The Best Spots For Fall Foliage In Idaho

As the summer heat begins to fade, the leaves on the trees in Idaho begin to change color and the landscape transforms into a beautiful display of warm hues. Fall is the perfect time to explore the outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty that Idaho has to offer. Here are some of the best spots to witness the fall foliage and the vibrant colors of autumn.

McCall

McCall is a small resort town located on the shore of Payette Lake. During the fall, the area around McCall is a popular destination for leaf peeping. The mountains turn a brilliant orange, yellow, and red, and visitors flock to the area to hike, bike, and drive through the scenic routes. Ponderosa State Park, located on the south end of the lake, is a great spot to explore the changing colors up close.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a world-famous ski resort, but it is also a beautiful destination during the fall. The area around Sun Valley is covered in aspen groves, which turn a golden yellow in the fall. The best way to view the foliage is by taking the scenic drive along the Trail Creek Road. The road takes visitors through the Sawtooth Mountains, and the views are breathtaking.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area

If you’re looking for a large area to explore, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area covers 756,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. During the fall, the area is ablaze with color as the aspen, cottonwood, and willow trees change hues. The Stanley Lake area is one of the most popular destinations in the recreation area for fall foliage. Visitors can take in the views by hiking, biking, or driving through the winding roads.

Sandpoint

Sandpoint is a small town located in the northern part of Idaho, near the Canadian border. The area around Sandpoint is covered in dense forests, and during the fall, the leaves on the trees change to vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. The best way to see the fall foliage is by taking a scenic drive on the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway. Visitors can stop at the overlooks and take in the views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the colorful forests.

Ketchum

Ketchum is a quaint town located about 150 miles east of Boise. The area around Ketchum is covered in aspen groves, which turn a golden yellow in the fall. The best place to see the fall foliage is by taking a drive through the nearby Galena Summit. Visitors can also hike or bike the trails in the area to get an up-close view of the changing colors.

Boise Foothills

The Boise foothills offer a unique opportunity to witness the fall foliage in an urban setting. The foothills are easily accessible from Boise, and visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the area to enjoy the changing colors. During the fall, the Boise foothills are covered in red, yellow, and orange hues, and visitors can enjoy the views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Final Thoughts

Idaho is a beautiful state, and during the fall, the changing leaves add a new dimension to its natural beauty. From the mountains of Sun Valley to the forests of Sandpoint, there are many spots to witness the fall foliage. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or driving, take the time to appreciate the colors of autumn and the beauty of Idaho.

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