TRAVELRAGS

Idaho

15 stories · 4 publicationsRSS
CitiesSun Valley5Boise4Twin Falls2Ashton1Cataldo1Ketchum1Sawtooth Wilderness1Spokane1
Digest

See. Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve Experience mind-blowing stargazing in one of the largest pools of natural nighttime darkness in the US. Boise Whitewater Park Urban surfing on adjustable waves along the Boise River Greenbelt, for all skill levels. Old Mission State Park Visit Idaho's oldest standing building, a historic mission built by native peoples. The Community Library A 28,000-square-foot library in Ketchum with diverse programming and a cozy fireplace.

Eat. The Roundhouse Dine 7,700 feet high on Bald Mountain with panoramic views, accessible by gondola.

Stay. Sun Valley Resort America's first destination ski resort, blending old-school charm with modern comforts.

OutsideJun 17, 2026

We Tracked Down the 50 Best Waterfall Hikes in America—One in Every State

Free-hanging waterfalls, thundering cascades, and rapids hemmed in brilliant moss: No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in a state near you.

25 things in this story
  • Yosemite FallsSightYosemite National Park, United StatesFifth tallest waterfall in the world at 2,425 feet.
  • Yosemite Falls TrailTrailYosemite National Park, United States7.2-mile trail to the upper falls.
  • Horsetail FallsSightValdez, United StatesA 300-foot braided wonder tumbling down a verdant hillside.
  • Kent FallsSightKent, United StatesConnecticut's tallest waterfall at 250 feet, multi-stepped beauty.
  • Continental FallsSightBreckenridge, United States225-foot roaring, multi-tier cascade flanked by spruce trees.
  • Keystone Canyon Pack TrailTrailValdez, United StatesTrail to Horsetail Falls with mountain and river valley views.
  • Hemmed-In Hollow TrailTrailJasper, United StatesChallenging hike to a towering waterfall tucked into a hollow.
  • Buffalo National RiverSightJasper, United StatesLeisurely float option to reach Hemmed-In Hollow Falls.
  • Red and Yellow trailsTrailKent, United StatesRoutes to the falls featuring steep terrain.
  • Spruce Creek TrailTrailBreckenridge, United StatesLeads to the base of Continental Falls.
  • Mohawk Lakes TrailTrailBreckenridge, United StatesContinues past Continental Falls to six additional alpine lakes.
  • Alapocas RunTrailWilmington, United StatesOffers low falls and unique rock faces along a mixed-surface path.
  • Brandywine CreekSightWilmington, United StatesCreek offering low falls and unique rock faces.
  • Falling Waters SinkSightChipley, United StatesA creek plummets 73 feet into a sinkhole.
  • Wiregrass TrailTrailChipley, United StatesEasy, looping stroll to Falling Waters Sink.
  • Panther Creek FallsSightClayton, United StatesPicturesque falls with a swimming hole at the bottom.
  • Pipiwai TrailTrailHana, United StatesHike through bamboo forest to Waimoku Falls.
  • Makahiku FallsSightHana, United StatesAn appetizer cascade just a half-mile from the Pipiwai Trailhead.
  • Shoshone FallsSightTwin Falls, United StatesImpressively broad, 212-foot cascade surging with snowmelt.
  • Canyon Rim TrailTrailTwin Falls, United StatesLesser-used trail to hike to the bottom of Shoshone Falls.
  • Havasu FallsSightSupai, United StatesStunning blue-green cascade just above the Grand Canyon floor.
  • Havasupai TrailTrailSupai, United States10-mile one-way trek to reach the falls and campground.
  • Wildcat Canyon WaterfallSightUtica, United StatesThe crown jewel of Starved Rock State Park's gorges.
  • Clifty FallsSightMadison, United States
  • Little CliftySightMadison, United States
Read the full piece at Outside →

OutsideMay 1

8 Victories That Give Hope in the Fight to Protect Public Lands

From a magical stretch of the California coast to 50,000 acres in Montana, conservationists are still finding ways to set aside land for protection.

