Coeur d’Alene with Coeur d’Alene Lake
The current resort town was established as a frontier post in the 1870s. Today’s “four-star status” primarily relates to the amenities of the luxurious Coeur d’Alene Resort. The exclusive resort on the lake of the same name (which is around 48 km long) is well known not only for its well-kept golf course, but also for its beautiful landscape.
According to answerresume, on the lake east side is Tubbs Hill Park. This nature reserve offers, among other things, numerous hiking trails, dense pine forests and wonderful viewpoints. With a bit of luck, you can see ospreys or even the US heraldic bird, the bald eagle, at the lake. Both bird species are native here. In winter they can often be seen at Wolf Lodge Bay fishing for salmon.
Incidentally, at the turn of the century, Coeur d’Alene was the commercial center of the surrounding silver mines, which were located in the mountains to the east of the lake. Divers are also interested in the lake for another reason: at the bottom of the lake are some wrecked cars from the early 1900’s. They come from residents of the surrounding towns, who drove over the ice of the lake in winter to save themselves a long detour around the outside. Sometimes the ice broke under the vehicles, which then sank. There are also some steamboats on the bottom of the lake that were set on fire when the ferrymen around the lake no longer needed them.
In some places you can still find small settlements with Victorian buildings. Some of these have been repurposed as guided mine museums. The Sierra Silver MineTour leads to the town of Wallace, 84 km to the east. www.silverminetour.org. (420 5th St. Wallace – May through Sept, daily from 10:00 a.m.)
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
At 2,438 m, the deepest canyon in North America was dug out of the granite rock of the Seven Devil Mountains by the Snake River. The approximately two-kilometer-long canyon runs in the border area of Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Due to the large distances from one canyon rim to the other – on average this is about 15 km – Hells Canyon is not as spectacular a sight as the shallower Grand Canyon. However, it is far more natural and less frequented. Motorized vehicles of any kind are prohibited throughout the approximately 87,000 hectare wilderness area. A nearly 160 km long, unspoilt whitewater stretch attracts kayakers from all over the world. The canyon is downstream from the dam of the same name. Hell’s Canyon, PO Box 907, Baker City.
Three Island Crossing State Park
One of the most impressive natural attractions along the historic Oregon Trail is the famous Three Island Crossing. This ford enables a safe crossing of the otherwise dangerous Snake River. It was used by settlers and immigrants until 1869, before a ferry was built at Gus Glenn – about 3 km upstream. Although the ford allowed a safe crossing, not all attempts were successful. Rather, it depended on the season and the water level of the river. Today, a park with a campsite and picnic areas has been set up around the crossing. Learn all about the life of the pioneers at the Oregon Trail History and Education Center. Near I-84, Glenns Ferry exit. 1083 S. Three Island Park Dr., Glenns Ferry, ID 83623.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
South of the Snake River at the foot of the Owyhee Mountains you will find this top attraction of Idaho: the Bruneau Sand Dunes are among the largest sand dunes in North America with heights of up to 152 m. At the Visitor Center you can learn all about the quartz and feldspar dunes and why they are not being eroded here. The reason for this lies in the prevailing winds blowing from opposite directions with equal intensity. This gives the dunes a certain stability. In the visitor center there is also an exhibition about the animals that live here – such as the swamp owls. The park offers a variety of different habitats – from swampland to grassland to desert. Fishing and horseback riding are also available in the park. Camping is also possible. Hwy 78 (near State Hwy 51) – 27608 Sand Dunes Rd, Mountain Home, ID 83647.
Twin Falls – Shoshone Falls
The waterfalls, after which the town of 45,000 was named, have largely lost their importance due to dams and irrigation canals. One of the highlights is still another waterfall near the village: the 65 m deep and 300 m wide Shoshone Falls are also called “Niagara Falls of the West”. Of course, they are particularly spectacular in spring after the snow has melted. About five miles northeast of town is the deep Snake River Gorge. The daredevil motorcycle stuntman Evel Knievel wanted to jump this gorge in 1974 and survived the attempt with serious injuries.
Idaho Falls
The 60,000-resident city of Idaho Falls is characterized by agriculture. This is where most of the Mormons in the state live. The most dominant building in the fourth largest city in the country is also the Mormon Temple. The city has a large green belt that attracts numerous athletes and makes for an attractive scenery. One of the tourist highlights is the Museum of Idaho, which tells the history of the city and also shows temporary exhibitions. (200 N Eastern Ave, Idaho Falls
City of Rocks National Reserve
Just 2 miles from the Utah border, this area with its bizarre granite formations and beautiful scenery is perfect for all outdoor activities, especially rock climbing. Far less known than other national parks and at just under 2.6 km² it is also significantly smaller. Is an insider tip among nature lovers – but is now listed as one of the top 10 highlights of Idaho. Address: 3035 S Elba-Almo Rd, Almo, ID 83312
