Eagle Island State Park | Eagle

This 545-acre park is home to a year-round disc golf course that is challenging in all the right ways. The handcart-friendly route provides intermediate-to-advanced players with a mix of open fairway and wooded shots across 19 holes. The course is lined by water and features slight elevation changes.

Farragut State Park | Athol

This park’s five, yes five, year-round courses are known for their balanced mix of hole layouts and difficulty. Each course features 18 holes, with one geared toward beginners and children, three in the intermediate-to-advanced range and one highly technical, advanced course designed with professionals in mind.

Hells Gate State Park | Lewiston

This charming, intermediate nine-hole course sits along the Snake River and is available to play year-round, although summer access may depend on the park’s mowing schedule. Several holes prompt players to use strategy in avoiding light brush, tree groupings and water hazards.

Lake Walcott State Park | Rupert

With 21 holes open all year and various options for approaching play, the course at this state park is easily adjustable to suit a player’s skill level and is a fast favorite for first-time visitors.

Lucky Peak State Park | Boise

Sandy Point, a hillside section of this scenic state park near Boise, offers a welcoming 18-hole course with changing basket layouts. The park is generally accessible from October through May.

Massacre Rocks State Park | American Falls

This challenging, elevated adventure features nine holes available year-round and is best for intermediate-to-advanced players. There are drops and rises, narrow fairways and even several baskets located over ravines at this park. Beginners can get their throws in on an additional junior course.

Priest Lake State Park | Coolin

Harvey’s Hemlock Hideaway, a disc golf course located in the lovely Priest Lake area, was designed with beginners and families in mind. The nine holes feature scenic views and a mix of open shots and tree coverage. This picturesque location is technically seasonal, but baskets are left out for those willing to brave the elements throughout the year.

Three Island Crossing State Park | Glenns Ferry

Spend the entire day outside on a beautiful 18-hole course. This moderately challenging route along the Snake River incorporates water and can be tricky when it’s windy. The course at this park is accessible year-round despite occasional snow cover.

Thousand Springs State Park | Hagerman

Niagara Springs is one of six units at this renowned state park, where disc golf enthusiasts can find a well-designed course at a higher elevation with a mixture of shots. The play on this 18-hole disc golf course in Idaho leans toward intermediate or advanced, but beginners can also enjoy honing their throws here.

Castle Rocks State Park | Almo

Aim for an ace against a backdrop of ancient granite formations at this remarkable state park known for its rock climbing. The small, grassy course here has only three holes, but visitors can also take advantage of nearby scenic picnic areas, as well as hiking and fishing access.

Dworshak State Park | Lenore

Recently upgraded to 18 holes, the FoxBurrow fairway is found near the Freeman Creek Campground within the 850-acre park. The course allows ample opportunities for intermediate-to-advanced players to show off their skills over shots of differing lengths, inclines and technicality.

Looking for insider tips on visiting Idaho’s state parks? Check out Ranger Talks! This series gives you firsthand tips from the people who know each park inside and out: the rangers.

Find additional resources and check out more activities and adventures you can experience in Idaho State Parks.

When I’m traveling outside of Idaho and share that I live in the Gem State, people will often throw out the names of destinations that they’ve either been to or heard of. Boise. Sun Valley. Some mention the stunning natural beauty of Redfish Lake or the adventures that await near McCall. While I love hearing what people know of this beautiful state, I’m always keen to share that Idaho is full of memorable places to visit that are just off the beaten path.

Take a chance on one of these destinations that flies just-under-the-radar for many, but are perfect spots for exploring this summer.

Explore Island Park

Island Park is Idaho’s gateway to Yellowstone National Park, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s not a destination in its own right. Whether you fish, hike, paddle, ATV, or simply like to relax on the riverbank with your favorite drink in hand, Island Park is your kind of place.

Tucked along Idaho’s border with Montana and Wyoming, Island Park is best known for the Henrys Fork of the Snake River (known simply as the “Henrys Fork”). The Henrys Fork is a world-class fishing river whose primary source, Big Springs, gushes forth from the ground just minutes from downtown Island Park. Anglers love the river for its large trout, prolific hatches, and accessible riverbanks. Everyone else loves it for its wide, sometimes lazy flow that is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.

