I grew up in Idaho, and even with all the touring I’ve finished, I nonetheless suppose Idaho is without doubt one of the prettiest states within the nation. When I am going again to go to household, I all the time carve out time to get outdoors to benefit from the jagged mountain peaks, pristine blue lakes, sizzling springs, and different out of doors actions.
If you’re planning to go to Idaho and questioning the place to go, I’ll simply lower to the chase. In this publish, I share the right 9-day Idaho street journey itinerary designed with the out of doors fanatic in thoughts, with my favourite locations to go to, not-to-miss out of doors actions, cute inns, epic campsites, and yummy eating places.
This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks.
Itinerary Overview
Using my 7-day Idaho street journey itinerary, you’ll make an enormous loop across the state, beginning and ending within the vibrant metropolis of Boise. Since out of doors recreation is my speciality and what Idaho is thought for, this itinerary is full of climbing, biking, rafting, and sizzling springs with stops within the cute cities of McCall, Coeur d’Alene, Stanley (my favourite), and Sun Valley.
Here is the day-by-day overview of all the enjoyable stuff you’ll get to do:
I’m assuming you’re going to keep in inns, and I’ll share some solutions. However, many of those locations have wonderful tenting too. If that’s your plan, be sure to take a look at my information on discovering free tenting to assist lower down in your prices.
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Day 1: Boise
Morning – Ride Bikes on the Boise Greenbelt
I grew up in Boise and it’s modified so much over time – in a great way! Boise has an enormous number of out of doors adventures accessible proper from city, plus nice eating places and different leisure.
I inform each first-time customer to Boise that driving bikes on the Boise Greenbelt is a should! The Greenbelt is a 25-mile paved path system that runs alongside the Boise River.
There’s tons of timber, plenty of fairly bridges, and loads of locations to cease and put your toes within the river. If it’s a sizzling day, you may even deliver (or put on) your swimsuit so you possibly can take a dip.
Assuming you aren’t touring with your individual bike, there are many completely different bike rental outlets close to the Greenbelt that lease each common and e-bikes. There can be a motorbike share program with dozens of stations close to the Greenbelt and downtown.
My favourite part of the Greenbelt is from Esther Simplot Park to Julia Davis Park. If you wish to trip additional, maintain driving previous Julia Davis to the Warm Springs Golf Course.
Afternoon – Grab a chew, go to a brewery, and discover downtown
Downtown Boise may be very walkable and has so many nice eating places. A couple of favorites are:
I don’t drink alcohol anymore, however Boise additionally has a ton of breweries. I actually just like the out of doors space at Payette Brewing Company. It’s canine and kid-friendly, and so they even have NA choices out there.
Boise Accommodations
Get a great evening’s sleep as a result of tomorrow the actual journey begins. There are a ton of cute, boutique inns in downtown Boise.
Day 2: McCall
Morning – Whitewater Rafting on the Cabarton
You’re going to stand up early as we speak (6am departure) and make the gorgeous 2.5 drive up Highway 55 in direction of McCall to Tamarack Resort .
Once you get to Tamarack, test into the Tamarack Guided Adventures Desk for a full-day rafting journey on the Cabarton stretch of the Payette River.
I like the Cabarton part as a result of most of it’s far-off from the freeway (versus the Main Payette which runs proper subsequent to Highway 55). This means it’s very quiet, the surroundings is stellar, and you might even spot some wildlife.
The greatest rapids are Class III, so it’s thrilling however by no means too scary. There are additionally some calm swimming pools the place you will get in for a swim.
I discovered our Tamarack Whitewater information to be very skilled and enjoyable. The journey consists of transportation to and from the takeout, lunch, and security tools.
Afternoon – Explore McCall
After rafting, make the brief 40 minute drive up McCall. McCall is considered one of my favourite mountain cities within the West – I’ve thought of shifting right here greater than as soon as! McCall has tons of out of doors actions, together with superior sizzling springs, mountain biking, climbing, lakes, and extra (which you’ll discover on Day 3).
