We may be a little biased, but Idaho is one of the most scenic and beautiful states in the entire country. It doesn’t matter if you are in the panhandle or southwestern Idaho or whether it is summer or winter, the Gem State is a gorgeous place to explore. To help you see some of the most scenic parts of Idaho, we’ve created this road trip. You can take this trip any time of the year — it really doesn’t matter. Just be prepared to stand in awe on this scenic road trip in Idaho.
Google Maps This road trip is approximately 538 miles and requires at least 10 hours of drive time. You will want to break this trip up into multiple days to enjoy each and every stop on your trip. It also takes you from one end of the state to the other so you can easily see all that the Gem State has to offer. Check out this interactive map if you want to customize your journey.
Lake Coeur d’Alene, Coeur d’Alene
Mona Makela Photography/Moment Via Getty Images The first stop on our scenic road trip in Idaho is at the remarkable Lake Coeur d’Alene. This large lake boasts more than 135 miles of shoreline and is 26 miles long. You can swim, boat, or drive around this lake and take in the sights from your vehicle. We suggest taking a lake cruise to really experience the beauty of the area. Also, visit the seventh floor of the Coeur d’Alene Resort and soak in the views of the lake while enjoying incredible dishes at Beverly’s, a fine-dining restaurant in Idaho. Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Moscow
Ankit Patel/Google Just a short drive from Coeur d’Alene is The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This area is absolutely beautiful and no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll certainly want a camera. This 63-acre garden is home to more than 17,000 plants, remarkable water features, and lots of wildlife. You can learn more about this scenic place in Idaho here. Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Johnson Cutoff Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
The Palouse
mkmetsker/iStock Via Getty Images Plus No matter the time of year, the Palouse is one of the most scenic and picturesque areas in Idaho. The Palouse is located in the panhandle and is filled with rolling hills for as far as the eye can see. What makes these hills unique is they were formed by wind-blown dust and silt thousands of years ago. Moscow, ID, USA
Lake Cascade State Park, Cascade
Lake Cascade State Park/Facebook You may not know it, but Lake Cascade is not your typical lake. It is a man-made lake that has turned into quite a popular outdoor recreation area. This is the fourth largest lake in Idaho and is home to all types of activities from fishing and boating to swimming and camping. This is a great place to spend the night on our road trip as there are year-round camping opportunities such as yurts and primitive campsites. Click here to learn more. Lake Cascade State Park, 100 Kelly’s Pkwy, Cascade, ID 83611, USA
Bruneau Dunes State Park, Bruneau
Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in all of North America. During your visit to this state park, you can sled on the dunes, hike, fish at the lakes, or stargaze at the observatory. This state park also offers year-round camping opportunities so no matter when you visit, you’ll have a beautiful place to stay. Bruneau Dunes State Park, 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
Thousand Springs State Park, Hagerman
Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images Thousand Springs State Park is one of the more popular state parks in Idaho. This state park is a bit unique because it is divided into six one-of-a-kind units. Some of our favorite areas of this park include the waterfalls at Ritter Island and the overlook at Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve. You may want to choose just one area to explore on this scenic road trip through Idaho or spend a few days exploring the entire park. For more information about this state park in Idaho, click here. Thousand Springs State Park - Malad Gorge Unit, 2314 S Ritchie Rd, Hagerman, ID 83332, USA
Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls
pick-uppath/E+ Via Getty Images We couldn’t have a scenic road trip without a visit to one of the most scenic waterfalls in all of Idaho — Shoshone Falls. This area is comprised of multiple falls that stretch nearly 900 feet wide. These falls are also 212 feet tall, which is actually taller than Niagara Falls! Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
Are there any additional stops you’d add to this scenic road trip in Idaho? If so, let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!
Google Maps
This road trip is approximately 538 miles and requires at least 10 hours of drive time. You will want to break this trip up into multiple days to enjoy each and every stop on your trip. It also takes you from one end of the state to the other so you can easily see all that the Gem State has to offer. Check out this interactive map if you want to customize your journey.
Mona Makela Photography/Moment Via Getty Images
The first stop on our scenic road trip in Idaho is at the remarkable Lake Coeur d’Alene. This large lake boasts more than 135 miles of shoreline and is 26 miles long. You can swim, boat, or drive around this lake and take in the sights from your vehicle. We suggest taking a lake cruise to really experience the beauty of the area. Also, visit the seventh floor of the Coeur d’Alene Resort and soak in the views of the lake while enjoying incredible dishes at Beverly’s, a fine-dining restaurant in Idaho.
Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
Ankit Patel/Google
Just a short drive from Coeur d’Alene is The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This area is absolutely beautiful and no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll certainly want a camera. This 63-acre garden is home to more than 17,000 plants, remarkable water features, and lots of wildlife. You can learn more about this scenic place in Idaho here.
Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Johnson Cutoff Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
mkmetsker/iStock Via Getty Images Plus
No matter the time of year, the Palouse is one of the most scenic and picturesque areas in Idaho. The Palouse is located in the panhandle and is filled with rolling hills for as far as the eye can see. What makes these hills unique is they were formed by wind-blown dust and silt thousands of years ago.
Moscow, ID, USA
Lake Cascade State Park/Facebook
You may not know it, but Lake Cascade is not your typical lake. It is a man-made lake that has turned into quite a popular outdoor recreation area. This is the fourth largest lake in Idaho and is home to all types of activities from fishing and boating to swimming and camping. This is a great place to spend the night on our road trip as there are year-round camping opportunities such as yurts and primitive campsites. Click here to learn more.
Lake Cascade State Park, 100 Kelly’s Pkwy, Cascade, ID 83611, USA
Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images
Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in all of North America. During your visit to this state park, you can sled on the dunes, hike, fish at the lakes, or stargaze at the observatory. This state park also offers year-round camping opportunities so no matter when you visit, you’ll have a beautiful place to stay.
Bruneau Dunes State Park, 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
Anna Gorin/Moment Via Getty Images
Thousand Springs State Park is one of the more popular state parks in Idaho. This state park is a bit unique because it is divided into six one-of-a-kind units. Some of our favorite areas of this park include the waterfalls at Ritter Island and the overlook at Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve. You may want to choose just one area to explore on this scenic road trip through Idaho or spend a few days exploring the entire park. For more information about this state park in Idaho, click here.
Thousand Springs State Park - Malad Gorge Unit, 2314 S Ritchie Rd, Hagerman, ID 83332, USA
pick-uppath/E+ Via Getty Images
We couldn’t have a scenic road trip without a visit to one of the most scenic waterfalls in all of Idaho — Shoshone Falls. This area is comprised of multiple falls that stretch nearly 900 feet wide. These falls are also 212 feet tall, which is actually taller than Niagara Falls!
Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
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