15+ Hidden Gems in the Mountain West for Outdoor LoversSprawling plains, glassy lakes, snow-capped peaks, and plenty of wildlife are all hallmarks of the Mountain West region. But everyone knows the famous spots. Grab your cowboy hat and get exploring the best hidden gems of the Mountain West region! 🤠AuthorsSteller
DestinationsIdahoItinerary

Explore Idaho

Elk Creek Falls
Don't miss this incredible hike in North Central Idaho. The 3-mile loop trail actually features three waterfalls! Just an hour from the Moscow-Pullman area.
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Ponderosa State Park
This stunning state park is located on a peninsula that juts into Payette Lake just north of McCall, Idaho. Fall is the perfect time to visit its most scenic spots like Osprey Point, Lily Marsh, and Meadow Marsh.
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Redfish Lake
Experience the jagged beauty of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains with 2 times the “wow” factor at Redfish Lake, whose glassy reflection offers a mirror image of the peaks. Rent a pontoon boat, hop in a kayak, or lace up your hiking boots to explore the area.
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Redfish Lake Lodge
This historic lodge has been around since 1929 and is certainly worth a visit, whether you rent a boat from their marina, kick back with a drink on their big front porch, or make it an overnight stay in their cozy log cabin accommodations.
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White Cloud Rafting Adventures
Get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting excursion down the Salmon River! The expert guides at White Cloud can the excitement up or down, tailoring the experience to your specific group.
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Stanley Supper Club
This good ol' fashioned eatery has some of the best fried chicken in the state, which you can wash down with a frosty local microbrew.
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Half Day Scenic Float on the Salmon River
Enjoy a peaceful float on Idaho's Salmon River on this half-day tour. Take in the scenic views and wildlife as you bob along. Rafts and equipment are included and you can choose your pickup point.
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Explore Montana

Flathead Lake
Just outside Missoula, a trip to Montana’s largest lake packs a whole lotta natural beauty and outdoorsy opportunities into one corner of this sprawling state. Tour the area on horseback, rent a paddleboard to cruise around the lake, and keep your eyes peeled in the water, land, and air for plenty of wildlife!
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The INN on Bigfork Bay
Warm hospitality, well-appointed rooms, and Bay-front views await you at the Inn on Bigfork. They even have a hot tub where you can take a soak after a long day hiking around Flathead.
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Tamarack Brewing Company
Fuel up for an afternoon of hiking or wind down after a day of kayaking at this beloved local brewery.
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Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour on Beartooth Highway
Take your time and explore on your own with this self-guided tour that gives you directions, shares tips, and tells stories about each place. Places included along the Beartooth Highway are the Bears Tooth range, Clay Butte Fire Lookout, Rock Creek Vista Observation Point, and Beartooth Pass.
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Horseback Ride in Montana's Ranch Country
Yes, everyone knows about Yellowstone Country, but not everyone has seen it while on horseback! Head out on this hour-long trail ride as you enjoy views of the Absaroka-Beartooth and Crazy Mountains. Riders of all levels are welcome!
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Ringing Rocks
Located just off of I-90 east of Butte, the Ringing Rocks actually ring! Tap the rocks lightly with a hammer and you can hear the chime thanks to a unique natural phenomenon.
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Explore Wyoming

Horseshoe Bend
Located in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Horseshoe Bend along the beautiful Bighorn Lake is just one of Wyoming's stunning natural wonders that often gets overlooked. Stay at nearby Horseshoe Bend Campground and keep a lookout for wildlife, including wild horses, bighorn sheep, and more!
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Hot Springs State Park
Hot Springs State Park is the world's largest mineral hot springs, yet it often gets skipped for the states bigger attractions. A whopping 1.8 million gallons of water flow over the Rainbow Terraces every 24 hours! The springs feature a free public bathhouse. Stop here and enjoy the relaxing water, which stays at 104 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. There are also over 6 miles of beautiful hiking trails, and lots of wildlife to see, including the Hot Spring State Park bison herd. Head here in the fall and winter to see them get fed (typically at 8:30 a.m. daily).
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Hot Springs State Park Bath House
The Hot Springs Bathhouse at Hot Springs State Park is free and features naturally heated therapeutic waters that stay at 104 degrees Fahrenheit year-round!
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Wind River Range
With its remote location (meaning next-to-zero light pollution) and distinctive shape of its peaks, the Wind River Range offers stunning scenery both day and night. Plus, the charming nearby town of Pinedale has all the amenities you’d need to stock up for your wilderness retreat at a fraction of the cost compared to Jackson Hole.
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Sinks Canyon State Park
Sinks Canyon is a geological wonder in Wyoming and a great place to explore if you want to skip the crowds. The Popo Agie River "vanishes" into a limeston cavern and then reappears about a quarter of a mile later.
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