McCall Accommodations
Wherever you resolve to remain, guide it for two nights.
McCall Restaurants
For eating in McCall, these are my suggestions:
Day 3: McCall
Morning – Burgdorf Hot Springs
Grab some breakfast on the town. I additionally recommend packing a lunch for as we speak so that you don’t should drive all the best way again into city for meals.
Start your morning off at Burgdorf Hot Springs, which I take into account to be a quintessential Idaho expertise. A brief and delightful drive from McCall, Burgdorf has three completely different gravel backside soaking swimming pools full of geothermal spring water.
They require superior reservations to be able to forestall the swimming pools from getting too crowded, and a 2-hour soaking cross prices $20. They don’t have a lot in the best way of meals, drinks, or different provides, so deliver no matter it’s essential to take pleasure in your expertise.
Afternoon – Paddle the Upper North Fork of the Payette River
On your means again from Burgdorf in direction of McCall, park on the North Beach boat ramp on the high of Payette Lake. Here you possibly can lease a paddle board, kayak or canoe from Backwoods Adventures for exploring the meandering Upper North Fork of the Payette River.
This is a gorgeous non-motorized, flatwater part of river, and everytime I’m in McCall, I make some extent of exploring it. The first time I used to be fortunate sufficient to see a moose hanging out proper on the river financial institution, and different wildlife sightings are additionally quite common.
I personally want paddling in a single kayak, however I’ve additionally finished it on a paddle board and in my very own packraft. Depending on the time and power ranges, you are able to do a 2 hour or half-day rental. The whole stretch is 7-miles lengthy with a number of sandy seashores which you could pull off at.
Day 4: Coeur d’Alene
Morning: Drive to Coeur d’Alene
Today you’ve bought a little bit of a drive forward of you. It’s 5 hours from McCall to Coeur d’Alene which is up in Idaho’s panhandle. This is a distant stretch of freeway up by Riggins, Lewiston, and Moscow with sections hugging the Little Salmon River.
When I did this journey, I booked it up Coeur d’Alene, however in case you have extra time, it’s best to take into account doing a jet boat journey by Hells Canyon – the deepest river gorge in all of North America. My dad and mom did this and cherished it. Most of those journeys depart from Lewiston.
Afternoon: Hike Tubbs Hill in Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is a cute (however touristy) city on a large lake in Idaho’s panhandle. If you’re into boating or golf, you may simply spend a couple of days right here. However, on this itinerary, it’s going to be a fast cease in your approach to the Hiawatha Trail.
Once you’ve bought your bearings, head over to Tubbs Hill for a 2-mile loop alongside the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene. It’s a simple, flat path with nice views and offers you a style of what this area is about. Note it is a extremely popular path, so anticipate to share it with different guests.
Coeur d’Alene Accomodations
Coeur d’Alene Restaurants
For dinner, I like to recommend Fire Artisan Pizza that’s proper within the coronary heart of downtown and strolling distance from Tubbs Hill.
Short on Time?
If it’s essential to lower a couple of days out of this Idaho street journey itinerary, I might skip Days 4 by 6, eliminating the lengthy drive to and from the panhandle and the Hiawatha Trail. Instead, I might drive straight from McCall to Stanley on spectacular Highway 21, stopping at Kirkham or Bonneville Hot Springs on the best way.
Day 5: Bike the Hiawatha Trail
Morning: Biking
The Hiawatha Trail sits on the Idaho/Montana border, and as considered one of 15 rail trails within the nation designated as a “Hall of Fame” path, biking it’s a actually distinctive expertise.
On this 14.4 mile bike path, you’ll trip by 9 pitch black tunnels, some greater than 1.5 miles lengthy, utilizing a motorbike mild or headlamp, and over 7 practice trestles the place you’ll get expansive views.
Most folks (together with myself) trip it one-way from the Pearson Trailhead to East Portal. The whole trip is downhill and while you attain the top there are shuttle buses ready to move you and your bike again to the highest.
