1. Table Rock: Boise, ID
700 feet above Idaho’s biggest city of Boise is the top of a hike called Table Rock. Marked with a giant cross, it is a 2.5 mile hike out and back and it is a trail of heavy traffic. Whether you hike or drive, Table Rock provides an unforgettable panorama of the capital city.
2. Blue Lake: Cascade, ID
Nestled in the mountains about 10 miles up from Cascade, ID is Blue Lake. A 2 mile hike out and back with a 400 foot elevation gain, makes Blue Lake a perfect day trip and is a kid friendly hike too. A small waterfall is found around the lake and in the summer, the wild flowers are stunning, making Blue Lake a must-hike destination.
3. Hell Roaring Lake Trail: Sawtooth Mountains, ID
Over 6,700 feet above sea level lies the trail head for the gorgeous hike to Hell Roaring Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. The upper trail head makes the hike 5.5 miles there and back with a 260 feet of elevation gain. The views are worth the climb.
4. Goat Falls: Sawtooth Mountains, ID
This hike in the Sawtooths leads to the largest waterfall in the mountain range. A little under 7 miles out and back and has an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. The dense forest and the stunning wild flowers, provide a mystical feel as you hike to the sound of water cascading down the mountain side.
5. Shirts Lake: Cascade, ID
5 miles round trip plus the stunning beauty of the Valley County of Idaho equals the perfect hike. Perfect for families and nature lovers, Shirts Lake is a beautiful example of how to escape reality, even if only for a day.
6. Jump Creek Falls: Marsing, ID
Near the Capital city of Boise, ID is a popular trail known as Jump Creek Falls. 4.4 miles out and back with around 900 feel of elevation gain leads to a spectacular 60' waterfall. Whether you are there to just admire the view or cliff jump into the icy water, this hike is perfect for all times of the year.
7. Lucky Peak Loop Trail: Boise, ID
Also located near Boise, ID is the Lucky Peak Trail which is a 13.5 mile loop that circles around Lucky Peak Mountain. Within the eastern foothills of Boise, this trail gains over 3,100 feet of elevation and is a popular loop for both hikers and mountain bikers.
8. Loon Lake Loop & Beyond: Riggins, ID
Another loop that you can do is to Loon Lake. The hike is a 10 mile trek with over 3,300 feet gained in elevation. Many adventurers choose to camp at the lake for 1 night, and the this area provides more than just a scenic view. On January, 29th 1943, a "dragon bomber" with 8 men aboard, crash landed off the shore of Loon Lake. All 8 men survived and the wreckage can still be viewed around the lake.
9. Ball and Pyramid Lakes: Bonners Ferry, ID
Up in northern Idaho lies the exquisite hike to these two lakes. Over 1,300 feet are gained in the 4 mile out and back hike. The dense pine trees and the occasional piles of snow are proof the the hike to these alpine lakes are nothing but gorgeous.
10. Sawtooth Lake: Sawtooth Mountains, ID
A popular hike for backpackers, that can be used by day hikers as well, is the hike to Sawtooth Lake. Around 10 miles out and back, the beauty of this hike is beyond compare. The elegance of this trail is exhibited through the clear, blue lake, the rocky mountain cliffs and the green, tall pine trees. A must for everyone who lives in Idaho, Sawtooth Lake truly captures the beauty of this state.
This summer provides the perfect time for hiking and day trips. Use your time wisely and know that "life is not measured but the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."
