Quick Summary:

  • What makes Idaho a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts?
    • Idaho is home to a significant stretch of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Snake River Plain. These areas feature spectacular, scenic, and tranquil bodies of water to explore. The state also boasts untouched mountainous terrains, fantastic parks and recreation areas, magnificent lakes, the deepest gorge, and the highest waterfall in the country. There’s no shortage of incredible scenic landscapes to explore.
  • What outdoor activities can you enjoy in Idaho?
    • Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and exploring Idaho’s top state and regional parks and recreational areas. The diverse landscapes provide opportunities for various outdoor activities to suit any adventure enthusiast.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bear Lake State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bear Lake State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© swisshippo/stock.adobe.com

2. Bruneau Dunes State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bruneau Dunes State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© rck/stock.adobe.com

3. Castle Rocks State Park

Category: Activities
Castle Rocks State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© Robert/stock.adobe.com

4. The City of Rocks National Reserve

Category: Activities
The City of Rocks National Reserve | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© MeganBetteridge/stock.adobe.com

5. Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park

Category: Activities
Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© William/stock.adobe.com

6. Dworshak State Park

Category: Activities
Dworshak State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/stock.adobe.com

7. Eagle Island State Park

Category: Activities
Eagle Island State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© Daniel/stock.adobe.com

8. Farragut State Park

Category: Activities
Farragut State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© Gregory Johnston/stock.adobe.com

9. Harriman State Park

Category: Activities
Harriman State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© Melani/stock.adobe.com

10. Hells Gate State Park

Category: Activities
Hells Gate State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© Gregory Johnston/stock.adobe.com

11. Henrys Lake State Park

Category: Activities
Henrys Lake State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© Moelyn Photos/stock.adobe.com

12. Heyburn State Park

Category: Activities
Heyburn State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© Gregory Johnston/stock.adobe.com

13. Lake Cascade State Park

Category: Activities
Lake Cascade State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© DSGNSR/stock.adobe.com

14. Lake Walcott

Category: Activities
Lake Walcott | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© Goshashka/stock.adobe.com

15. The Land of the Yankee Fork State Park

Category: Activities
The Land of the Yankee Fork State Park | These Idaho State Parks Provide a Peaceful Break from Busy Life
© sveten/stock.adobe.com

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