Those looking for more terrestrial adventures will find them in spades in Island Park. Hiking and ATV trails criss-cross a landscape that was formed by the same volcanic forces that continue to shape Yellowstone National Park. Harriman State Park is a favorite hiking spot and features historic ranch buildings that are open for tours in the summer. A bit further south, stunning Mesa Falls careens for ten stories over an ancient caldera and is an ideal spot to relax with a picnic lunch.

Soak in Lava Hot Springs

If a family-friendly destination is what you’re after, look no further than a trip to Lava Hot Springs. Located in Idaho’s southeastern corner, this small resort town grew up around a series of natural pools that fill with crystal clear, odorless mineral water that emerges from the ground at perfect soaking temperature. The highlight of any trip to Lava Hot Springs is hours spent soaking, splashing, and playing in the pools themselves, but there is plenty more to explore beyond the hot springs.

Spend a morning at historic Chesterfield, a Mormon pioneer town that remains lovingly preserved by the families of the settlers who once called this quiet patch of prairie home. Free tours are given from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or you can walk the grounds yourself and get a taste of what life was like for pioneers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Adventure seekers will want to book an afternoon with Lava Zipline for hours of fun “riding the lines” across a wide, green canyon just outside of town. The experience continues with a run through a high ropes course that towers two stories above the ground.

Enjoy the Snake in Twin Falls

The Snake River that is! The Snake is one of the Northwest’s major rivers, cutting a broad smile across southern Idaho from the Wyoming to the Oregon borders. Halfway through its journey across the state, the Snake flows through Twin Falls, a city of 50,000 people nestled along the edge of the deep river canyon.

Though Twin Falls is known as the commercial hub of south-central Idaho, its trendy Main Street and desert beauty make this bustling city worth a trip. Start your explorations with a morning at Centennial Waterfront Park. Enjoy beautiful views of I.B. Perrine Bridge, whose distinctive truss arch rises almost 500 feet above the water. Kayak rentals are available right along the shore, and in summer, a zipline course whizzes overhead.

Those looking for an even bigger thrill might be inclined to book a tandem jump with a BASE instructor—the Perrine Bridge is one of the only structures in the United States that doesn’t require a permit to launch from the deck into the canyon below.

Make your way to Twin Fall’s newly revitalized Main Street for lunch at a local eatery before heading to the impressive beauty of Shoshone Falls. Known as the “Niagara of the West,” the river plunges 212 feet over a horseshoe-shaped cliff. The sight is most impressive during the spring snowmelt but worth checking out any time of year.

Get Your Thrills in Hells Canyon

The Grand Canyon may get all the fame, but did you know that the deepest river gorge in North America is right here in Idaho? Hells Canyon, located on our southern border with Oregon, plunges 7,900 feet at its deepest point. Its entire length is wild, dramatic, and a little hard to get to…but getting there is at least half the fun.

Start your journey by driving the 22-mile Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, which stretches north from the Oxbow Bridge to the Hells Canyon Dam. This narrow, winding road looks down into the canyon itself but peel your eyes away from the water to keep a lookout for mountain goats, deer, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. The Hells Canyon area was home to Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Tribe, and petroglyphs dot the cliffs.

The Hells Canyon Dam is the start of the designated “Wild and Scenic” section of the Snake River, and though the road stops here, you won’t want to miss what’s beyond. To explore, book a whitewater rafting trip from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburgh Landing. This 35-mile rafting adventure takes three days and will bring you through the wildest and deepest parts of Hells Canyon. If whitewater rafting isn’t your style, make your way north to the Riggins area, where you can book a jet boat adventure that motors for a half-day or a full-day up the Snake River and into the rugged canyon bottom.

Catch a Sunset in Sandpoint

From the arid high desert in the south to the jagged terrain of central Idaho’s mountain ranges, few are ready for the surprise of the north—a land that is densely wooded, hilly, and filled with beautiful lakes, streams, and rivers. Love those Pacific Northwest vibes? Northern Idaho is where you’ll find them.

Coeur d’Alene is a popular jumping-off point for northern Idaho adventures. This town of 50,000 sits on the edge of Lake Coeur d’Alene, a lake popular with boaters and sightseers. Don’t have your own boat? Book a scenic cruise that leaves right from the downtown marina, or rent a paddleboard to ply the waters yourself. 

