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Best river hikes in Idaho
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Best river hikes in Idaho

Go with the flow on these riverside adventures! From gentle streams to powerful rapids, these hikes offer constant companionship with the sound of rushing water.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Idaho.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Continental Divide Trail - Montana And Idaho

Fremont County, Idaho · star 4.5 (15) · 1541.7 km · Est. 62 days

2

Easy

Payette River Greenbelt

Payette County, Idaho · star 4.6 (44) · 5.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 3 min

3

Medium

Ship Island Lake via Bighorn Crags Trail

Lemhi County, Idaho · star 4.5 (42) · 37.1 km · Est. 2 days

4

Extra Difficult

Idaho Centennial Trail

Owyhee County, Idaho · star 4.5 (17) · 1422.7 km · Est. 57 days

5

Extra Difficult

Shoshone Falls

Twin Falls County, Idaho · star 4.3 (57) · 1.0 km · Est. 24 min

6

Difficult

Soldier Lakes - Patrol Ridge Loop

Custer County, Idaho · star 4.4 (21) · 25.2 km · Est. 6 hrs 50 min

7

Medium

Hancock Lake and Aldous Lake via CDT

Clark County, Idaho · star 4.5 (54) · 8.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 17 min

8

Easy

Box Canyon Trail via Henry's Fork Snake River

Fremont County, Idaho · star 4.4 (41) · 6.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 32 min

9

Easy

Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes

Shoshone County, Idaho · star 4.6 (18) · 115.5 km · Est. 4 days

10

Medium

Alice Lake, Twin Lake, Edith Lake Loop

Blaine County, Idaho · star 4.5 (18) · 34.4 km · Est. 2 days

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Reviews for river hikes in Idaho

Leo Honkala avatar

Continental Divide Trail - Montana And Idaho

Leo Honkala · reviewed almost 6 years ago

star star star star star

Kai Williams avatar

Payette River Greenbelt

kai_outside · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Nice scenic trail. The leaves are beautiful this time of year. didn’t see many people on the trail except at the beginning where there are fishing spots then at the end at the park.

Msgr. Asa Franecki avatar

Ship Island Lake via Bighorn Crags Trail

OutbackOutfitter57 · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

noah smith avatar

Idaho Centennial Trail

noah smith · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Kandace Gibson I avatar

Shoshone Falls

PinesSummiter12 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Idaho

What is the climate like for hiking in Idaho?

Idaho experiences distinct seasons. The mild spring (March to May) offers beautiful blooms and waterfall views, ideal for hiking. Summer (June to August) brings heat but also long days, perfect for extended treks. Fall (September to November) introduces stunning foliage and cooler temperatures. Keep track of weather patterns at weather.com.

Do I need a permit to hike in Idaho?

In Idaho, hiking doesn't usually require permits, unless visiting designated wilderness areas or national parks. In such cases, contact the specific park service or Bureau of Land Management. For popular destinations like Sawtooth Wilderness, free self-issue permits are available at trailheads. Visit blm.gov/idaho for more info.

Is wild camping allowed in Idaho?

Wild camping, or dispersed camping, is generally permitted on public lands in Idaho, managed by the Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service. Restrictions may apply near water sources, roads, and trailheads. Detailed information can be obtained from the BLM's website, blm.gov/idaho.

Are there mountain rescue services in Idaho?

In Idaho, if you encounter an emergency while hiking, dial 911. For non-immediate rescue situations, you can reach out to Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue Unit. To help facilitate rescues, consider purchasing a CORSAR card. Further details can be found on their website: www.imsaru.org.

Are there dangerous plants in Idaho?

Idaho's diverse trails feature Ponderosa pines, wildflowers like the Syringa, and sagebrush, depending on altitude and region. Be mindful not to disturb plant habitats and learn to identify poisonous flora, such as poison ivy. More on Idaho's flora can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/main/r4/plants-animals.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Idaho?

While hiking in Idaho, anticipate encounters with diverse wildlife including moose, deer, wolves, and many bird species. Beware of bears in forested areas and snakes in arid regions. For protection, make noise and carry bear spray. Idaho's wildlife guide is at: www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.

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