Three young lava fields, formed by eruptions along the Great Rift, define Craters of the Moon. A scenic, 7-mile loop road leads to hiking trails, craters and steep-sided cinder cones. In 2017, Craters of the Moon was designated an International Dark Sky Park—another distinction alongside its volcanic landscape. If you want to discover Idaho through its geological features, this place offers a concrete starting point: from lava fields to craters, you can observe a range of features of volcanic origin.
Landscapes from Mountain Regions to Canyons
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area covers 756,000 acres of scenic mountain country. The Sawtooth Range in central Idaho reaches 10,751 feet at Thompson Peak. These two figures offer different perspectives on the mountain landscape: a vast area and a specific peak with a stated elevation. Hells Canyon lies in Idaho and Oregon and is considered the deepest river gorge in North America. In the area, viewpoints, whitewater rafting, jet boat rides and fishing offer different ways to experience the canyon. Nature here ranges from mountain regions to a river canyon, without implying that they are all part of one route.
Trails with History and Different Highlights
City of Rocks combines outdoor experiences with the history of the California Trail: the area preserves history and artifacts dating from 1843 to 1882. There are 23 miles of trails for hiking, and the granite also offers more than 600 traditional and sport climbing routes. Hiking, climbing and historical exploration each offer a different focus in the same place. The Hiawatha Scenic Bike Trail follows the former route of the Old Milwaukee Rail Road. The former Route of the Hiawatha railroad line has also been converted into a gently descending, 15-mile bike and hiking trail. At the Lookout Pass Ski Area trailhead, trail passes, mountain bike rentals—including helmets and lights—and an optional return shuttle are available; check availability before your trip.
A three-mile hiking trail along the Oregon Trail begins at Snake River Overlook. At Oregon Trail Overlook, there are 0.6 miles of gravel trails alongside historic wagon ruts. The two offerings differ in length and surface; conditions on the trails can change. It’s therefore a good idea to check current conditions before visiting.
Cultural Stories and Places to Explore
Heart of the Monster is sacred to the Nimiipuu people and is considered their place of origin. Audio stations there tell the creation story in English and in the Nez Perce languages. The Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center, the museum and park administration, as well as several historic sites, are located in the Spalding area. Together, these places offer different ways to engage with history and cultural heritage: the significance of a sacred place, a narrated creation story and historic sites in the Spalding area.
The Museum at the Brig houses the world’s largest collection of memorabilia from the United States Farragut Naval Training Station, dating from 1942 to 1946. The Idaho Potato Museum focuses on the history, cultivation and harvesting of potatoes, as well as nutrition, interesting facts and educational information. The museum is housed in the former Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot, a historic building dating from 1913. At the Potato Station Café, Idaho potatoes are baked, fried, made into cupcakes, covered in chocolate or served as bread. A visit combines exhibits about potatoes with a café offering a variety of preparations.
Fossils and Outdoor Activities
At Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, the Thousand Springs Visitor Center is the only place where fossils can be seen. The Glenns Ferry Formation contains one of the world’s richest deposits of Pliocene fossils. These two facts bring the subject of fossils to life: one through a specific place to view fossils, the other through the significance of a geological formation. In Ponderosa State Park, the Peninsula Unit is on Payette Lake and surrounded by the lake. The park offers hiking, biking and guided walks led by park naturalists; the Junior Ranger program takes place during the summer months. This seasonal limitation is part of planning a visit, while the other activities mentioned offer different ways to explore the park.
Discover more destinations: Blaine, Jerome, Fremont, Valley, Ada, Twin Falls, Bonneville, Canyon, Bannock County, Madison County, Kootenai County, Bonner County, Shoshone County, Latah County, Nez Perce County, Teton County, Elmore County, Payette County, Clark County, Idaho County, Boundary County, Franklin County, Bingham County, Owyhee, Cassia County, Boise, Lemhi County, Washington, Jefferson, Gem County, Benewah County, Custer County, Gooding County, Oneida County, Adams County, Lewis County, Caribou County, Bear Lake County and Butte County.
For the broader travel overview: USA.