An hour north of Coeur d’Alene lies the resort town of Sandpoint, nestled on the shore of Idaho’s biggest and deepest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. Sandpoint has a quiet, beautiful charm that lures vacationers back year after year. Spend your days relaxing on the lakeshore, grabbing a bite to eat and a local pint at one of the many restaurants and breweries, and exploring the nearby hiking and paddling trails. Don’t miss the chance to catch a sunset over Lake Pend Oreille—the sight is one you won’t soon forget.

No matter where you visit this summer, Idaho is sure to leave you with memories that’ll last a lifetime. We’ll see you soon!

Featured image credited to Sara Sheehy.

Sara Sheehy is a writer and photographer who travels the world seeking wild places and great stories. When she’s not on the road, Sara spends her time exploring the mountains around her home base of Sun Valley, Idaho.

Along the South Fork of the Snake River near Ririe, Idaho—just 30 minutes northeast of Idaho Falls—Kelly Canyon Road begins its stunning two-mile ascent into the Big Holes. Founded by E. Bud Johnson, Kelly Canyon Resort offers up 1,000 vertical feet of approachable skiing and riding across 640 acres of varied terrain. The summit of Kelly Canyon sits at 6,600 feet above sea level and provides a nearly 360-degree view of the Snake River Plain. Since 1957, Kelly Canyon has provided skiers and riders the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of winter in Targhee National Forest.

Kelly Canyon’s operating hours are a bit different than your average ski resort—typically running their lifts long after the sun goes down. Kelly is one of the only ski areas in Idaho to offer night skiing during the week—a coveted feature for school kids and nine-to-fivers—and with a recent switch-up in ownership, the ski area is making modern moves to elevate the Kelly Canyon experience.

New snowmaking capabilities allow the ski area to make artificial snow so long as it is colder than 55 degrees Fahrenheit—giving Kelly the opportunity to open earlier in the season than ever before. With the ability to serve skiers and riders more days than any previous season, Kelly’s new, three-person Gold Rush Lift—complete with an RFID ticket-scanning system—and upgraded restaurant have been put to good use.

75 percent of Kelly Canyon’s terrain is rated as intermediate or beginner. You won’t find Bogner one-piece ski suits and luxury vehicles traipsing around the base area. Rather, kids and adults alike giving their Klim sled suits another use and strangers giving rear-wheel-drive pick-up trucks a friendly push out of the spacious parking lots.

What Kelly Canyon may lack in the glitz and glamor it certainly makes up for in hometown hospitality. No matter if it’s your first time or you’ve been riding the mountain for multiple decades, when you’re at Kelly Canyon you’re part of the family. 

If You Have An Hour

Grab yourself a half-day ticket, which allows you to ride from 4pm-8pm during the week, and enjoy the unique experience of skiing under the lights. The Gold Rush lift will be your home base to enjoy the terrain park, Sage Ridge and Kelly Bowl. Warm up inside the lodge and grab yourself a juicy burger from Half Cab Grill before heading back to town via Kelly Canyon Road. Remember to watch for wildlife!

If You Have A Day

Commit to a full day pass to explore every inch of Kelly’s offerings. A warm up lap on Stoney Mountain Ridge to Ernies will get the legs firing before a three-minute hike from the top of the Gold Rush lift will drop you into some of Kelly’s most sought-after terrain—Powder Bowl. If you’re feeling really adventurous, a lap in Kelly’s terrain park will put you right under the Gold Rush lift for a bit of added pressure to land that trick you’ve been working on. Take a break and fuel up at Half Cab Grill before changing out your lenses and adding a layer to head back out for night skiing.

If You Have A Weekend

Grab yourself a hotel in Idaho Falls, just a 30-minute drive from the mountain, and pack your skis, fat bike and bathing suit. On your way up Kelly Canyon Road, you’ll find Heise Hot Springs—the perfect remedy for sore legs and a must-stop after a day of ripping up Kelly’s expert runs like Grandma’s House, Moose Face and Cliff Jump. With a full day ski pass, you can even break up the ski day with a soak before making your way back up to Kelly for moon-lit turns or a literal breath-taking fat bike adventure on the 12 miles of groomed Nordic trails. Don’t own a fat bike? No problem! Kelly Canyon’s rental shop not only offers skis and boards, but bikes too! Not into cross-country style riding? You can also load your bike on the lift and allow gravity to do the work on designated trails. 

