10 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Idaho
Idaho is known for its rugged scenery, outdoor recreation, and friendly small towns. Throw a potato in any direction, and it's bound to land in a pretty awesome place to spend three or four days. About 40% of the state is covered by forest, including its 11 national forests, making this an incredible state for nature-loving vacationers. The Snake River flows serenely through lush farmland in some areas, then plunges tumultuously over craggy rock faces in others. Small towns throughout Idaho are surrounded by stunning natural features, and are just the right size for a long weekend of exploration and relaxation.
Lava Hot Springs
Soak away your worries in the geothermal springs at Lava Hot Springs World Famous Hot Pools, where water temperatures range from 102° to 112° Fahrenheit. In addition to the calming effect, the mineral-rich hot springs relieve stiff joints and sore muscles, promote skin health, and improve circulation. Lava Hot Springs West KOA Holiday is the closest campground to the geothermal pools. Deluxe cabins are also available at this Idaho KOA. There are several hotels in the area as well, making Lava Hot Springs the ideal place to beat the winter blues on a cold weekend.
Don’t let those water temps dissuade you from visiting in the summer, though. Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex & Indoor Aquatic Center has a variety of attractions for year-round fun. Beat the heat by riding the waterslides or jumping from diving platforms as high as 10 meters above the pool. Acrophobes can make a splash tubing the nearby Portneuf River instead. It was voted the top floating river in America by USA Today. Grab your group and work together, navigating the river on a triple or quad tube rented from Portneuf Rapids, or go solo on a single tube. You do you.
Island Park
This vacation destination in eastern Idaho is located 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance, but it’s also famous for its own array of summer and winter activities. The clear water of the Snake River’s Henry’s Fork flows through dense coniferous forests and open meadows growing from Island Park’s fertile volcanic soil. During the warmer months, pitch your tent at the Big Springs Campground and float the 5-mile Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail or enjoy a more luxurious stay at Henry’s Fork Lodge and cast your line for some blue-ribbon fly fishing. Private vacation rentals are available year-round and offer easy access to trails for horseback riding, off-roading, snowmobiling, and hiking.
Driggs
There’s always something going on in downtown Driggs, from a snow sculpting festival in the throes of winter to summer productions of Shakespeare in the park and a scarecrow contest in the autumn. Plan a trip around an event, or simply visit for the scenery. The sharp peaks of the Grand Tetons are visible from Driggs. Take your weekend getaway to new heights and see the jagged mountain range from the basket of a hot air balloon. Destination Balloon Rides offers private and small-group sunrise flights with breathtaking views of the Teton mountains, river, and valley.
Enjoy post-flight refreshments, then spend the afternoon strolling and shopping on Main Street. There are a few motels in the downtown area where you can stay, but nature lovers will prefer Teton Valley Cabins. Located just outside the boundaries of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest on the road to Grand Targhee Ski Area, it’s mere minutes away from an array of summer hiking trails and paddleboard routes, as well as winter snowshoe paths and other outdoor adventures.
Almo
Rock climbers flock to the tall, steeple-like spires in City of Rocks National Reserve. It has hundreds of traditional and sport routes for every skill level on rock formations ranging from 30 feet to 600 feet high. Those who are living the van life can reserve a campsite and sleep under the spectacularly bright stars in this International Dark Sky Park. No rig? Make one of the 11 rooms or cabinets at the Almo Inn your basecamp for the long weekend. It’s conveniently located between City of Rocks National Preserve and Castle Rocks State Park. There are hundreds more climbing routes in Castle Rocks, as well as a 3-hole disc golf course. On your rest day, soak your sore muscles in the waters at Durfee Hot Springs, which are naturally warmed to 104° Fahrenheit.
St. Charles
The ultimate multi-family vacation destination, St. Charles has sprawling properties that accommodate large groups of people. Rent a private vacation home that sleeps 36. Or, if that’s a little too much togetherness, Bear Country Cabin Retreat has 11 individual cabins for group rentals with shared amenities such as a hot tub, fire pit, and game room. And it’s only 5 minutes away from the smooth sand and brilliant turquoise water at Bear Lake’s North Beach.
The Idaho side of the state-straddling body of water, nicknamed “The Caribbean of the Rockies,” is less crowded than the Utah side, but it’s still a good idea to arrive early in the summer months, as the beach capacity is strictly controlled. On-site water toy rentals that include paddleboards, jet skis, pull tubes, and trampolines are available. After spending a day (or two) on the lake, head to Minnetonka Cave for a 90-minute underground tour of its nine “rooms” filled with ever-changing dripstone and flowstone formations, among others. The cave is accessed via almost 900 stairs and is a cool 40° Fahrenheit year-round, so dress accordingly.
