IdahoFall|Road Trips
By Jennifer
|Updated on August 07, 2023(Originally published September 16, 2021)
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Jennifer
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Super-rad musician, scholar, photographer, and traveler. The Mountain West and larger PNW = home, but can be found wherever there's adventure.
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As the weather turns to fall in Idaho, our state’s magnificent landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds that vibrantly weave themselves into a warm, picturesque backdrop. While the eastern U.S. is legendary for its fall colors, you might be surprised to learn that Idaho is a work of art all of its own – and you can see some of her best creations on this fall foliage road trip in Idaho!
But unlike back east where those colors hang around for a while, Idaho’s rapidly changing seasons mean there’s no time like the present! So grab a camera and a jacket and get ready for the first half of our breathtaking road trip:
City Creek Road, City Creek Rd, Pocatello, ID 83204, USA
For hikers and bikers looking for prime fall scenery, City Creek is one of the best spots in Southeast Idaho. Winding under arched trees and through colorful meadows, this storybook setting is a beautiful place to immerse yourself and take Instagram-worthy photos of the fall colors in Idaho. For an even better view, hike up to Kinport Peak to view the colors from above.
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Mink Creek Road, Mink Creek Rd, Idaho 83204, USA
This scenic road cuts through a heavily forested valley with plenty of hiking and photography trails along the way. The Cherry Springs Nature Area boasts a plethora of vibrant deciduous trees and the West Fork of Mink Creek features gentle, flowing streams that nurture the lush landscape.
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1767 Eastshore Rd, St Charles, ID 83272, USA
If you're driving to Bear Lake, it'll be hard to keep your eyes on the road with lovely patches of beauty like this dotting the drive. But once you reach the lake, your inner photographer will go giddy, especially during peak fall foliage.
Sun Valley, ID 83353, USA
While you're in the area, take a stroll through South-Central Idaho's quaintest valley. Postcard-worthy streets are lined with colorful trees while large parks boast vibrant leaves and meandering pathways. Looking for other fun things to do in fall in Idaho? Brush up on some culture by visiting the Sun Valley Botanical Garden or by taking a walking art tour.
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Boise River Greenbelt, Boise, ID, USA
The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile walking path that can take you through multiple towns, but you can also park along the Greenway for a shorter walk to admire the foliage.
Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, Idaho, USA
Central Idaho is always like something out of a dream, but the area around Stanley in autumn is a whirlwind of unexpected color in places you wouldn't expect. You'll find some of the best fall colors in Idaho in the central part of the state.
Boulder Mountains, Idaho 83251, USA
The Boulder Mountains, nestled in the Sawtooths Wilderness and easily viewed from the Ketchum-Sun Valley area, form a spectacular autumn backdrop. A visit is the perfect fall day trip in Idaho.
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Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Johnson Cutoff Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
Moscow is widely known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and architecture, and fall is truly an amazing time to explore this remarkable college town! But if you head onto the University of Idaho campus, you can get up close and personal with some of the most vibrant autumn foliage you've ever seen simply by taking a walk through the arboretum. Hundreds of deciduous trees are bursting into glorious color this time of year, making it the perfect place to take a romantic walk or snap some gorgeous photos of the peak fall foliage in Idaho.
Kootenai National Forest, Montana 59923, USA
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Idaho features an auto tour road that will show you the glorious colors of the Selkirks and the open meadows like never before. Or, take your journey one step further and explore the town of Porthill — an overlooked gem that is swoon-worthy in autumn.
If you thought Idaho was beautiful before, this road trip to see the best fall colors in Idaho will take your breath away and make you fall in love with our fine state all over again! Tailor this exciting trip to your budget and time frame, and be sure to explore our other side trips and recommendations to experience the best fall day trip in Idaho.
Looking for more fun things to do in the fall in Idaho? Check out this incredible corn maze near Idaho Falls. And for more fall excursions, Airbnb Experiences has tons of interesting and out-of-the-box options and you’ll get to enjoy them with locals, making them all the more special.
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More to Explore
Idaho's Natural Beauty
Sara Dager|August 07, 2023
What are some of the best hikes in Idaho?
If you're looking to see all of the natural beauty our state has to offer on foot, these hikes in Idaho are the perfect way to do just that! Don't forget your water bottle:
- The Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail in Couer d'Alene is 3 miles of awe-inspiring water and forest views. Keep your eyes peeled for rare plant life as you trek!
- The Jump Creek Falls trail in Marsing is incredibly easy and only requires 0.6 miles of hiking. You will be rewarded with a crystal clear swimming hole and a 60-foot waterfall for this easy hike.
- The Chain Lakes Basin Trail in the White Clouds Wilderness Area is 16.5 miles long and marked as hard, but the impressive views of the chain lakes are well worth the 6,300-foot elevation gain.
Where can I find waterfalls in Idaho?
There are tons of waterfalls in Idaho to admire, some you'll need to hike to but others you barely even need to leave your car to wonder at. Here are a few of the best:
- Granite Falls in Nordman
- Shadow and Fern Falls in Idaho Panhandle National Forest
- Snow Creek Falls in Bonners Ferry
- Myrtle Creek Falls in Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
- Moyie Springs Fall in Moyie Springs
What are the best road trips in Idaho?
Idaho is so beautiful by way of the open road. Take a look at these awesome road trips through Idaho that are perfect for your next adventure.
- The natural wonders in Idaho road trip
- The best barbecue in Idaho road trip
- The hidden gems in Idaho road trip
Not sure of what you should pack for a getaway? Have a look at our ultimate road trip packing list to make sure you didn't forget anything!
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