There’s no doubt that summertime in Idaho is one of the best times of the year. With all of the camping, hiking, and swimming opportunities in the Gem State, there is plenty to see and do. But, did you know that you can also find all types of unique, unusual, and hidden spots that are typically lesser known and get you away from the crowds? It’s true! Check out these seven hidden Idaho spots to spend your summer days.
- Blue Heart Springs, Hagerman
Jessica Carney/Google Blue Heart Springs is a swimming hole near Box Canyon in southern Idaho with the most vibrant blue water. This gem is truly tucked away as the best way to reach it is on a kayak, canoe, or paddle board. The water also remains at a constant temperature of 58 degrees, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day! Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA
- Boise Food Truck Park, Boise
Green Acres Food Truck Park/Google Nestled on the Boise Greenbelt is the Green Acres Food Truck Park. This summer destination is like the ultimate party with multiple food trucks to order from each day, daily live music, lots of green space, and even regular events. Stop by each day to see what new trucks are parked here or you can always visit the Green Acres website for a current schedule. 1401 Shoreline Dr, Boise, ID 83702, USA
- Jump Creek Falls, Marsing
Anna Gorin/Moment Open Via Getty Images For many people, summer means chasing waterfalls and there is no better waterfall in Idaho to chase than Jump Creek Falls. This 60-foot waterfall deserves to be on your bucket list and features a swimming hole. There is a short trail to reach this waterfall swimming hole through the Owyhee Wilderness but the trail is easy and kid-friendly. Jump Creek Falls, Idaho 83639, USA
- Sportsman Park, Idaho Falls
Eduardo Escobar-Gallardo/Google Located right next to the river in Idaho Falls is Sportsman Park. This beautiful park is home to a friendship garden, which was developed to celebrate more than three decades of association with Idaho Falls’ Japanese sister city Tokai-Mura. This park is a beautiful place filled with water features, viewing platforms, plants and flowers, and more. Japanese Friendship Garden, 600 W Broadway St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
- Spring Valley Reservoir, Near Troy
Hannah Barnard/AllTrails If you are searching for a quiet place to immerse yourself in nature, look no further than Spring Valley Reservoir. Located near the small town of Troy in northern Idaho, this small reservoir is the perfect day trip destination. You can fish from the docks, camp, or even explore the Spring Valley Reservoir Loop Trail that takes you around this stunning body of water. Spring Valley Reservoir, Idaho 83871, USA
- Priest River Experimental Forest, Priest River
Jon Roanhaus/Wikimedia Commons The Priest River Experimental Forest was established in 1911 as one of the first experimental forests for research. You will find over 6,000 acres of forests, creeks, grasslands, and more here. If you plan to visit this unique forest, it is asked that you call ahead. Priest River Experimental Forest, Idaho 83856, USA
- Boise Whitewater Park, Boise
Boise Whitewater Park/Facebook Boise may not be anywhere near the ocean, but you can still hop on a surfboard and spend the day surfing! Boise Whitewater Park is one of the most unique parks in the capital city as it features a special wave-shaping structure, which creates waves perfect for surfers, kayakers, and boogie boarders. And if you don’t want to get into the water yourself, sit along the shores and watch others practicing their skills. Boise Whitewater Park / Greenbelt, 318 E 34th St, Garden City, ID 83714, USA
What do you think of our list? Have you been to any of these Idaho gems? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! And, if you have a few additional suggestions for this list, let us know about those too!
Jessica Carney/Google
Blue Heart Springs is a swimming hole near Box Canyon in southern Idaho with the most vibrant blue water. This gem is truly tucked away as the best way to reach it is on a kayak, canoe, or paddle board. The water also remains at a constant temperature of 58 degrees, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day!
Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA
Green Acres Food Truck Park/Google
Nestled on the Boise Greenbelt is the Green Acres Food Truck Park. This summer destination is like the ultimate party with multiple food trucks to order from each day, daily live music, lots of green space, and even regular events. Stop by each day to see what new trucks are parked here or you can always visit the Green Acres website for a current schedule.
1401 Shoreline Dr, Boise, ID 83702, USA
Anna Gorin/Moment Open Via Getty Images
For many people, summer means chasing waterfalls and there is no better waterfall in Idaho to chase than Jump Creek Falls. This 60-foot waterfall deserves to be on your bucket list and features a swimming hole. There is a short trail to reach this waterfall swimming hole through the Owyhee Wilderness but the trail is easy and kid-friendly.
Jump Creek Falls, Idaho 83639, USA
Eduardo Escobar-Gallardo/Google
Located right next to the river in Idaho Falls is Sportsman Park. This beautiful park is home to a friendship garden, which was developed to celebrate more than three decades of association with Idaho Falls’ Japanese sister city Tokai-Mura. This park is a beautiful place filled with water features, viewing platforms, plants and flowers, and more.
Japanese Friendship Garden, 600 W Broadway St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA
Hannah Barnard/AllTrails
If you are searching for a quiet place to immerse yourself in nature, look no further than Spring Valley Reservoir. Located near the small town of Troy in northern Idaho, this small reservoir is the perfect day trip destination. You can fish from the docks, camp, or even explore the Spring Valley Reservoir Loop Trail that takes you around this stunning body of water.
Spring Valley Reservoir, Idaho 83871, USA
Jon Roanhaus/Wikimedia Commons
The Priest River Experimental Forest was established in 1911 as one of the first experimental forests for research. You will find over 6,000 acres of forests, creeks, grasslands, and more here. If you plan to visit this unique forest, it is asked that you call ahead.
Priest River Experimental Forest, Idaho 83856, USA
Boise Whitewater Park/Facebook
Boise may not be anywhere near the ocean, but you can still hop on a surfboard and spend the day surfing! Boise Whitewater Park is one of the most unique parks in the capital city as it features a special wave-shaping structure, which creates waves perfect for surfers, kayakers, and boogie boarders. And if you don’t want to get into the water yourself, sit along the shores and watch others practicing their skills.
Boise Whitewater Park / Greenbelt, 318 E 34th St, Garden City, ID 83714, USA
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