Great Hiking Trails in Idaho
Great Hiking Trails In Idaho Like These will Blow You Away
curated from: http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/idaho/id-hiking-trails/
When someone in Idaho tells you to take a hike, don’t be offended! Hiking and backpacking are not only fantastic mood-boosters (it’s true — medical science says so!), but are also some of the best ways to get up close and personal with our beautiful state’s scenic landscape and explore its hidden nooks and crannies. In fact, with over 19,000 miles of Great Hiking Trails across the state, you never know what wildlife, edibles, or views you might discover! But no matter which trail you choose, the picturesque views are always well worth the climb.
A quaint and cozy town on the banks of the Salmon River, Stanley is well-known for its plethora of adventure and outdoorsman opportunities. This 10-mile can’t-miss trek takes you to two of the Sawtooth’s pristine alpine lakes, and will offer everything you could hope for in a hike.From the Iron Creek trailhead off of Highway 21, you’ll start in a forest of evergreens. You’ll encounter an open meadow, cross a creek into an alpine basin, climb and meander through switchbacks before opening up to a scenic view of Mt.Regan. The whole trail is simply one of Idaho’s most scenic, with impressive views of the mountains and valley.
Scenic Priest River offers an abundance of great hiking trails for all skill levels. The 16-mile #308 is particularly scenic, running parallel to the river. Thick forest canopies provide plenty of shade with only occasional sun breaks, with the added relaxation of meandering streams running trailside. Continuing on to the Continental Trail will bring you to American Falls.From Nordman, follow Highway 57 to the Granite Pass junction. Follow road #1013 approximately 11 miles to the trailhead on the left.
At over 15 miles, Upper Palisades Lake is slightly less used than the lower lake trail. A moose haven, this trail is beautiful with a variety of terrain to enjoy, and plenty of shade. Every time I’ve been to Lower Palisades Lake, there has been a memorable experience with wildlife, whether it be beaver, moose, or elk.To reach the trailhead, from Swan Valley go seven miles east on US 26, then two miles northwest on Forest Road 255.
Mineral Ridge Loop, Coeur d’Alene
A quick and easy, well-maintained 2-mile trail that offers stunning views of Coeur d’Alene Lake, this hike has cliff views, switchbacks, and just enough challenge to make it worth it.Take US-90 east from Coeur d’Alene for eight miles to Wolf Lodge Bay (exit 22), then go south on Highway 97 for three miles.
A massive, pyramid shaped mountain, Hyndman Peak is the 9th tallest in Idaho, but one of the easiest to climb, although the 12-mile ascent is lengthy. However, you’ll be rewarded with immaculate views and very little fellow foot-traffic.From Ketchum, drive five miles south on Highway 75 and turn onto East Fork Road. Drive six miles east (1.5 miles past Triumph), then make a hard left turn up a hill at the sign which says “North Fork of Hyndman Creek”. Drive another three miles to the first stream crossing where Johnstone Creek and other creeks come together. Cross Hyndman Creek, then continue on the dirt road to the north side of the creek for 1.25 miles until you come to a road closure sign and gate. Park here.
Louie Lake is a gorgeous deep-blue lake with the gray cliffs of Jughandle Mountain overlooking it. The lake contains two small granite islands, and the hike itself is a moderate 10-mile trek that offers expansive views of Long Valley.About 2 miles south of McCall, turn east onto Elo Road. Elo Road becomes Farm-to-Market Road, which eventually becomes Brundage Lake Road. You will reach the trailhead at 7.5 miles.
xA challenging 29-mile semi loop will take you by waterfalls, Devils Basin, and sweeping open vistas of the Lost River Range, and to Yellow Lake, all following the North Fork Big Creek via Park Fork.From Challis, take HIghway 93 north for 17 miles and take a right onto an unsigned road. In 30.5 miles, turn left onto Big Creek Rod to reach the trailhead in 3.5 miles.
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About The Author
Thomas & Jeremy Powell
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.