While many Idahoans and out-of-state visitors typically head to tourist destinations like Lake Pend Oreille and Shoshone Falls, there are many other Idaho locations that are just waiting to be explored. So, we made a list featuring seven beautiful Idaho locations that you may not know exist and are some of the best hidden gems in Idaho. Each and every destination on this list deserves a spot on your bucket list.
- Bloomington Lake, Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Lacey Sinykin/AllTrails Bloomington Lake is tucked away in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. You will have to tackle a 1.6-mile out-and-back hiking trail to reach it, but the trail is easy and family-friendly. Bloomington Lake is surrounded by mountains and cliff walls, creating the most picturesque views, so make sure to bring a camera — you will certainly want it! Bloomington Lake, Idaho 83263, USA
- Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, Bonners Ferry
Neverstoptravel/TripAdvisor Located near Bonners Ferry, this incredible Idaho wildlife refuge is the definition of a hidden gem. There are more than 2,700 acres, and all types of animals call this area home, from moose to waterfowl. There are four hiking trails if you want to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the area, or you can take the 4.5-mile auto tour. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 287 West Side Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA
- Bruneau River Canyon Overlook, Bruneau
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Bruneau Canyon Overlook is well-known by locals. But for those who are unfamiliar with this area of the state, it is easy to drive right on by. From this overlook, you will capture incredible views of Bruneau Canyon and the Bruneau River. This is quite a large view as well — the opposite rim is more than 1,300 feet away from you! Bruneau Canyon Overlook, Unnamed Rd,, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
- Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, near Moscow
centinel/Flickr Did you know that Idaho is home to trees that are more than 1,000 years old? Located near Moscow is a 240-acre grove filled with ancient cedar trees. These are no small trees, either, as they are approximately 10 feet in diameter! Hobo Cedar Grove, Idaho, USA
- Pine Flat Hot Springs, near Garden Valley
Alexandra Mandel/AllTrails There are more than 130 soakable hot springs around Idaho. While some of these hot springs are well known, there are others like the Pine Flats Hot Springs that aren’t as popular. However, they should be. Pine Flats Hot Springs is actually a waterfall hot spring with the Payette River situated below. There are several pools that range in temperature, allowing you to easily find the perfect place to soak.
- Blue Heart Springs, near Hagerman
Jessica Carney/Google Blue Heart Springs is a secret swimming hole that is best accessed by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. The area is typically quiet, and the water is unforgettable. The crystal-clear water is dreamy and makes you want to go for a swim. However, you may want to think twice before jumping in as the water is usually very cold. Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA
- Osprey Cliff Overlook, McCall
J S/Google While Ponderosa State Park is well-known across the state, there is one portion of this park that many people may not know exists — Osprey Cliff Overlook. This overlook gives you a stunning view of Payette Lake and the surrounding area. There is a short walk to the overlook, but it is simple, easy, and worth every single step. Ponderosa State Park, 1920 Davis Ave, McCall, ID 83638, USA
Were you aware of these beautiful Idaho locations? Are there any you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Lacey Sinykin/AllTrails
Bloomington Lake is tucked away in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. You will have to tackle a 1.6-mile out-and-back hiking trail to reach it, but the trail is easy and family-friendly. Bloomington Lake is surrounded by mountains and cliff walls, creating the most picturesque views, so make sure to bring a camera — you will certainly want it!
Bloomington Lake, Idaho 83263, USA
Neverstoptravel/TripAdvisor
Located near Bonners Ferry, this incredible Idaho wildlife refuge is the definition of a hidden gem. There are more than 2,700 acres, and all types of animals call this area home, from moose to waterfowl. There are four hiking trails if you want to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the area, or you can take the 4.5-mile auto tour.
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 287 West Side Rd, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Bruneau Canyon Overlook is well-known by locals. But for those who are unfamiliar with this area of the state, it is easy to drive right on by. From this overlook, you will capture incredible views of Bruneau Canyon and the Bruneau River. This is quite a large view as well — the opposite rim is more than 1,300 feet away from you!
Bruneau Canyon Overlook, Unnamed Rd,, Bruneau, ID 83604, USA
centinel/Flickr
Did you know that Idaho is home to trees that are more than 1,000 years old? Located near Moscow is a 240-acre grove filled with ancient cedar trees. These are no small trees, either, as they are approximately 10 feet in diameter!
Hobo Cedar Grove, Idaho, USA
Alexandra Mandel/AllTrails
There are more than 130 soakable hot springs around Idaho. While some of these hot springs are well known, there are others like the Pine Flats Hot Springs that aren’t as popular. However, they should be. Pine Flats Hot Springs is actually a waterfall hot spring with the Payette River situated below. There are several pools that range in temperature, allowing you to easily find the perfect place to soak.
Jessica Carney/Google
Blue Heart Springs is a secret swimming hole that is best accessed by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. The area is typically quiet, and the water is unforgettable. The crystal-clear water is dreamy and makes you want to go for a swim. However, you may want to think twice before jumping in as the water is usually very cold.
Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA
J S/Google
While Ponderosa State Park is well-known across the state, there is one portion of this park that many people may not know exists — Osprey Cliff Overlook. This overlook gives you a stunning view of Payette Lake and the surrounding area. There is a short walk to the overlook, but it is simple, easy, and worth every single step.
Ponderosa State Park, 1920 Davis Ave, McCall, ID 83638, USA
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