Hidden gems in Idaho : remote lakes, volcanic landscapes, historic mining towns

This mountain lake sits at 8,800 feet (2,680 meters) elevation among granite peaks in the Sawtooth Range. The 5-mile (8-kilometer) trail gains approximately 1,700 feet (520 meters) in elevation as it passes through conifer forests before reaching the water. The basin formed through glacial erosion during the last ice age. Surrounding rock walls rise more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the water surface. The trail remains snow-free and accessible from July through September.

This reserve protects 14,300 acres (5,787 hectares) of granite rock formations rising up to 600 feet (183 meters) with over 500 climbing routes. The rock spires formed millions of years ago through volcanic activity and erosion, creating distinctive towers and pinnacles across the landscape. Trails wind through the formation where pioneers on the California Trail carved their names into the stone during the 19th century. The reserve sits at elevations between 5,500 and 8,900 feet (1,676 and 2,713 meters) and supports juniper, mountain brush, and wildlife adapted to the high desert environment.

This lava tube in Lincoln County extends 1,000 feet (300 meters) and maintains a constant temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1 degree Celsius) throughout the year. The ice layer on the floor reaches a thickness of 30 feet (9 meters). The cave formed from volcanic activity and is among Idaho's geological formations that provide insight into the creation of the region's lava fields. Visitors can explore the underground ice formations that persist despite summer surface temperatures.

This national monument covers 2,893 square kilometers (1,117 square miles) of black lava fields, volcanic cones, and lava tubes formed over the past 15,000 years. The landscape was shaped by eruptions along the Great Rift Zone, a 33-mile (53-kilometer) volcanic rift that resulted in multiple cinder cones and solidified lava flows. Visitors can walk through the lava tubes, where ice persists even during summer months, and explore formations that provide insight into volcanic processes. The area contains over 25 distinct volcanic cones and offers access to trails that wind through cooled basalt fields. As part of Idaho's remote geological sites, the monument preserves features that demonstrate the region's recent volcanic activity.

Mesa Falls represents one of Idaho's larger waterfall features, dropping 114 feet within the boundaries of Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Fremont County. This waterfall belongs to the natural phenomena formed through volcanic activity and subsequent river erosion, providing access to forested areas in the eastern portion of the state. The falls on Henry's Fork River demonstrate the geological processes that have shaped the region over thousands of years and form part of the landscapes between alpine areas and high plateaus characteristic of Idaho.

This historic mining town in northern Idaho preserves architecture from the silver boom era, with intact Victorian buildings lining its main streets and the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot. Wallace documents the region's mining heritage through its architectural fabric and serves as an example of mining town development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town sits nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains and was preserved through heritage conservation efforts following the decline of silver mining.

Bruneau Dunes State Park encompasses a 470-foot (143-meter) sand dune and an observatory for night sky viewing. This park represents one of Idaho's hidden locations where geological formations and remote natural landscapes provide a range of experiences. The dune stands among the tallest sand dunes in North America, rising above the surrounding high desert plain. The observatory offers visitors access to celestial observation away from urban light sources. The park lies within a region shaped by volcanic activity and wind deposits that have accumulated over thousands of years.

This canyon reaches depths of 7,900 feet (2,408 meters) and offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and rafting on the Snake River. Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area sits in the region where the Snake River has carved one of North America's deepest river canyons. The area extends along the border between Idaho and Oregon, encompassing steep slopes, rock walls, and valleys where wildlife such as bighorn sheep and golden eagles live. Visitors can undertake multi-day hikes, fish the river, or navigate rapids by boat. The canyon formed over millions of years through volcanic activity and erosion, exposing rock layers from different geological periods.

This steel arch bridge rises 486 feet (148 meters) above the Snake River and serves as a launch point for BASE jumpers who are permitted to jump from the structure year-round. Built in 1976, the bridge spans Snake River Canyon for 1,500 feet (457 meters) and provides observation points where visitors can view the basalt gorge and the river flowing below. Pedestrian walkways on both sides allow access to the canyon edges, where the depth and volcanic geology of the region become visible. The bridge connects the northern and southern sections of Twin Falls and fits within Idaho's collection of remote locations that preserve different geological and historical features.

This 19-mile lake in northern Idaho sits within coniferous forests and offers water sports, camping areas and hiking trails. Priest Lake adds to the collection of remote natural landscapes in the state with its access to alpine waters and forested mountain regions. The surroundings include several campgrounds along the shoreline and trails leading through the woods to viewpoints. Visitors can paddle, fish or swim, while the northern location provides relative seclusion. The lake stretches through wilderness areas with firs and pines extending to the water's edge.