Straddling county lines in Eastern Idaho, Kelly Canyon Resort offers up the best of what Targhee National Forest has to provide. Mellow groomers and quick hike-to terrain sets Kelly Canyon up as a beginner and fair-weather skier’s paradise with a breathtaking birds-eye-view of the Snake River Plain below. Should your crew be looking for a bit more of an adventure, there’s plenty to discover in this hidden Idaho gem.

Feature image is credited to Visit Idaho.

Erin Spong is a professional skier and freelance writer based out of Pocatello, Idaho. Born and raised on the mighty slopes of Minnesota, Erin chased her passion for skiing first to Denver, Colorado, where she worked at FREESKIER Magazine as the Assistant Editor before making her way to Pocatello in March of 2020. The mountain home she’s always dreamed of, there’s no place Erin would rather be.

Riding bikes and playing in the leaves: two of the giddiest joys of childhood that, when combined, make fall the best season for mountain biking. (It’s just science.)

Throughout Idaho, the cooler weather, smaller crowds and perfect autumn dirt set the stage for a final victory lap before winter. But it’s the fall colors that seal the deal: the golden slopes of western larch and the yellow and orange corridors of aspen trees.

Below are fall mountain biking recommendations  for key riding regions throughout the state. Practice your leafy skids and get ready to feel like a kid again.

1. Sandpoint

The signature cedar forests of northern Idaho shade most of Sandpoint’s expansive—and growing—trail system. But in autumn, larch is the star as this deciduous conifer lays down a carpet of gold needles on the tread. Connecting the trail network of Schweitzer to the town, the Schweitzer Basin descends more than 4,000 vertical feet to valley bottom ecosystems. The trails—High Point to Sidewinder to the Lower Basin DH is a prime route pick—provide a highlight reel of hues, from the gold of larch and hardwoods to the rosy blush of huckleberry shrubs and the yellow of ferns. And they come with an added bonus — spectacular views of Lake Pend Oreille from the top of the trail.

2. Boise

The City of Trees lives up to its name late in the fall, when the shrubs and cottonwoods of the Boise Foothills complement the vibrant trees lining the streets of the historic neighborhoods. Of the approximately 200 miles of singletrack in the Foothills trail system, the nine miles that descend Freddy’s Stack Rock and Sweet Connie provide one of the best combos of high-speed fun and peak autumn color for top-notch Boise mountain biking. Beginning near the top of Bogus Basin Road, Freddy’s curls around shrubs and rock formations before dropping into the stacked, swooping curves of Sweet Connie. Canyon and creek bed foliage flash by, while nearly the whole way, views of Boise’s trees far below angle for attention.

3. Pocatello

Pocatello’s biking bona fides may be hiding in plain sight, but its fall colors are right out in the open. The folded foothills of the Bannock Range west of town, where most of the area’s trails lie, put on one of the best fall color shows in Idaho. The City Creek Trail System, on a low bench of land just west of downtown, encompasses some of the area’s best and most easily accessible fall mountain biking. The City Creek trail snakes alongside the namesake creek under a canopy of red and orange — meanwhile, aspens and maples mingle on the Grove–Bowling Ball Loop, where leaves pile in big drifts and invite extensive drifting turns through the curling path. Time your ride right, and the views will include the snow-capped peaks of the Portneuf Range to the east.

4. Teton Valley

September is when the Tetons have serious competition for scenic bragging rights, as the peaks on the edge of eastern Idaho’s border with Wyoming appear to sit on a throne of orange and yellow foliage. Even after Grand Targhee Bike Park’s chairlifts stop spinning for the season—capped with the early-September celebration of bikes that is the Wydaho Rendezvous, so named for the cross-border cultural connection of the region (the bike park sits in Wyoming but is only accessible through Idaho)—riders can still pedal the resort’s trails. The vast aspen groves of the Rick’s Basin trails, such as Perma-Grin and Quakie Ridge, provide new photo opportunities at every turn.

