9 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Idaho Should Take
I recently came across this article advertised in FaceBook. Being an Idahoan, and growing up hiking some of these places made me want to share it with you. The City of Rocks is a popular place to learn rock-climbing.These are short hikes that should be easy for most hikers and readily accessible. Have a look, and see which ones you want to hike to.
Idahoans may be known for their stamina, natural climbing and navigational abilities, and even an unrivaled passion for the great outdoors, but when it comes to immersing oneself in nature, the hike to get there doesn’t always have to be long and strenuous. There are literally thousands of trails across the state that are mere minutes from main cities, or require just a short trek through the wilderness to get somewhere absolutely incredible, scenic, remote, or photo-worthy. For a perfect adventure no matter the season, check out one of these easy trails that are under 5 miles, round-trip.
In the Sawtooths’ picturesque White Cloud Mountains, take the 3.6-mile roundtrip hike to Fourth of July Lake. The trail starts in the forest and Fourth of July Lake is just a short jaunt down the trail, bordered by a scenic meadow and breathtaking views. For an extra challenge, keep climbing the trail to Washington Lake, which will add another 3 miles or so to your journey.
Idaho’s City of Rocks is an expansive geologic paradise with scenic trails criss-crossing and winding over, under, and around magnificent rock formations found nowhere else. There are over 22 miles of trails for every ability, ranging from the kid-friendly Bath Rock Trail to the 5-mile Castle Rocks Trail.
This easy trail is a perfect adventure through the heart of Idaho’s wilderness without the excruciating climbs. Just beyond Lolo Campground, this diverse hike follows Marsh Creek — one of the two main tributary streams that forms the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. You’ll cross a scenic bridge and have multiple opportunities to see the landscape of trees and meandering streams open up into lush mountain valleys.
Hiking the popular 3.3 mile Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail loop is an awesome and educational trek along the mesmerizing shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Wildlife viewing is incredible in this area, and the shady, well-maintained trail (the first one to be established by the BLM) is nothing if not perfect.
13 miles north of Nordman and near Priest Lake, the trees in this special forest are up to 12 feet in diameter and 150 feet tall. There is a short trail that leads to the base of Lower Granite Falls, as well as cascading tiers along the river. A 1.5-mile trail from the lower grove leads to the falls and the upper forest, which is remarkable to say the least.
For an easy “hike” through a true Idaho treasure, this practically flat trail starts just below the visitor center and meanders through tall, marshy grass, lush trees, and along Silver Creek. The views are as incredible as they are filled with wildlife. While the trail itself is longer than 5 miles, it’s easy to turn around at any point to head back, rest, or refuel.
On the north side of Ketchum, this popular trail has multiple options depending on how energetic you’re feeling. For a desert wildflower climb that will take you slightly over 5 miles, the Adams Gulch Loop is a fantastic dog-friendly trail. You can also take the Sunnyside Trail and pair it with Lane’s Trail, which climbs to an overlook with awesome views of the Pioneer Mountains.
This quintessential hike in Idaho’s capital city is a must-do for every Idahoan, if only to see the capital from a new perspective. Boise’s foothills are surprisingly beautiful in contrast to the lights of downtown, and while the area was recently scorched by a brush fire, the expansive view is still stunning. Multiple trails lead to the same spot to ensure the journey is accessible to everyone.
Even as the seasons change, these awesome hikes are short, easy, and perfect for all age levels. Which one will you try first?
Howdy. I've been hiking most of my life. I spent my young boyhood hiking up and down the mountains in Hell's Canyon, bordering Oregon & Idaho with my father. He taught me important wilderness skills that I have passed on to my own sons. Since growing up in Idaho and hiking all over the Sawtooth and Selway wilderness areas, I have since hiked in the Andes and several trips diving and hiking in Antarctica, including the "Footsteps of Shackleton" expedition. I was also active in National Ski Patrol for 15 years, including Avalanche control and rescue. Since then I have become a Doctor of Trauma & Orthopaedics at Oxford England with an interest in Expedition Medicine.
My son, Jeremy is now the main hiker in the family with weekend hikes throughout the summer and will share his adventures.
In the Sawtooths’ picturesque White Cloud Mountains, take the 3.6-mile roundtrip hike to Fourth of July Lake. The trail starts in the forest and Fourth of July Lake is just a short jaunt down the trail, bordered by a scenic meadow and breathtaking views. For an extra challenge, keep climbing the trail to Washington Lake, which will add another 3 miles or so to your journey.
Idaho’s City of Rocks is an expansive geologic paradise with scenic trails criss-crossing and winding over, under, and around magnificent rock formations found nowhere else. There are over 22 miles of trails for every ability, ranging from the kid-friendly Bath Rock Trail to the 5-mile Castle Rocks Trail.
This easy trail is a perfect adventure through the heart of Idaho’s wilderness without the excruciating climbs. Just beyond Lolo Campground, this diverse hike follows Marsh Creek — one of the two main tributary streams that forms the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. You’ll cross a scenic bridge and have multiple opportunities to see the landscape of trees and meandering streams open up into lush mountain valleys.
Hiking the popular 3.3 mile Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail loop is an awesome and educational trek along the mesmerizing shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Wildlife viewing is incredible in this area, and the shady, well-maintained trail (the first one to be established by the BLM) is nothing if not perfect.
13 miles north of Nordman and near Priest Lake, the trees in this special forest are up to 12 feet in diameter and 150 feet tall. There is a short trail that leads to the base of Lower Granite Falls, as well as cascading tiers along the river. A 1.5-mile trail from the lower grove leads to the falls and the upper forest, which is remarkable to say the least.
For an easy “hike” through a true Idaho treasure, this practically flat trail starts just below the visitor center and meanders through tall, marshy grass, lush trees, and along Silver Creek. The views are as incredible as they are filled with wildlife. While the trail itself is longer than 5 miles, it’s easy to turn around at any point to head back, rest, or refuel.
On the north side of Ketchum, this popular trail has multiple options depending on how energetic you’re feeling. For a desert wildflower climb that will take you slightly over 5 miles, the Adams Gulch Loop is a fantastic dog-friendly trail. You can also take the Sunnyside Trail and pair it with Lane’s Trail, which climbs to an overlook with awesome views of the Pioneer Mountains.
This quintessential hike in Idaho’s capital city is a must-do for every Idahoan, if only to see the capital from a new perspective. Boise’s foothills are surprisingly beautiful in contrast to the lights of downtown, and while the area was recently scorched by a brush fire, the expansive view is still stunning. Multiple trails lead to the same spot to ensure the journey is accessible to everyone.