This mountain resort town in central Idaho provides access to outdoor activities that complement the diverse landscapes of the region. Sun Valley encompasses 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of downhill terrain with multiple lift systems, a Nordic skiing center with groomed trails, and a recreation complex featuring golf courses, tennis facilities, and event venues. The town serves as a base for exploring the nearby granite formations, volcanic areas, and historic mining communities that characterize Idaho's geological heritage. Facilities operate year-round, offering skiing during winter months and hiking access to surrounding mountain ranges during summer.

This 20-mile (32-kilometer) lake between Idaho and Utah owes its turquoise color to limestone minerals dissolved in the water. Bear Lake sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet (1,800 meters) and spans the border of both states. The limestone sediments in the water reflect light and produce the characteristic blue to turquoise coloration, which varies by season and weather conditions. The lake provides access to water sports and beaches along its shores. This formation represents one of Idaho's geological features, which range from volcanic rock to alpine waters across the state.

This former 19th century mining settlement displays original buildings and equipment from Idaho's gold mining period. The ghost town of Custer emerged during the 1876 gold rush and reached a population of up to 600 residents before the mines were exhausted. Today, restored structures include the schoolhouse, the Empire Saloon, and various residential buildings that provide insight into the lives of miners. The site sits in the Yankee Fork Mountains and is part of this collection of remote Idaho locations preserving historical and geological features.

This five-mile-long mountain lake (8 kilometers) sits in Custer County within the Sawtooth Mountains, where granite peaks rise above the clear water. Redfish Lake takes its name from the sockeye salmon that once returned here in large numbers to spawn. Sandy beaches along the shoreline provide access to the water, while camping areas serve as starting points for hikes into the surrounding valleys. The lake allows fishing for trout, swimming in the cold mountain waters, and boating with views of the surrounding slopes. Trails lead from the lakeshore to alpine lakes at higher elevations in the Sawtooth Wilderness.

This hundred-mile (161-kilometer) river section flows through untouched wilderness in the mountains of Idaho and provides class III and IV rapids. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River cuts through deep canyons with granite walls and conifer forests along its banks. The area is among the remote regions of the state with geological formations of volcanic origin and alpine lakes nearby that complement the diversity of landscapes.

Thousand Springs State Park protects a section where numerous springs emerge from basalt cliffs along the Snake River. The springs feed the river with approximately 3,170 gallons (12,000 liters) of water per second, filtered through porous lava layers from the Snake River Plain. This geological process developed over thousands of years as water traveled through underground aquifers before surfacing. The park sits in a region that forms part of Idaho's diverse landscapes, which include volcanic formations, remote mountain lakes, and historic mining sites. Visitors can explore trails along the cliffs where waterfalls cascade directly into the river, or observe vegetation supported by the constant spring flow.

This protected area spans 2.3 million acres (9,300 square miles or 24,000 square kilometers) and encompasses rivers, mountains, forests, and meadows. The Main Salmon River flows through granite canyons in this federally designated wilderness. The area preserves Idaho's undeveloped landscapes with river valleys and mountain ranges that exhibit different elevations and ecosystems. Visitors access the area through trails that wind through forested terrain or by boat routes along the river. This wilderness forms one of the largest contiguous protected areas in the lower 48 states, offering access to remote zones with minimal human development.

These natural hot springs are located in the mountains east of Boise within the Boise National Forest, offering visitors the opportunity to soak in mineral-rich water that flows down rock formations along the South Fork Payette River. Kirkham Hot Springs consists of several pools formed by hot water cascading over rock terraces, with temperatures ranging from 100 to 110°F (38 to 43°C). The springs are part of Idaho's extensive network of geothermal areas and are situated along Idaho State Highway 21, approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) from the state capital. The area attracts visitors throughout the year seeking to use the thermal waters amid forested mountain surroundings.

Castle Rocks State Park provides access to terrain featuring granite formations rising above sagebrush landscape. The park spans an area with rock structures formed through geological processes over time. Visitors can explore climbing routes offering various difficulty levels, or follow hiking trails that traverse the terrain. The park contains Native American pictographs dating back several thousand years. These rock art sites document earlier inhabitants of the region.

This alpine lake of around 6,000 acres (2,400 hectares) sits at 6,470 feet (1,970 meters) elevation in Idaho's mountain terrain and represents one of the remote access points to the state's diverse landscape formations. The waters contain cutthroat trout and brook trout, while the Centennial Mountains remain visible from the shore. This lake forms part of the lesser-visited natural formations spanning different elevations from highland areas to volcanic terrain.