Ketchum
Alpine vibes await you in Ketchum, Idaho. Located next door to Sun Valley Resort’s 2,800(ish) acres of skiable/boardable terrain, Ketchum is the downtown destination for all things après. Choices range from casual burgers and beer at Grumpy’s to upscale French fare at Michel’s Christiania. If you want to keep living the luxe life, stay at Limelight Ketchum. Whether in a room, a suite, or a residence, Limelight guests enjoy free breakfast, ski shuttles to/from Sun Valley Resort in an Audi, and outdoor hot tubs.
Ketchum’s long-weekend allure isn’t limited to the winter months, however. When the snow melts on Bald Mountain (aka Mt. Baldy), the trails are open to bikers and hikers. Sawtooth Botanical Garden is abloom with native flora, and has meditative spaces and a Tibetan prayer wheel to boot.
Riggins
Located east of Hells Canyon, Riggins is renowned for whitewater rafting. The scenic stretch of the Salmon River that runs through this small town in west-central Idaho boasts 13 miles of Class III and Class IV rapids. It’s dubbed the “Whitewater Capital of the World.” The aptly named Salmon Rapids Lodge is a comfortable place to stay before and after spending a full day on the river, whether rafting or jet boating, and is within walking distance of the town’s Main Street. Visit the first weekend of May to add the Riggins Rodeo to your itinerary.
Sandpoint
Calling all powder hounds! Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Idaho, and it’s located in Sandpoint. Besides schussing down any of its 92 runs, it also offers open bowl skiing and three terrain parks. For those who prefer snowsports that require sitting rather than standing, check out Hermit’s Hollow Tubing Center or take some fat tires for a spin on the groomed winter bike trails at Pine Street Woods.
In late spring, Sandpoint transforms from a ski town to a lake town. It’s located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, carved by a glacier and filled with cobalt blue water. Stay at Sandpoint Hotel & Suites, play in the sun at nearby Sandpoint City Beach, snap a selfie with the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Pier, and/or head out on the lake to fish for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. For even more things to do, time your trip in conjunction with one of Sandpoint’s special events, like the Lost In the ‘50s car show and concerts in mid-May.
Ashton
There’s a lot to see and do in the Ashton area. Unpack your bags at the Rankin Motel, a collection of traditional rooms and private cabins. Spend a day driving the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, from Ashton through the Grand Targhee National Forest to the Mesa Falls Visitor Center. The roaring waterfalls can be viewed from an accessible trail and boardwalk. Continue driving through Caribou-Targhee National Forest, then loop back down to Ashton. Give your legs a workout the next day on the Ashton-Tetonia Rail Trail. The 30-mile gravel trail winds through the Idaho countryside, offers views of the Tetons, and crosses several trestle bridges. Keep an eye out for cranes, swans, deer, and other wildlife along the way. Visitors in February will want to check out the American Dog Derby, the oldest dogsled race in the contiguous United States; it's a weekend full of community events.
Wallace
Once a silver mining town, the entire town of Wallace is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a humble hub-and-spoke town. Start your weekend getaway with an underground tour of Sierra Silver Mine, which includes a narrated trolley ride. Stay on theme with a visit to the Wallace District Mining Museum. This place is so interesting that it was featured not once, but twice on the Travel Channel’s Mystery at the Museum. The Oasis Bordello Museum is another fascinating relic to visit.
Vintage vibes and luxe toiletries make a stay at the Stardust Motel a must. After a good night’s rest, leave the historic hub and head for the Hiawatha Trail for an unforgettable downhill bike ride. The 15-mile rail trail traverses seven trestle bridges with jaw-dropping views and goes through ten pitch-black train tunnels. Signs along the way tell the tales of railroad workers, forest fires, debauchery, and death. Take time to stop and read them the first time down, ride the shuttle back to the top of the trail, then make a second run at full speed. Other summer attractions include Silver Streak Zipline Tours and the Pulaski Tunnel Trail. Wallace is also a centrally located winter destination, with two indie ski resorts and an extensive snowmobile trail system located within 15 minutes of downtown.
Small Towns for All Seasons
Don’t limit yourself to a single summer vacation. Plan a handful of long weekends throughout the year. Think Lava Hot Springs in January, the season of rejuvenation. Ashton is spectacular in late September, as bright yellow and fiery red leaves mix with the evergreens along Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Head back to Lava Hot Springs to float the Portneuf River in June or use St. Charles for a splash in Bear Lake. Wherever you choose to go in Idaho, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and friendly folks.