5. Sun Valley

Autumn in the Sun Valley area might mean a slower pace in town, but riders can still find a heart-quickening pace on the trails. Some 400 miles of singletrack wind across the Wood River Valley, and the five-mile Fox Creek Loop, ten minutes north of Ketchum, makes a fine entry to the area’s shoulder-season possibilities. From a trailhead immediately off State Highway 75, the popular trail crosses and climbs above the Big Wood River. Views from the top of the loop encompass aspens capped by the snowclad Sawtooth Range. A fast descent through fall colors follows, finished with a riverside return through the cottonwoods. Combine this loop with the popular four-mile Chocolate Gulch Loop for even more sensational Sun Valley mountain biking with fall colors and fast dirt.

6. McCall

Although it’s perhaps more commonly considered a lake town in the summer, the brisk autumn temperatures will remind riders that McCall is a mountain town, too. And so will the excellent McCall mountain biking. Just north of downtown, the Bear Basin trail network encompasses a handful of stacked loops that allow for quick-hit rides on flow trails framed by fall colors. The six-mile shuttle-accessed descent of the Payette Rim Trail ends nearby, and Brundage Mountain Resort will soon have single track connecting its trails to Bear Basin. The resort’s motto is “the best snow in Idaho,” but the trails give the area a claim for the best dirt, too. Bonus: no lines for post-ride ice cream or beer in downtown McCall.

Feature image credited to Aaron Theisen.

Aaron Theisen is an outdoors writer and photographer whose work has appeared in Freehub, Mountain Flyer, Powder, Backpacker and elsewhere. His passions are the big peaks and small towns of the Northern Rockies. When he’s not searching for obscure trails or sampling the region’s dive bars, Aaron can be found mountain biking and skiing around his hometown of Spokane, Washington.

Eastern Idaho is a perfect summer destination for any adventure lover. From excursions out on the water, to magnificent sand dunes, to hikes up in the gorgeous Teton Valley, there is something to do for everyone! Here are the top seven outdoor activities to try on your trip to eastern Idaho.

1. Float the Teton River

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a hot summer day in eastern Idaho by hopping in the Teton River. Gear up with Teton River Supply and head out on some inflatable kayaks, canoes, rafts, or paddle boards while taking in some of the best views of the Grand Teton Range.

Make sure to pack lots of water, sun protection, food, and drinks as you enjoy a scenic float down the river. Depending on how long you’d like to be out on the water, you can choose a rental up to seven hours tailored to your preferences.

Teton River Supply will start off by getting you setup with all of your equipment and safety gear and then shuttle you down to the river dropoff point. This location may vary depending on your rental duration.

Once you’ve reached the end of your journey, Teton River Supply pick you up so you don’t have to worry about paddling upstream. This is one of the best ways for outdoor lovers to see gorgeous scenic views of the Tetons.

2. Go horseback riding at Harriman State Park

Take a trail ride through Harriman State Park on horseback with Dry Ridge Outfitters. The two hour trail ride will take you up past the top of the tree line for incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Learn all about the history of the park, the wildlife and take in the views of the gorgeous lakes.

3. Explore the St. Anthony Sand Dunes

The St. Anthony Sand Dunes are some of the most beautiful sand dunes in North America.

Whether you are into hiking, ATVing, dirt biking, camping or simply wanting to take in a beautiful sunrise or sunset, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes have something for you.

You will want to give yourself a few hours to explore the dunes, as the area itself is quite large at 10,600 acres. It takes about 45 minutes to drive from one side of the dunes to the other.

If you’re a photographer, make sure to check out Devil’s Dune, Dead Horse Bowl, and Choke Cherry dunes for the most epic views of the sand dunes. We opted to hike out to the tallest dunes from the road, but if you want to drive out to the dunes, be aware of the local regulations, permits, and items and vehicles needed to safely do so. If you’d like to camp next to the dunes, make sure to make a reservation at Egin Lake.

4. Take a soak in the hot springs

After a long day of hiking, nothing feels better than relaxing in a hot spring. The Teton Valley is home to Heise Hot Springs. For $10 for adults or $8 for children, you can take advantage of an all day pool pass to soak in the hot pools.