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OutsideApr 1

The 5 Best Waterfalls to Visit During the Spring Snowmelt

Despite the dry winter, spring is when waterfalls are at their most breathtaking. Witness a snowmelt waterfall firsthand in these five locations.

18 things in this story
  • Shoshone FallsSightTwin Falls, United StatesKnown as the “Niagara of the West,” 212 feet high.
  • Shoshone Falls ParkSightTwin Falls, United StatesEntrance fee covers falls, lake, and canyon rim trail.
  • Yosemite FallsSightYosemite Valley, United StatesOne of North America's tallest, plunges 2,425 feet.
  • Upper Yosemite FallsTrailYosemite Valley, United StatesA two to three hour out-and-back climb for close views.
  • Vernal FallsSightYosemite Valley, United StatesA 317-foot waterfall located on the Merced River.
  • Nevada FallsSightYosemite Valley, United StatesA 594-foot waterfall located on the Merced River.
  • Bridalveil FallsSightYosemite Valley, United StatesHangs from the south side of Yosemite Valley at 620 feet.
  • Snoqualmie FallsSightSnoqualmie, United StatesDramatic 268-foot drop near Seattle on the Cascade Range.
  • Snoqualmie Falls TrailTrailSnoqualmie, United StatesA 1.5-mile out-and-back with a view of the falls.
  • Upper Mesa FallsSightAshton, United StatesOne of the last significantly sized undammed waterfalls.
  • Mesa Falls Visitor CenterSightAshton, United StatesOpen daily in summer with trail information available.
  • Mesa Falls Nature TrailTrailAshton, United StatesTwo-mile out-and-back to see both upper and lower falls.
  • Palouse FallsSightWalla Walla, United StatesPlunges 200 feet into a tight, basalt canyon.
  • Yosemite National ParkSightYosemite Valley, United StatesRequires a standard, annual, or America the Beautiful Pass.
  • Yosemite Falls webcamPlaceYosemite Valley, United StatesSet up by Yosemite Conservancy for virtual viewing.
  • Palouse Falls State ParkSightWalla Walla, United StatesOffers 94 acres of recreational area and hiking trails.
  • Lyons Ferry State ParkSightWalla Walla, United StatesNearby park with swimming and picnicking spots.
  • Canyon Rim TrailTrailTwin Falls, United States
Read the full piece at Outside →

OutsideMar 25

These Permit-Free Adventures Are Just as Epic as Half Dome, Angels Landing, or Teton Crest

Did you miss the permit window for Angel’s Landing, Half Dome, or the Teton Crest Trail? We have 10 alternatives to keep your next outing epic, even if you didn’t nab a reservation.

22 things in this story
  • El CapitanSightYosemite National Park, United StatesThe granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous…
  • Desolation WildernessTrailLake Tahoe, United StatesMoonscape with erratic rocks and open ridges.
  • Tahoe Rim TrailTrailLake Tahoe, United States167-mile loop around Lake Tahoe.
  • Cloud’s RestTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesStrenuous hike with panoramic 360-degree views.
  • Tenaya LakeSightYosemite National Park, United StatesElectric blue lake visible from Cloud's Rest.
  • The SpineTrailYosemite National Park, United StatesRocky, narrow route to Cloud's Rest summit.
  • Watchman TrailTrailZion National Park, United StatesShort hike with broad vista of river valley.
  • Washakie Pass LoopTrailWind River Range, United States36.5 untamed miles in the Wind River Range.
  • Cirque of the TowersSightWind River Range, United StatesHorseshoe-shaped, many-spired peaks above 12,000 feet.
  • Alice-Toxaway LoopTrailSawtooth Wilderness, United States18.8-mile loop through Sawtooth Wilderness.
  • Coyote Gulch Loop TrailTrailGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesSlot canyon hike with arches and natural bridges.
  • Jacob Hamblin ArchSightGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesArch in the landscape, good resting spot.
  • Virgin RiverSightZion National Park, United StatesAquamarine river cutting through desert sandstone.
  • Beaten PathTrailRed Lodge, United StatesTrek through Beartooth-Abroska Wilderness.
  • Alice LakeSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lake with sunrise reflections of El Capitan.
  • Toxaway LakeSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lake with flat, sun-baked slabs.
  • Twin LakesSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lakes flanked by granite slopes.
  • Buckskin GulchTrailWire Pass Trail, United StatesLongest continuous slot canyon, requires scrambling and wading.
  • Lizard Head PlateauSightWind River Range, United StatesHighest point on Washakie Pass Loop with wraparound views.
  • Cathedral RocksSightYosemite National Park, United States
  • Beartooth HighwayPlaceRed Lodge, United States
  • Watchman PeakSightZion National Park, United States
Read the full piece at Outside →

