7 Most Breathtaking Towns In Idaho

With over 2,000 lakes, 93,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 115 named mountain ranges, Idaho offers some truly breathtaking scenery. As a result, visitors from across the country come to experience it firsthand, attracted to its ski resorts, horseback riding ranches, and river rafting outfitters that showcase this natural beauty. Still looking for your next unforgettable vacation destination? These seven Idaho towns will take your breath away.

McCall

Situated along the southern shores of Payette Lake, McCall is an excellent destination for those who want to spend their vacation on the water. Travelers can start their lake adventures by hopping on a kayak or paddleboard with McCall Sports, a local outfitter in the downtown area. If you prefer to explore the lake at an even more relaxed pace, consider signing up for a cruise with McCall Lake Cruises. This company, which has been operating in the community since 2012, offers several excursion options, including 90-minute, narrated cruises, sunset cruises, and special holiday cruises. Concluding your day on the lake, unwind for the evening at Shore Lodge, a luxurious hotel with direct lake access that has amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, theater, fire pit, gym, mercantile, and much more.

Sandpoint

Sandpoint is full of family-friendly outdoor activities, thanks to its proximity to numerous state parks and beaches. Sandpoint City Beach is located in the heart of town, providing unbeatable views of Lake Pend Oreille, swimming areas, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a playground. Just a 15-minute drive southwest, families will also reach Round Lake State Park, an intimate park with seven miles of relatively flat trails that wind through pines, larch, and hemlock trees. The park is also abundant in native wildlife, including osprey, Canada geese, moose, beavers, bullfrogs, and Red-winged Blackbirds! There are numerous waterfront restaurants in town to check out, including Spuds Waterfront Grill, a scratch kitchen that serves oven-roasted spuds, sandwiches, and soups.

Priest River

Lying at the intersection of the Pend Oreille and Priest Rivers, the town of Priest River draws in countless boaters each summer. There are six public boat launches nearby, with two of the nearest being Bonner Park West and Priest River Recreation Area, also known as "The Mudhole." Even if you don’t have a boat of your own, you won’t have a hard time finding one to rent. 208 Boat Rentals, a trusted local agency, offers a 24-foot pontoon boat available for rent. While in Priest River, make sure to check out the town’s event calendar. During the last weekend of July, the town will be hosting its annual Timber Days, a two-day festival that celebrates its timber heritage with activities like a logging competition, cornhole tournament, pancake breakfast, parade, truck show, quilting show, and food and craft vendors.

St. Anthony

Between its sand dunes and waterfalls, St. Anthony has some of the state’s most unique natural landmarks. To kick off your itinerary, travel out to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, which features 10,600 acres of white quartz sand dunes, some reaching up to 400 feet tall. ORV riding and camping are a couple of the most popular recreational activities. If you travel about 40 minutes north of town, you will reach Upper Mesa Falls, some of the most impressive waterfalls in the state. These falls plunge about 10 stories high and can be viewed along a scenic walking path. For a riverside hike, spend an afternoon exploring Henry’s Fork Greenway, which, as the name suggests, winds along Henry's Fork of the Snake River.

Salmon

As the gateway to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Salmon is a powerful reminder of the beauty of the great outdoors. One of the best ways to explore this wilderness is on horseback. Travelers can sign up for a horseback ride with Rawhide Outfitters, who offer two to three-day horsepacking trips through the countryside. Fishing is another beloved activity in the area, with several outfitters offering guided fishing tours. Solitude River Trips provides six-day fly fishing excursions down the middle fork of the Salmon River, allowing you to truly disconnect. Travelers looking for a unique hotel to stay in while in the area will enjoy the Salmon Gypsy, a glamping bed and breakfast lodge that is located along the beautiful Salmon River.

Sun Valley

Surrounded by five different mountain ranges, Sun Valley is a tremendous vacation destination year-round. In the winter, the Sun Valley Resort, which covers more than 2,500 acres, attracts countless skiers, snowshoers, and fat bikers. As the weather begins to warm, the Sun Valley Resort golf courses become popular, offering two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. During all four seasons, the Sun Valley Lodge is a cozy place to stay, dating back to 1936 as one of the resort’s first premier accommodations. Amenities in the lodge include a 20,000 square foot spa, gym and yoga studio, and outdoor pool and pool cafe.

Victor

Victor offers travelers a chance to experience the stunning Teton region without the crowds that come with nearby places like Jackson Hole. Linn Canyon Ranch, a family-owned property, is a great place to start your adventure, offering horseback rides and the option to camp in glamping tents or cozy cabins. Travelers looking to paddle down the Selway or Salmon River can join an expedition with SOAR Northwest, a rafting outfitter that offers six-day, five-night wilderness trips. The town also has an exciting brewing scene to check out. Grand Teton Brewing is a popular, well-rated spot where visitors can enjoy a drink on the lawn, porch, or inside the pub.

Final Thoughts

Idaho is home to many incredible towns, but the seven listed above are a great place to start. They collectively offer access to some of the state’s most breathtaking wilderness areas, rivers, and lakes. As an added bonus, many also feature cozy lodges, local breweries, and cultural festivals. So pack your bag and get ready to experience the most impressive side of Idaho with a visit to one of these remarkable towns.