State & National Parks of Idaho
Idaho is home to more than two dozen state and national parks, wildlife preserves and forests, each with their own unique attractions and features. Be sure you take time to visit some of these great locations.
- Massacre Rock State Park (American
Falls) – Craggy rock formations, desert plants and
a large lake make this a favorite for guests. The
park’s name is in reference to the 1862 Indian Ambush
on early pioneers. The park features include areas
for water skiing, fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking
as well as being home to more than 200 species of birds.
- Priest Lake State Park (Priest Lake)
– With dense forest, thick with evergreens and ferns
as well as a 72 mile shoreline, this is a beautiful place
to get away and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the
work week.
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
(Lewiston) – this is the headquarters for the 38
sites that make up the only national park dedicated to
a race and not a place. The sites are actually scattered
across Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho, but they
all relate to the story of the Nez Perce.
- Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
(White Bird) – as the site of America’s deepest
river gorge, people come from all over adventure and exploring.
It is recommended that you hire a guide for rafting and
jet boating below the dams on the Snake River. There
is also fishing and water skiing.
- Eagle Island State Park (Boise) –
If you are looking for a great park to spend a day, then
this is it! You can go horseback riding, hiking,
picnicking and swimming/water sliding at this 545 Acre
Park.
- Bruneau Dunes State Park & Observatory
(Bruneau) – For the
Tallest (470 ft) sand dunes in North America, as well
as fishing, hiking, and camping spend some time here.
And, should you want a bird’s eye view, climb the
observatory for more incredible sights.
- City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks
State Park (Almo) – The 500 Acre Park offers
a number of opportunities for hiking and rock climbing.
The park is best known for the 60 stories tall granite
columns and the historic emigrants trail on site.
- Land of the Yankee Fork State Park
(Challis) – Surrounded by the National Forest
Historic Area, this park showcases Idaho’s mining
history and provides a variety of outdoor recreational
activities ranging from picnicking to hiking.
- Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
(Arco) – For a unique park experience this is the
place. With a myriad of animal and plant life, a
terrain rich in volcanic features, and a 7 mile loop road
– you can find much to keep you busy.
- Sawtooth National Recreation Area (Ketchum)
– Come see Idaho’s majestic Sawtooth Mountains.
The area is also the site of more than 300 lakes offering
a variety of water activities like fishing.
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Photo Credits: Sawtooth Mountains near
Ketchum by Frank Kovalchek; Craters of the Moon by Amanderson;
Nez Perce by Stephen Wolfe
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