Atlas ObscuraJan 26

Atlas Obscura’s Guide to Sun Valley, Idaho’s Most Fascinating Places

From top to bottom, Sun Valley is full of surprises. Only in this fascinating pocket of central Idaho can you experience an annual heritage festival that parades thousands of sheep from the mountains to Main Street by day, then discover some of the darkest night skies in the world for mind-blowing star gazing. In between, you’ll relax in a botanical garden’s meditative nook, and visit the grave…

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Atlas ObscuraJan 6

Inside America’s First Destination Ski Town

In the heart of Idaho, about 150 miles east of Boise, the steep slopes of Bald Mountain tower over a sun-kissed valley. For roughly a century, visitors have flocked to Sun Valley from all over the country for its premiere skiing and snowboarding. But behind these sought-after slopes, there’s an impressive history and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences that make it a unique destination. Hollywoo…

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Atlas ObscuraDec 30, 2025

The Community Library in Ketchum, Idaho

In 1955, 17 open-minded women from central Idaho founded The Community Library Association, which they operated with funds from a one-room resale shop called the Gold Mine Thrift Store. Their mission—which persists to this day—was to create a place “of the people,” where members of their community could be exposed to diverse ideas in ever-changing forms. After two years of fundraising at the Go…

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Atlas ObscuraDec 30, 2025

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve in Stanley, Idaho

Central Idaho’s vast expanses of undisturbed natural landscapes provide a unique backdrop for taking in the night sky. At the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, community members, public land managers, and private landowners have come together to protect this treasured resource. In 2017, the site became the first designated Dark Sky Reserve in America as decided by the International Dark-Sky Assoc…

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Atlas ObscuraDec 30, 2025

The Roundhouse in Ketchum, Idaho

Fancy a meal with a heaping side of scenery? Head to The Roundhouse, a Sun Valley eatery perched 7,700 feet high atop Bald Mountain, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Since 1939, the restaurant has served up New American cuisine in its unique, octagonal building, complete with an expansive outdoor deck and four-way stone fireplace. Envisioned almost 90 years ago as the…

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 6, 2025

A Guide to Sun Valley, Idaho's Old-School Ski City

This central Idaho destination has been charming Hollywood stars and adventurous skiers for nearly a century—here's where to eat, stay, and play on your next visit.

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Atlas ObscuraNov 18, 2025

Old Mission State Park in Cataldo, Idaho

Before America or any other power had secured control over Idaho, it was largely the realm of fur traders and missionaries interacting with natives. The latter built what is today Idaho's oldest standing building near Cataldo in the northern panhandle, serving the Nez Perce and Flathead peoples. The Roman Catholic Church originally came to Idaho on the indigenous people's behest. A native proph…

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Smithsonian MagazineNov 14, 2025

How Landlocked Idaho Became a Leader in Urban Surfing

Boise's wave park is attracting outdoor adventurers—and the innovative public works project is inspiring other cities

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 6, 2025

11 Midcentury-Modern Airbnbs for Design Lovers

Open floor plans, gigantic glass windows, and minimalist furniture define these historic Airbnbs across the country.

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 13, 2025

The Best Airbnb in Every State Across the US

From sea to shining sea, we’ve surfaced palatial mansions, tiny houses, and everything in between.

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Condé Nast TravelerOct 3, 2025

9 Best Places to Ski in 2026

From the Canadian Rockies to Japan, here’s where to go for new on-site mountain lodges, swanky après wellness, and smooth slope-side experiences.

20 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →
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