5. Explore three incredible waterfalls

Mesa Falls is definitely the most popular waterfall in all of eastern Idaho, and for good reason. The Upper & Lower Falls are renowned for their powerful beauty.

Make sure to pay for a parking pass here, unless you have already paid for one at Harriman State Park, which you can use at both locations! Parking here does get pretty crowded, so if you can visit earlier in the day or later toward sunset, you’ll have a better shot at finding an open spot.

This trail area is very heavily trafficked, so expect to find boardwalk trails that take you down to the various viewpoints of the falls and plentiful bathrooms and water fill up stations.

Sheep Falls is one of the more “hidden gem” waterfalls of eastern Idaho. You will need a vehicle that can handle a dirt road with a few potholes in order to access the trailhead. We highly recommend making sure your vehicle has a higher clearance car to prevent any damage, although you don’t necessarily need 4×4 or AWD.

The hike itself takes you down a series of short switchbacks into a canyon where you will find the raging falls swiftly running through. The current here is very strong, so make sure to watch your step.

This hike is great for all skill levels and is family-friendly for those wanting an easy adventure outdoors.

Tucked away in the Swan Valley in eastern Idaho, Fall Creek Falls is a cascading waterfall found alongside the road.

We’d highly recommend visiting the falls at sunrise to have them all to yourselves and for a gorgeous view of golden hour hitting the falls.

There are two different main lookouts for Fall Creek Falls – the upper and lower lookouts. For a lower view of the falls, take a short walk down the side of the road from the parking area and you’ll find a rope that takes you down for a closer look.

Make sure to wear non-slip hiking shoes since this area can be pretty slippery due to the loose gravely dirt and the spray of the water. Alternatively, you can view the falls with a short one minute walk adjacent to the parking area. This is a great spot for photos capturing both the falls and the rest of the Swan Valley.

Or, if you’d like to see the falls from the water, you can also kayak or take a boat down to the falls to take in their beauty.

6. Take a hike in the Teton Valley

The Teton Valley is filled with a variety of incredible hikes to choose from for all skill and experience levels. Whether you’re looking to explore caves or see beautiful views of the surrounding Teton mountain range, there’s a plethora of great hikes to choose from on All Trails.

Many of the hikes in the Teton Valley are located in bear territory and/or wilderness areas. This means you need to be bear aware at all times and follow best practices to keep yourself safe. This includes:

• Carrying bear spray with you and knowing how to properly deploy it should you need to. Make sure to keep it an accessible place in or on your day pack for best practice.
• Hike in groups – bears tend to be more intimidated by larger groups of people. It is not recommended that you hike alone in areas prevalent with grizzly bears.
• Check to make sure you don’t have food or scented items out in your vehicle or in your pack if you set it down. Use provided bear boxes when possible.

Also, make sure to Travel with Care while exploring on these gorgeous trails so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.

Our favorite trail located in the Teton Valley was the Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail. Located near Driggs, the stunning Darby Canyon lies right along the Idaho and Wyoming border.

We would strongly recommend having an AWD or 4×4 vehicle since the trailhead is located down a dirt road. This out and back hike is a fairly moderate day hike at around 6 miles long and 1,800 feet of elevation gain. You will want to allot yourself an average of 3-4 hours round trip to complete this hike.

The Darby Canyon hike takes you up into the canyon and along the ridge so you are overlooking beautiful waterfalls and stunning vistas along the whole hike.

7. Visit a nearby national park

The Teton Valley of eastern Idaho is the perfect home base for exploring two of the USA’s most incredible national parks.

Located only 1 hour and 40 minutes from the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park and only one hour from Grand Teton National Park, the Teton Valley is an ideal spot to enjoy a national park adventure without the crowds.

Whether you’re taking a quick trip to the Teton Valley or seeking to explore for a week or two, there is so much to explore in this beautiful region of the Idaho.

Feature image created to The Lovers Passport.

Giselle and Stephen Jiroch are outdoor travel content creators known as The Lovers Passport and can be found on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Youtube, where they highlight their outdoor adventures and travels. Their goal is to inspire others to get outside and travel with their accessible travel guides, bucket list worthy itineraries, and tips on hiking, road tripping, and camping around the world. 

