Nature & Parks in Idaho

THE 10 BEST Idaho Parks & Nature Attractions

Nature & Parks in Idaho

Nature & Parks
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474 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.


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What travelers are saying

  • Violette54
    Payson, AZ4,208 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Shoshone Falls is located about 3 miles east of Twin Falls. From the Perrine Bridge through Twin Falls, the distance is about 7 miles, east on Champlin Rd, to the Shoshone Falls Grade. This is a Fee day-use area; no camping is allowed. The park hours are from dawn to dusk, year round.
    The $5 Fee per car is accepted in cash only and is paid to the attendant near the 'Welcome to Shoshone Falls' sign. The National Parks Pass does not work since Shoshone Falls Park is not a National Park. The fee is collected from March 1 to September 30. The high water time is usually June, depending on the river level. Idaho Power controls the water flow, and the hydropower is used for farmland irrigation.
    The Shoshone Falls Grade is the road down to the falls running through lava fields. It's narrow, features several tight curves, and could use some maintenance. It is paved, but there are no pullouts. Near the pond there is a tight U-shaped curve that offers a quick peek of the falls from a distance.
    The road ends in the parking lot. There are 5 pull-through RV places. It is wheelchair accessible and has designated WC parking. To the side of the lot is a small gift shop building, with basic, but clean and supplied, restrooms in the rear. Hiking trails branch out from the parking lot.
    The park is a beautiful green space with shade trees, picnic tables with BBQ grills, grassy places to relax with your children and leashed dog. There is no playground. Swimming is not recommended and you climb on the rocks at your own risk.
    It is a short paved walk to the falls overlook. There are stairs down to the overhanging view point, which is a great place for photos.
    The falls are 212 feet high and 925 feet wide; 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls, which is how they got the name, the 'Niagara of the West'.
    Approximately one mile west of the falls, one can see the remains of the ramp built by Evel Knievel's team for his failed motorcycle jump in 1974.
    Written December 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Monique H
    Bothell, WA15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved the place and took a ferry tour around the lake.water front parking lot fee $2-3 hr but if you willing to walk a bit , you will be able find free parkings
    Written October 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adam C
    Wellington, New Zealand102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    On my visits to Boise I spend a lot of time walking and photographing around the greenbelt in the Winter (fall) season. My favorite section is around Eagle spotting heron, woodchuck, muskrat and plenty of other birdlife, and this section of the trail is close to the river and very scenic and peaceful. I've also walked the 10 miles from Eagle to downtown Boise, which is a decent walk and took around 4 hours with plenty of stops for photographs. Highly recommend spending some time on the greenbelt for a relaxed morning/afternoon.
    Written January 8, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Timo van den Berg
    Overtornea, Sweden95 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Craters of the Moon is a national monument that you can visit with the National Park pass of the NPS. It is quite small and quiet, but it is worth the visit. The trails are long and boring sometimes with some information next to the trails itself. If you want to do something real special, visit the Indian Cave, and do a hike right there.

    There is no food or drinks available on the site, but you can always take your own.
    Written March 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jeanniner45
    Anacortes, WA46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The campus is lovely, the birds are awesome. The teens were engaged , especially during the live bird presentation.
    We will return to see a falconry exhibition at some point!
    Written October 31, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle
    Kansas City, KS34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Always a beautiful view and great walk... We go every time we are in the area. The trail heads are easy to reach and so is the parking. Bonus being close to downtown for lunch afterwards!!
    Written December 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kerma64
    Baton Rouge, Louisiana38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Upper Falls were magical, and it was a very short walk. A few stairs are involved. Very quiet and peaceful this time of the year.
    Written November 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erin T
    Sandy, UT36 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spa pools are always a hit, but the price is crazy high! Pools on last weekend of Sept 23ā€™ were buuuusy! The whole town is charming and the shops are fun. Restaurants are a good mix! From pizza to Mexican food, burgers and bbq, you name it, theyā€™ve got it! Tube rentals are easy and fun! The roof top bar is loud and you can hear it projected across the whole town till midnight so if youā€™re looking for quiet Lava Hot Springs on the weekend ainā€™t it! Another noise attraction is the freight trains! Every hour on the hour at night they grace you with their blaring horns and screeching rails! But itā€™s no buggy! Highlite is the Olympic pool and indoor pools! They were kid friendly, spacious and clean! I feel like lava is that fun weekend getaway where everybody just has so much fun!
    Written October 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Violette54
    Payson, AZ4,208 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Coming into Idaho Falls, the Snake River is to the east; its quite close, but hard to see.
    We came in on Bus. I-15 from the north. I think we discovered the Riverwalk by accident as I turned a corner and there it was. Idaho Falls is not just named that, it really has waterfalls. The Snake River was built into a green belt parkway in the center of town, becoming Idaho Falls River Walk, a really pretty way to see the river. Covering 5-miles on both sides of the Snake River, it was a joint project of the city, its residents, and headed up by the Idaho Falls Rotary Club.
    Delighted to find that parking was free, we parked, and walked a short distance.
    355 River Parkway, right by the Idaho Potato Bench, and just north of the Bus. I-15 bridge, was the stunning view. On the other side of the bridge is the island where the Japanese Friendship Garden is. The Riverwalk is paved, has green space, river kayaking from vendors at their put-in spots, benches, picnic tables, sculptures, great views, restrooms, and is, for the most part, wheel chair friendly. Where we parked was not designated, but the area was flat and wide. It's surrounded by hotel and restrooms. Leashed dogs are allowed.
    Written January 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jennifer J
    United States248 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pretty place that has beautiful water with beaches, kayak and pontoon rentals. Get a drink from the outdoor restaurant and settle in for sunset.
    Written October 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Issa Maalouf
    Caldwell, ID3,181 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very beautiful lake where you can find coffee shops and restaurants suitable for brunch, lunch and sometimes dinner because not all of them open till night! A nice area to relax and listen to the sound of the waves in the lake! Itā€™s highly recommended!!!
    Written August 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CharlieinTexas
    Austin, TX4,009 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place to spend an hour or so. Could be better maintained and lacks imagination and creativity. St Louis and Denver botanical garden far superior, no comparison really (and, yes, far bigger cities). Roses, childrenā€™s area, and coy pond were my favorites.
    Written September 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AnilAggarwal
    Kurukshetra, India6,815 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best park of Boise. Well maintained on Boise river with wide paved pathways, many ponds, flowers, birds chirping. Park & parking both wheel chair accessible. Dogs allowed. Restrooms clean. Biking, fishing, boating and swimming not allowed. Remain open from sunrise to sunset.
    Written December 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AndyJo1974
    Bronx, NY95 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely state park. Spent a day there where we did a hike, took in the views, and had our picnic lunch near one of the beaches.
    Written August 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BeckyW1010
    Flowery Branch, GA160 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went up for the day. They have skiing, snow tubing, and people watching! We did the last two! We spent 1.5 hours at Goldrush Tubing. It was an absolute blast. We are all over the age of 50 and had as much fun as kids. They have a people mover so you donā€™t have to walk back up the hill. I even got to give the Golden a ride down, he loved it. It was a great value at $25. We probably got 6 runs in 1.5 hours. They only allow a certain number of tix sold so it doesnā€™t get too crowded. The owner wants everyone to have a great time!
    Written February 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.