Prior to beginning, you should cease at Lookout Pass Ski Area which is 7 miles from the Pearson Trailhead to get your path cross and shuttle ticket. They even have bike leases, bike lights, and bike racks on your automotive out there if you happen to’re not street tripping with your individual.
When I biked the Hiawatha Trail it was mid-September, raining, and really chilly, and I used to be grateful to have stable rain gear and gloves. Even in summer season, the tunnels can really feel damp and chilly, so that you may wish to deliver some layers, simply in case.
For extra particulars, see this writeup on biking the Hiawatha Trail.
Evening – Missoula
The most direct means from the Hiawatha Trail right down to your subsequent Idaho street journey cease in Stanley travels by Montana. So you’ll get to see a small sliver of Montana too.
Since you’re going to have a protracted day on the Hiawatha Trail, I recommend you drive 1.5 hours to Missoula, seize dinner, and name it an evening. If you’ve gotten power and wish to maintain driving, Salmon (4 hours whole from the Hiawatha Trail) can be your subsequent good cease. However, the street does get fairly curvy and mountainous in sections, so that you won’t wish to do this at midnight.
Missoula Accommodations
Note: There are two small shops in Stanley (your subsequent cease) that carry groceries, however they each are fairly horrible on the subject of contemporary, wholesome meals. If it’s essential to resupply on groceries, I recommend stocking up in Missoula or Salmon.
Day 6: Stanley
Morning – Drive to Stanley / Hot Springs
From Missoula, it’s a 5-hour drive to Stanley. The drive isn’t overly eventful, however there are some good views as you drive previous Lost Trail Ski Area again into Idaho, in addition to alongside the Salmon River.
There is a lot to do in Stanley, so I’d guide it down there as rapidly as attainable.
On the best way into Stanley, you’ll cross a few of my favourite sizzling springs. Sunbeam Hot Springs is 12 miles outdoors of Stanley alongside ID-75. There is an indication and a small parking space, making it laborious to overlook.
Most of the soaking swimming pools are down a small hill to the correct of the bathhouse subsequent to the Salmon River. You can go from sizzling springs to the river and again or discover an space that’s the right temperature by mixing the cold and warm water collectively.
Note that if you happen to go in early summer season throughout peak run-off, the river ranges may be too excessive, washing out the swimming pools. If that’s the case, go left of the bathhouse the place there are two tubs which have sizzling water piped into them.
Afternoon – Redfish Lake
Redfish Lake is essentially the most well-known lake within the Sawtooths and is worthy of a day hold.
They have paddle boards for lease, in addition to pontoon boats. You can even take the boat shuttle to the opposite facet of Redfish Lake the place quite a lot of completely different hikes depart from, together with this backpacking journey to Baron Lakes which I did a couple of years in the past.
If you’re simply seeking to hold on the seashore and go for a swim, I want driving over to the Sandy Beach boat ramp on the east facet of the lake. It’s a bit quieter than the realm close to the Redfish Lake Lodge, and also you get nice views of Mt. Thompson (pictured under), which is the very best peak within the Sawtooths.
Stanley Restaurants
If you wish to eat out, the perfect dinner choices in Stanley are the Sawtooth Hotel (higher for these with dietary restrictions) or the Mountain Village restaurant.
Stanley Accommodations
Day 7: Stanley
Morning: Stanley Bakery / Hike to Sawtooth Lake
The Stanley Bakery is a MUST for breakfast. The oatmeal pancakes are well-known round these components, and so they even have loads of gluten-free and plant-based choices, in addition to baked items to go. This place will get busy, so get there early or be ready to attend in line.
After filling your stomach, drive up Iron Creek to the Sawtooth Lake Trailhead. This is severely considered one of my favourite hikes of all-time. The hike is sort of 10 miles round-trip with 1,800 toes of elevation acquire, resulting in essentially the most BLUEtiful lake you’ll ever see. There are some steeper components, however size apart, I’d take into account this a average hike.
You can put together for this hike by studying my Sawtooth Lake climbing information.
