Six people ride horses through a meadow.

people hold rafting paddles while on a red raft as they navigate through white water in the lower salmon canyon

A person wearing a red backpack hikes up a mountain trail on a forested slope with mountains surrounding.

Four people stand in an embrace overlooking a scenic lake with small, forested islands.

An overhead view of a blue lake surrounded by forest and mountains.

Idaho isPeacefulUnexpectedExhilaratingUnforgettableBreathtakingBeyond Words

Embrace the arrival of spring in Idaho and flourish on your next vacation. Swing into the season with a visit to a unique golf course, set out on a first-rate fly-fishing adventure or take advantage of the season’s vibrant wildflowers. Fresh air, blue skies and striking views await.

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Water cascades over moss-covered rocks at Thousand Springs State Park.

Spring in Idaho

Make Way for Waterfalls

As winter’s snow begins to melt away in spring, Idaho’s waterfalls flow with refreshed vigor. From the iconic Shoshone Falls to lesser-explored stops, these cascading falls paint a grand portrait of spring in the Gem State. Lace up your hiking boots, plan for a bit of mist and immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of Idaho’s varied waterfalls this season. Start your adventure with three falls to check out in eastern Idaho and nine to visit in southern Idaho.

Spring in Idaho

Go Wild for Spring Blooms

An Idaho spring delivers a wonderful bouquet of wildflowers, a burst of colors from the lava fields to the mountain slopes. Take a walk through nature’s art show, breathe in the fresh air and witness the authentic charm of spring flowers across the Gem State. Explore our wildflower guide to map out your path in advance and uncover interesting facts.

A field of purple camas blooms in front of a distant mountain range.

A Shoshone tribal elder looks on at a Bear River Massacre Site Marker. — Bear River Massacre Site, near Preston. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Historical Highlights

Listen as historian Darren Parry shares what happened before and during the Bear River Massacre and plan to visit the impactful site on your own journey in Idaho. Find echoes of the past as you explore this significant landscape and gain a deeper understanding of Idaho’s history.

Listen to the Bear River
Massacre Story

Idaho State Parks Shine in Spring

Spring in Idaho’s parks looks a little different across the state. Ponderosa State Park invites you to wander lakeside forest trails, while Thousand Springs State Park provides vibrant blue pools and Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park shows off the tallest single-structured dune in North America. Whether you seek recreational trails, picnic spots or simply a serene escape, Idaho’s state parks are your ticket to experiencing the diverse beauty of the season in full color.

Scope Out the State Parks

Spring in Idaho

Your Springtime Road Trip Route

With 31 byways in the state to choose from, there’s nothing quite like an Idaho road trip. Check out these spring-centric drives to kick off your travels and view Idaho maps and guides for more information.

The Snake River lined with green and yellow trees.

Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway

Tour lands rich with orchards, vineyards and wineries a short distance from Boise as you traverse this southwest Idaho drive.

A rugged mountain landscape covered with trees.

Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway

Journey into the Owyhee Mountains on this rugged byway with access to off-roading routes, fishing and camping areas, hiking trails and a detour to Bruneau Dunes State Park.

An overhead view of the Snake River running through a tree covered canyon.

Thousand Springs Scenic Byway

Ride this byway to scout out waterfalls—which are at their fullest flow in early spring—within the six separate units of Thousand Springs State Park.

A view of Red Rock Pass at sunset.

Pioneer Historic Byway

Take off on the Pioneer Historic Byway to visit the world’s only captive geyser and experience remarkable geologic and historical sites firsthand.

More Road Trip Ideas →

Accessible Activities

Hiking & Backpacking

Spring Travel Inspiration

Discover scenic hikes, accessible outdoor adventures, soothing hot springs and great fishing spots across Idaho. Dive into spring travel tips and start planning your own Idaho getaway.

A deer stands on the other side of a wooden fence in tall brush that runs along the packed dirt trail.

Try These Rugged Wheelchair-Accessible Trails in the Boise Foothills

A paved path leading to a bridge surrounded by purple and pink flowers and shrubbery in a city park.

Connect With Nature in Boise at These Accessible Parks

A river running through a deep canyon that levels out on the top.

Accessible Wildlife Adventures Near Boise

An edited photo of an alpine lake within a mountain peaks.

A Guide to Hiking Idaho’s Stunning Scenic Trails

A view of Louie Lake with the Payette National Forest and mountains in the background.

7 Can’t-Miss Hiking Trails in Southwest Idaho

A man walking trail surrounded by green aspen trees.

4 Fantastic Idaho Hikes Near Yellowstone National Park

A fly fisherman standing in a river releases a steelhead back into the water.

Fishing for Idaho’s Iconic Steelhead

A smiling man in a hat casting a fishing line into the river.

Get to Know Idaho’s Fly-Fishing Seasons

The Snake River winding through the Snake River Canyon.

Try Your Own Idaho Native Trout Road Trip

People enjoying multiple pools at a large hot springs facility.

36 Hours in Lava Hot Springs

A couple smiles in an outdoor developed hot springs pool.

Soak Away the Day in Idaho’s Hot Springs

A woman and child approach a developed hot spring pool from a landscaped path.

4 Can’t-Miss Hot Spring Spots in Southeast Idaho

A graphic of the words, "Don't leave your mark on Idaho" in white text, overlaid on a photo of a mountain trail.

When muddy trails are traveled on—by boots, tires or otherwise—the ground can be seriously damaged. Hiking on the trail in suboptimal conditions leads to closures due to path displacement, and attempting to avoid puddles can quickly lead to accidental trail widening and destroyed vegetation. If the trail is wet where you are hiking, show your care for Idaho and save your trek for a drier day.

Share Your Idaho Care

As Idaho begins to bloom this season, always remember to avoid muddy trails and stepping off of marked paths—both of which cause severe, immediate erosion and damage to vegetation (like those beautiful wildflowers!).

Watch Your Step

Spring in Idaho

Pick Up Your Spring Passport

Spark a seasonal adventure when you download Visit Idaho’s free Spring Passport. Find helpful information and inspiring recommendations for planning your next spring vacation.

Join the Conversation

Browse social videos showcasing the beauty of spring in Idaho, and add your own memories to the collection by sharing online with #VisitIdaho. Your photo or Reel could be featured!