like new flowers and fresh buds on the trees. One of the best ways to enjoy this time of year is by walking around one of the botanical gardens in the state. Idaho Botanical Garden, for example, is located in the Boise foothills and is home to multiple gardens with all types of vegetation. If in the northern part of the state, plan a visit to the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which features 63 acres and more than 17,000 plants.
Lake Pend Oreille Cruises/Facebook
One of the best ways to view Idaho’s enchanting landscapes is on a lake or river cruise. This is the perfect place to capture gorgeous sunsets, view wildlife, and just enjoy Idaho landscapes. Multiple cruise options are available around the Gem State including at Payette Lake, Lake Pend Oreille, and Lake Coeur d’Alene. One excellent cruise option during the spring months is on Lake Pend Oreille where you can take a scenic tour around the four Islands of Hope and see a bald eagle sanctuary.
Edwin Poon/Flickr
Every spring, you’ll see a one-of-a-kind view that you won’t see any other time of the year in Idaho — acres of land covered in beautiful purple flowers. The Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area, which is comprised of more than 3,100 acres and located on the western end of Camas Prairie, is the best place to see these beautiful purple flowers. Make sure you plan a visit during the month of May when, typically, the big bloom occurs.
Camas Prairie, Idaho 83327, USA
Yellowstone Bear World/Facebook
There is nothing more adorable than all of the baby bears you’ll see at Yellowstone Bear World. This drive-thru wildlife park gets you up close to all types of free-roaming wildlife from grizzly bears to bison. If you want a hands-on and unique animal experience, sign up to feed the baby bear cubs. Visit the Yellowstone Bear World website for more information on this experience, hours, tickets, and more.
Yellowstone Bear World, 6010 S 4300 W, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
Boise River Greenbelt/Facebook
Whether you put on a pair of running shoes, hop on a bike, or just go for a casual stroll, the Boise River Greenbelt, and the Idaho Falls Greenbelt, both come alive in the spring. These paved paths sit next to rivers and feature wide trails, gorgeous vegetation, and even wildlife sightings. In fact, the Boise River Greenbelt was named one of the best river walks in the entire United States.
Harriman State Park of Idaho/Facebook
There are more than 27 state parks in Idaho that will get you out of the house to enjoy the warm weather. Thousand Springs State Park is one state park in Idaho that features six different areas, allowing you to easily find the perfect place to explore from canyons to waterfalls. Harriman State Park is one of the largest state parks in Idaho and is located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This means that during your visit you may see all types of wildlife, including many young babies.
Pam Falcioni/Flickr
When you don’t have to worry about the weather, many Idahoans are anxious to get in their car and explore some of the beauty of the state. There are at least 32 designated scenic byways waiting to be explored and countless backcountry roads scattered around the Gem State. To help you plan your next scenic drive in Idaho, check out our backroad and scenic byway road trip in Idaho. It’s one of the prettiest adventures you will go on in the Gem State.
Scott Cobb/AllTrails
While you can always go for a winter hike, you want to take advantage of dry trails and warmer (but not too hot!) weather on some of the best spring hiking trails in Idaho. One hike we highly recommend, particularly if you are looking for a short and easy day hike, is the Spring Valley Reservoir Loop Trail near the small town of Troy.
Spring Valley Reservoir, Idaho 83871, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