Afternoon – Mountain Village Hot Springs or Stanley Lake
Feeling like your muscle mass may use one other good soak? Mountain Village Resort has 3 completely different sizzling springs, and also you don’t should be a lodge visitor to make use of them. I like these sizzling springs as a result of they’re deep, and so they have a few of the finest views of the Sawtooths on the town. They are additionally tremendous clear. To soak right here, it’s a must to make a reservation and pay a small charge.
If you’ve had sufficient of Idaho’s wonderful sizzling springs, then I recommend heading to Stanley Lake. It’s so much much less busy than Redfish Lake with extra attractive views of Mt. McGowan.
Day 8: Sun Valley
Morning – Drive to Sun Valley
The drive from Stanley to Sun Valley is gorgeous. As you drive in direction of Galena Summit, you’ll cross Pettit Lake and Alturas Lake. If you’re in search of extra photograph alternatives, these are price stopping at.
Next, you’ll drive to the highest of Galena Summit. If you occur to be touring with mountain bikes, there’s an unimaginable free mountain biking path system with over 40 miles of trails that begins proper at Galena Lodge.
Afternoon – Hike to Pioneer Cabin
Assuming you aren’t biking at Galena Lodge, as we speak you’re going to sort out one other hike. This one is a bit steeper and more difficult than the hike to Sawtooth Lake, overlaying 8.0 miles and gaining 2,500 toes in elevation.
The first 1.5 miles are within the forest, however as you get larger, the path opens as much as views of the Pioneer Mountains. At 4 miles, you attain Pioneer Cabin, which was constructed as a ski hut means again in 1937, with a few of Sun Valley’s most dramatic landscapes.
Sun Valley Dining
For a small city, Sun Valley has an amazing meals scene. Here are a few of my favourite spots:
Sun Valley Lodging
Camping in Sun Valley isn’t fairly as plentiful as it’s in Stanley, however there are nonetheless fairly a couple of choices without spending a dime and paid campgrounds. There are additionally a number of good inns on the town that put you inside strolling distance of all the outlets and eating places. Keep in thoughts that Sun Valley is a resort city, and the lodging costs replicate that.
Day 9: Sun Valley / Drive again to Boise
Morning: Explore Town / Ride Gondola
Sun Valley / Ketchum is a brilliant cute city. It’s price poking round Main Street and the remainder of downtown.
For a birdseye view of the realm, take the Roundhouse Gondola from the River Run base up Bald Mountain.
From the highest of the gondola, you possibly can seize lunch on the Roundhouse Restaurant with panoramic views or hop on the scenic Christmas carry to the highest of the ski space. There are plenty of completely different climbing trails if you wish to discover, or you possibly can take some pics and trip again down.
Afternoon: Drive again to Boise
That wraps up your 10-day Idaho street journey itinerary. The drive from Sun Valley to Boise is slightly below 3 hours. There aren’t a variety of locations to cease, so it’s best to seize lunch in Sun Valley earlier than you hit the street.
If you’ve gotten further time
If you’ve gotten greater than 9 days on your street journey, there are such a lot of extra issues you are able to do in Idaho. Here are some solutions:
Frequently Asked Questions
If you wish to hike and bike, my favourite months to go to Idaho are late June, early July, and September. Mid-summer might be sizzling and smoky relying on whether or not there are wildfires burning. Winter can be nice in case you are seeking to ski and do different winter sports activities.
To correctly discover the state, I feel you want at the least 7 days, though you may simply spend 2 weeks overlaying all of Idaho. If you’ve gotten much less time than that, I’d deal with the Boise, McCall, Stanley space on your street journey.
My favourite space of Idaho is Stanley and Sun Valley. These are residence to essentially the most dramatic mountains in Idaho with tons of climbing, biking, paddling, sizzling springs, and different out of doors actions.
More Idaho Recommendations
Have a couple of further days to spend in your Idaho street journey? Get further concepts for issues to do in these weblog posts:
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What different Idaho street journey stops have you ever been to or would advocate for an itinerary? Leave a remark under!