This national forest spans 1.8 million acres (728,000 hectares) and preserves ancient cedar groves with trees up to 1000 years old. The area lies in the forested mountains of northern Idaho and provides access to remote wilderness areas with alpine lakes, mountain trails, and rivers. The forest encompasses multiple ecosystems from low river valleys to high elevation peaks and serves as habitat for diverse wildlife species.

Lemhi Pass sits at 7,373 feet (2,247 meters) elevation and marks the continental divide between Atlantic and Pacific water drainage. This mountain passage connects Idaho to Montana along the border between the two states and served historically as a critical crossing point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805. The terrain surrounding the pass displays geological features of the Bitterroot Range, while vegetation ranges from mountain meadows to scattered conifer trees. As part of Idaho's collection of remote locations, this pass joins volcanic landscapes, historic mining towns, and alpine lakes in offering access to the mountainous regions that characterize the state's geological diversity.

This collection of volcanic rock formations rises up to 100 feet (30 meters) and creates natural towers and columns of rhyolite. Little City of Rocks sits in a remote mountain region of Idaho and features geological structures shaped by erosion over millions of years. The rock formations stand scattered across the terrain and form a labyrinth of passages between the stone blocks.

This river begins in the mountains of northern Idaho and flows 140 miles (225 kilometers) from its source at 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) elevation through forested valleys. The St. Joe River winds through wilderness areas and provides habitat for trout as well as access to remote hiking and fishing locations. The river system traverses regions of conifer forests and connects several lakes in mountainous terrain known for its solitude and natural environment.

Gospel Hump Wilderness covers over 206,000 acres (83,000 hectares) of mountains, forests, and alpine meadows in central Idaho. This remote wilderness includes granite peaks, deep valleys, mountain lakes, and stands of pine and fir. Visitors can explore trails to remote lakes at elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), hike through meadow areas with wildflowers, or traverse the watersheds between the Salmon River and Clearwater River. The area preserves historic traces of mining activity from the late 1800s and provides habitat for elk, mountain goats, and various bird species.

These geothermal springs near the Lochsa River comprise three natural pools maintaining temperatures between 100 and 115 °F (38-46 °C). A 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) forest trail leads through wooded terrain to the thermal springs. The pools occupy a remote section of the Clearwater Mountains and provide access to Idaho's volcanic and geological formations. The location combines natural thermal waters with the wilderness of the northern Rocky Mountains.

This 40-ton boulder stands naturally balanced on a pedestal of eroded rock, rising 48 feet above the desert floor. Balance Rock represents one of Idaho's geological formations that developed over thousands of years through wind and water erosion. The site provides access to the volcanic and desert landscapes of the region, where additional rock formations document the geology of southern Idaho. The formation stands near other natural features including lava fields and canyons that characterize the varied terrain of the state.

These hot springs in Lemhi County form a cascading system of multiple thermal pools on a hillside. Access to Goldbug Hot Springs requires hiking a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) trail that gains 1,000 feet (305 meters) in elevation. The various spring pools maintain temperatures between 100 and 110°F (38 to 43°C). The site sits within the forested mountain terrain of Idaho and represents one of numerous natural thermal springs formed by the region's volcanic and geological activity. The ascent provides views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges of Lemhi County.

This park documents the history of indigenous peoples through archaeological sites, artifacts, and traditional ceremonial grounds across the region. The facility extends throughout northwestern Idaho and encompasses 38 separate locations that chronicle more than 11,000 years of settlement by the Nez Perce people. Visitors can view excavation sites where tools and weapons from various periods have been discovered, as well as explore places used for traditional gatherings and spiritual practices. The sites are scattered along the Clearwater and Snake River corridors, where the Nez Perce traditionally engaged in salmon fishing and trade.

This 4,000-acre park offers hiking trails, camping areas, and water sports facilities along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Farragut State Park sits on one of the largest lakes in the Pacific Northwest and was established on the site of a World War II naval training station. Visitors find access to diverse recreational activities within the forested landscapes of northern Idaho, part of the region containing remote lakes, volcanic formations, and historic mining towns that characterize the state's varied terrain.

This overlook sits at 8530 feet (2600 meters) elevation and provides views across Oregon, Washington, Montana, and the Seven Devils Mountains. Heaven's Gate Lookout ranks among the high-altitude observation points in Idaho, allowing visitors to see across four states from a single location. The Seven Devils mountain range extends in the foreground while valleys and ridges of adjacent regions appear in the distance. The overlook is accessible by mountain road and lies near Hell's Canyon, the deepest river canyon in North America.