National Scenic Trails: The Best 50 Miles
On its 50th birthday, the National Scenic Trails system boasts nearly 19,000 miles. Not sure where to start? We’ve scoured the whole network to bring you the best 50 miles.
Idaho Trails
Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains are as spectacular as they are punishing.
Idaho, located in the northwestern U.S., boasts an incredible amount of untouched natural areas, including 2.3-million-acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area, a wilderness of rugged mountains, deep canyons and whitewater rivers.
Idaho's geography is extremely diverse, offering snow-capped mountain ranges — the most popular of which is the Sawtooth Range — rapids, lakes and deep canyons. Idaho's Snake River, which flows from the Grand Tetons in Wyoming to the Columbia River in Washington, rushes through Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in the country.
The editors at Backpacker have created an extensive collection of popular trails and trips for hiking and backpacking Idaho.
Why Hells Canyon is Better Than the Grand Canyon
When it comes to backpacking destinations, Hells Canyon takes the cake.
America's Best Huts: Stargaze Yurt
Poke your head out the front door of this hut for a view of the Payette River Valley set in front of the Sawtooths.
The Best Day Hikes in America: Idaho
Idaho shares famous pow and peaks with plenty of other states, but it has one ace they don’t: the country’s best backcountry hot springs.
Go to Hell(s Canyon)
Go deep on this 40-mile epic through one of the country's wildest geological features.
The 8 Best Hikes to See Fireworks
Skip the crowds and catch the festivities on the trail.
100 Days Outdoors: Exploring the Landscape and Waters of Idaho
If you’re planning on spending a night on the shores of Stanley Lake, make sure you bring and extra pair of dry socks. See how the 100 Days Outdoor journey begins in Idaho.
Boise, ID: Walk the Moon (Craters of the Moon National Monument)
Explore the moonscape—lava tubes, cinder cones, caves, and tunnels—of Craters of the Moon National Monument on this weekend trip.
West Little Owyhee Canyon, Middle of Nowhere, OR
Toughen up to find total solitude on this 46-mile journey through a remote, untracked canyon. If you can get there, West Little Owyhee is worth the pain.
Spokane, WA: Best Wildlife Trails
It might not be Yellowstone, but the Inland Northwest provides plenty of opportunities to view some of the continent’s most majestic wildlife.
Spring Canyon Hikes in the Inland Northwest
It's spring! The high country trails may still be covered in snow, but drop down into one of the Inland Northwest's many scenic canyons and you'll find warmer temps, blooming wildflowers, and abundant wildlife.
Spokane, WA: Fairview Ski Loop
Ski through a peaceful pine forest on this 3.1-mile loop east of Spokane, Washington.
Valentine's Day Hikes in the Inland Northwest
Ooo, la la! Couples are swooning in each other’s eyes, cheap chocolates are selling like hotcakes, and single people are writing ironic posts on Facebook. Whether it’s your first date or your 50th anniversary, these hikes will make the fire burn brighter.
Weekends: Rapid River Loop, Idaho
Low elevation and an arid climate guarantee year-round access to this secluded riverine gem in the Nez Perce.
Blacktail Buttes, Idaho
Visit Craters of the Moon to see this lava-tubed wonder under an and azure sky.
SAR teams remove obscene rock art near waterfall in Twin Falls, ID
More like “Twin Phallic.”
Boise, ID: Lower Hulls Gulch Loop
Just on the outskirts of town, this 7-mile foothills loop climbs to 3,570 feet with big views of Boise before returning alongside a trickling stream.
Spokane: Mica Peak and Shasta Butte
Bag two peaks on this 12-mile out-and-back, with breathtaking views of Spokane, Coeur d'Alene, and the surrounding mountains, lakes, and prairies.
Spokane: Chilco Mountain
A roller-coaster 9.2-mile hike hits two peaks with views of Lake Pend Oreille, Rathdrum prairie, and the Selkirk and Coeur d'Alene Mountains.
Boise: Sleeping Deer to Mid-Salmon River Loop
Set aside a long weekend for great fishing on this 32.4-mile loop in the remote Salmon River Mountains, where crystal waters attract elk, moose, and bears.
