10 Best Scenic Drives in Idaho

The rest of the world may associate Idaho with the potato, but those in the know appreciate it for its stunning natural beauty and appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. From the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains to vast prairies and wide desert, this state is a cornucopia of unique photo and recreational opportunities. Ernest Hemingway described it as "a wonderland of surprises". Since it's only been here for a short time, you'll probably agree. With one of these scenic drives as your starting point for exploration, get ready to enjoy this Idaho wonderland and a memory of the experience for years to come:

No. 10 - McCroskey State Park.

Flickr User: Amber

Start Location: Moscow, ID

Final location: Farmington, Washington

Length: Mile 61

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

The roads on this route can be rough and only suitable for XNUMXxXNUMXs, but the views at McCroskey State Park are worth the trip and the hassle. The forest there is full of cedars and ponderosa pines, which periodically line up to offer sweeping views of the Palouse prairie below. The rest area at Iron Mountain is perfect for a picnic to refuel on a few hiking trails to explore the region in more detail.

No. 9 - Mountains Seven Devils

Flickr User: Nan Palmero

Flickr user: [email protected]

Start Location: Cambridge, Idaho

Final location: He Devil, ID

Length: Mile 97

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

This visually appealing road skirts the outer reaches of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest before diving into the heart of Hell's Canyon for great views and treacherous heights. The peaks are part of the Rocky Mountains and are home to a wide variety of wildlife, from black bear to mountain goat. Athletes may enjoy climbing He Devil at 9393 feet.

No. 8 - Backcountry Bayway in the heights of Ouiha.

Flickr User: Laura Gilmour

Start Location: Large view, ID

Final location: Jordan Valley, Oregon

Length: Mile 106

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

For the state's unparalleled desert scenery, there's no better route than this detour through the highlands of Owyhee. Attractions include steep canyons along the Ouihee River, rocky plateaus dotted with sagebrush, and an earthy palette that's too picturesque to be real. There aren't many gas stations, so use it when you can and watch out for bighorn sheep, coyotes, and badgers.

No. 7 - Mesa Falls Scenic Lane.

Flickr User: Todd Petrie

Start Location: Ashton, Idaho

Final location: Harriman, ID

Length: Mile 19

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

Cross the warm river, which is not always so warm, into the Caribou-Targi National Forest for the perfect afternoon or morning. Wildflowers run rampant in spring, but the forest is beautiful throughout the year with a thriving population of elk and elk. However, the stars of this trip are Lower Mesa Falls and Upper Mesa Falls, which are a short and easy walk from the main road and show impressive speed and power.

No. 6 - Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Flickr User: Idaho Fish and Game

Start Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Final location: Potlach, ID

Length: Mile 101

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

On one side of this road is Lake Coeur d'Alene and on the other the National Forest of Coeur d'Alene, so there's no shortage of forests to explore or refreshing swimming spots. In St. Marys, stop at the Hughes House Historical Society to learn about the region's rich logging history. Then, at Giant White Pine Campground, take pictures next to a 400-year-old tree nearly 200 feet tall and over six feet in diameter.

#5 - Sawtooth Drive

Flickr User: Jason W.

Start Location: Boise, Idaho

Final location: Shoshone, Idaho

Length: Mile 117

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

From the part of the Rocky Mountains known as the Sawtooth Range to the desert, travelers along this path can feel like they've been transported between worlds. Take a dip in the Kirkham Hot Springs near Lowman or take a dip in one of the lakes at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Once out of the mountains, visit one of the two lava tube caves, Shoshone Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave, for some truly extraordinary scenery.

No. 4 - Scenic Lane of the Northwest Passage.

Flickr user: Scott Johnson.

Start Location: Lewistown, Idaho

Final location: Lolo Pass, ID card

Length: Mile 173

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

When researchers Lewis and Clark traveled through this region, their path was very similar to this route. Consequently, the historical markers associated with their discoveries are numerous, including much of the route through the Nez Perce Reservation, with descendants of ancestors who are likely known to them. Steelhead trout are abundant in the Clearwater River and hikers can enjoy the Colgate Leaks Trail, which ends at two hot springs.

No. 3 – Earring Scenic Byway

Flickr User: Idaho Fish and Game

Start Location: Sand point, ID

Final locationPeople: Clark Fork, ID

Length: Mile 34

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

Passing through the state's forested areas and northern Pend Oray Lake, this route offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and photography. This 1,150-foot-deep lake is the fifth deepest lake in the country and attracts visitors year-round for boating and fishing. Threstle Creek Recreation Area is known for its swimming, and nearby Denton Slough Waterfowl Area is a bird watcher's paradise.

No. 2 - Selkirk International Loop

Flickr User: Alvin Feng

Start Location: Sand point, ID

Final location: Sand point, ID

Length: Mile 287

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

This trip crosses two states and two countries, starting in eastern Idaho, then ascending to British Columbia, Canada, and through part of Washington, before returning to the city of Sandpoint. Before heading out, make sure you have your passport and consider taking a gondola ride up the 6,400-foot mountain in the mountain resort of Schweitzer for stunning views. In the Canadian city of Creston, an unusual landmark is the Glass House, built by an undertaker entirely from bottles of embalming fluid.

No. 1 - Picturesque Teton Lane.

Flickr User: Diana Robinson

Start Location: Swan Valley, Idaho

Final location: Victor, IP

Length: Mile 21

Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn

View this drive on Google Maps

When it comes to mountain panoramic views and diverse wildlife, it's hard to beat the Grand Tetons that can be seen on this picturesque alley where, despite being located in Wyoming, they feel close enough to touch. In the spring, the valleys are covered with wild flowers, and the Snake River offers opportunities for boating and fishing. Thousands of years have shaped the landscape, from jagged peaks to ancient lava flows, and this single route affords the privilege of witnessing its latest incarnation.