The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Idaho

Idaho is a place that has dozens of interesting towns, surrounded by caring and welcoming communities. Many of these can’t miss towns offer plenty of adventure and excitement and provide visitors with unique experiences. With over 60% of Idaho being public land and having more whitewater river miles than all other contiguous U.S. states, it is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Each season offers new opportunities and activities: fishing, swimming, boating, hiking in the summer, and skiing, snowmobiling, and skating in the winter. Regardless of when you choose to visit, there is no bad time to experience what Idaho has to offer.

Sandpoint

First on the list of can’t-miss towns is Sandpoint, located in northern Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho. With a mix of both indoor and outdoor activities, and an amazing landscape, there is never a dull moment in Sandpoint. Spend the day playing golf at the Idaho Club, a signature golf course, or visit the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,774-acre area with cultivated agricultural, coniferous, and riparian forests, meadows, and wetlands, all of which are home to over 300 species of wildlife. If visiting during the warmer months, make sure to stop by Maiden Rock Trail, a steep 2-mile trail that goes down Maiden Rock and features a Forest Service recreation site on Lake Pend Oreille. Located on the lake's western shore, Maiden Rock Trail takes visitors through dense forest between two mountains, which ends at a small beach where you can set up camp and enjoy the true beauty of your surroundings.

McCall

McCall, located on the southern shore of Payette Lake, is a mountain resort town that takes outdoor activities to a whole new level. Both summer and winter have different types of activities to enjoy, from skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding to jet skiing, kayaking, and swimming. Cheap Thrills Rentals provides access to various snow and water vessels (snowmobile rentals, jet ski rentals, pontoons, and sleds). Several parks in the area offer great places to enjoy different activities and events. Spend some time outside at Legacy Park, where visitors can swim and relax at the beach while also having access to a volleyball court, walking path, public dock, and a splash pad. Ponderosa Skate Park offers an opportunity to go camping amid a scenic mountain setting next to Payette Lake. Payette Lake is a great place to go fishing and boating, or visitors can go kayaking or canoeing along the river at Bear Basin Nordic Center.

Stanley

Stanley, with a population of only around 120, may have more wildlife than people. The natural beauty and quiet atmosphere provide a chance to experience the great outdoors. Visitors can explore Stanley by renting a snowmobile from Sawtooth Traxx, LLC, or join the River Company and take adventure trips, such as rafting, kayaking, or fishing on the Salmon River in Sawtooth National Forest. For amazing views of the surrounding mountains, spend the day at Stanley Pioneer Park, or you can go fishing and camping at Stanley Lake, which has views of the Sawtooth Mountains. The area is also ideal for kayaking, hiking, and canoeing.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley has a small population of approximately 1,800 people and is well-known for Sun Valley Resort, which sits within the mountains. The historic spa hotel is near Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain, so there are numerous opportunities for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Close to Sun Valley is the Fox Creek Trailhead, a 5.3-mile loop that takes hikers along the edge of the Big Wood River. Take some time to enjoy the Sun Valley Museum of Art, which offers exhibitions, programs, and events throughout the year.

Bonners Ferry

Located in Boundary County, Bonners Ferry is a historic town steps away from the Kootenai River. Known as the town with ‘old world charm,’ it sits between the Cabinet and Selkirk Mountains. With the Kootenai National Forest nearby, there are plenty of opportunities to spend the day hiking and visiting the 225-foot Copper Falls. Visitors can also drop by the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, which has approximately 2,774 acres of land and is home to various wildlife, with over 22 species of fish, 45 mammals, and 220 species of birds.

Closer to town, a great place to visit is Mountain View Organic Orchard, where you can pick delicious apples and cherries while taking in views of the land. If you are visiting during the summer months and are looking for an entertaining night out, attend an event at the Boundary County Fairgrounds, featuring contests, exhibits, food, livestock shows, and live music.

Driggs

With an elevation of over 6,000 feet, Driggs is a small town in Teton Valley surrounded by the Teton, Big Hole, and Snake River Mountain Ranges. For stunning views of Driggs and the surrounding areas, visitors can take a hot air balloon ride, offered by Elevated Ballooning. Visitors can also choose from a variety of outdoor activities, such as playing golf at the Links at Teton Peaks or heading out to see the nearby waterfalls, Fall Creek Falls, and Mesa Falls. From June 6th until October 3rd, visitors can spend the day downtown at Driggs Farmers Market and choose from a variety of fresh, locally sourced food.

Kellogg

With a population of approximately 2,200, Kellogg is another small town that packs a big punch. Located in the historical Silver Valley area, it is home to the Route of the Hiawatha Trail and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Thus, hiking abounds as a popular pastime, and you can’t miss the scenic forests nearby. Additionally, Kellogg is known for having one of the longest gondola rides in North America, a staggering 3.1-mile scenic journey located at Silver Mountain Resort. Visitors from far and wide come to stay at this premier resort, which also features an indoor waterpark called Silver Rapids.

Kellogg has an interesting past as a mining community, and this is evident in several historical mining sites located around the area. The Crystal Gold Mine is the only 1880s underground gold mine tour in the Northwest, where guests can explore and travel 900 feet underground.

Garden Valley

Located in Boise County with a population of approximately 400, Garden Valley is a small town known as a mountain playground. While hiking is a popular activity for visitors, there are many other things to do close by, such as taking a dip in Kirkham Hot Springs, located in Boise National Forest. Visitors can explore the South Fork of the Payette River, rafting, tubing, or even ziplining across the forest. Garden Valley is also home to the Starlight Mountain Theatre, a small outdoor theatre that hosts various exciting plays and musicals, including titles such as Shrek, Grease, and Singin' in the Rain.

Finishing Thoughts

When visiting Idaho, remember to bring your sense of wonder and excitement and prepare yourself for great times and endless outdoor adventures. Idaho is rightfully nicknamed the ‘Gem State,’ as a result of its abundance of natural resources, including lakes, rivers, mountains, and metals. One of the key industries in Idaho is tourism, and once you visit any of the places described above, you will understand why it is such a booming industry. With over 130 hot springs, 30 recreational trails and state parks, 10,000 miles of backpacking and hiking trails, and 3,100 miles of navigable whitewater, the diverse landscape of Idaho has plenty to offer.