8 Incredible Landscapes That Define Idaho
WITH A GREAT DIVERSITY of terrain and one of the lowest population densities of any state, Idaho is in many ways defined by its landscapes. From the peaks of the Sawtooths that dominate the center of the state, to vast tracts of protected forest, to some of the most
If you want to get a sense for the geographic variety, and majesty, of Idaho, here are some good places to start.
1. Frank Church Wilderness
Photo:
At over 2.3 million acres and part of the largest wilderness area in the contiguous US, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness defines Idaho by sheer size and ruggedness alone. Most people who come here are looking to paddle one of America’s premier whitewater rivers: the
2. Craters of the Moon
Photo: Visit Idaho
A striking contrast to the craggy mountains and conifer forests of central and northern Idaho,
3. Morley Nelson NCA
Photo: Shutterstock/JMarro
Another wilderness area with a mouthful of a name, the
4. Hells Canyon
Photo: Visit Idaho
North America’s deepest river gorge forms the border between Idaho and Washington, and at its highest point towers nearly 8,000 feet above the Snake River below. It’s surrounded by the
5. Shoshone Falls
Photo: Shutterstock/Benny Marty
Another dramatic landscape owing its creation to the Snake River,
6. Bruneau Dunes
Photo: Visit Idaho
Yet one more example of Idaho’s geographic diversity,
7. Snake River Canyon
Photo: Visit Idaho
Not to be confused with Hells Canyon or the canyons in Morley Nelson, the Snake River Canyon refers to a 50-mile stretch that runs either side of Twin Falls. The canyon floor once hosted the area’s first farming operations, providing rich soil and easy irrigation. Reaching 500 feet in height and a quarter mile in width, today the canyon is spanned by the Perrine Bridge (US-93), which brings BASE jumpers from all over the world for its 486ft plummet.
8. Mesa Falls
Photo: Visit Idaho
Between Island Park and Ashton in far eastern Idaho,