The spring and summer months are the perfect times to explore the great outdoors in eastern Idaho. With so many trails, lakes and rivers, it can be difficult to decide where to go first. This list aims to inspire you to schedule that time after work and on the weekend plans to chase those waterfall dreams.

1. Fall Creek Falls

Located just off U.S. Hwy 26 near Rexburg, you’ll find road NF-058 also sometimes called Snake River-Palisades Dam Road, depending on which map you’re using. Take this dirt road for about 1.5 miles where it will then widen and allow enough space for visitors to park right along the road to access the falls. Several trails will lead you directly to the top of the falls. It’s less than a one-minute walk. Note: water spraying from the falls can make the rocks very slippery.

You can also access Fall Creek Falls by canoe or kayak and utilize the boat launch about half a mile downstream from the falls. You’ll be paddling upstream for a little bit but when the water is calm this is doable.

If paddling upstream isn’t your thing, head up U.S. Hwy 26 and utilize the boat launch from there. That’s what we’ve done several times and not only enjoyed the end goal of the waterfall, but the beautiful river along the way.

Need more convincing to visit Fall Creek Falls? Here are my top three reasons to plan a time to visit this beautiful waterfall in Swan Valley.

1. Fall Creek Falls is right alongside the road requiring no difficult hike to get there.
2. Not only will you enjoy a fantastic view of the waterfall, but if you look upstream, you can admire the beautiful Snake River with the mountains in the distance.
3. It’s free to visit! There is no fee to see this waterfall. However, if you plan on parking at the boat launch there is a small access fee.

2. Upper and Lower Mesa Falls

The next waterfall (technically two waterfalls) you need to see is called Mesa Falls! Mesa Falls can be found just over an hour’s drive from Idaho Falls. Many people will add this into their itinerary when visiting Island Park or Yellowstone National Park because you can drive the beautiful Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.

When planning your visit, I recommend parking at Upper Mesa Falls where there is a decent size parking lot. After parking and paying the small entry fee you’ll walk along a boardwalk to reach the viewing platform of Upper Mesa Falls. It’s absolutely breathtaking! The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk winds along the cliffside so you’ll want to spend some time admiring this waterfall from several different angles. It’s simply stunning.

If the Visitor Center is open while you’re there, definitely pop your head inside to say hi and learn from the information and resources they have on hand.

If you missed the turn-off for Lower Mesa Falls, you can hop back into your car and drive about about three-quarters of a mile back down the road to reach this turnoff. I do think this is worth the stop! But if you’ve only got time to pull off once, choose Upper Mesa Falls.

3. Sheep Falls

This last waterfall that is a must-see in eastern Idaho is found in Island Park. Unlike the other two waterfalls, you’ll need to hike to see this one! If you’re wanting to plan to see two waterfalls on the same day, I would add Mesa Falls to this stop. If you’re driving from Idaho Falls, you can first stop to see Mesa Falls and then Sheep Falls afterward. Or you could flip flop to the itinerary and first see Sheep Falls and then see Mesa Falls on your way back to Idaho Falls.

Every time we’ve hiked to Sheep Falls, we’ve rarely seen others as it remains somewhat unknown. As always, practice safe hiking practices when exploring the beautiful outdoors that Idaho offers. Be mindful that this is bear country and to remain bear aware at all times.

To access the falls, turn onto Sheep Falls Road from US-20. You’ll be on Sheep Falls road for 2.4 miles. When you arrive at a four-way intersection , safely park your car on the side of the road and start walking to the left. The trail is about a mile long and for the last 3/4 of the trail, you’ll be walking downhill with the sound of the waterfall in the near distance.

In total, you’ll hike about 1.1 miles on this beginner trail. I would plan at least an hour for the hiking with time to take in the waterfall.

As a gentle reminder, remember to take care of our great outdoors and Travel With Care.

Feature image credited to Visit Idaho.

Jess Darrington is the founder or Part Time Tourists, a travel and adventure blog that was created in 2018. Part Time Tourists aims to help people travel more by offering detailed travel guides and practical tips. With a large focus on US travel, Jess shares adventurous and luxurious destinations throughout the country. You can follow her on Instagram and PartTimeTourists.com.

During winter, the park becomes a premier ski area with over 25 miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.