The Best of Idaho in the FallExperience Idaho in the fall, from McCall’s forest-lined Payette Lake to the rugged Salmon River canyon and the scenic Clearwater Valley. Explore lakeside trails, connect with Nez Perce history and living culture, and savor small-town coffee shops, local brews, and cozy stays along the way. Authorsvoyageswithval
DestinationsIdahoItinerary

McCall, Idaho

Mountain Java
Stop by Mountain Java to pick up a coffee to enjoy in nearby Legacy Park on Payette Lake! A McCall locals' favorite for 30 years, the shop also serves house-made pastries, and its front porch looks out over the lake if you'd rather sip right there.
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North Fork Coffee Roasters
North Fork Coffee Roasters is a cute coffee shop with outdoor seating near a lot of McCall's shops. The beans, sourced from Central and South America and Africa, are done in small batches right on-site, with options ranging from light to dark.
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McCall Brewing Company
Locally brewed craft beer and hearty pub fare, perfect after a day of hiking and sightseeing! Idaho's second-oldest brewery makes its ales right in the middle of the lodge-style taproom, with up to a dozen on tap at a time.
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The Evergreen Hotel
The Evergreen Hotel is a cozy stay with fireplaces, a large pool, and an indoor hot tub! Rooms have a fresh mountain-lodge look, and The Cedars Lounge downstairs pours coffee and serves breakfast in the morning before turning into a wine spot in the evening.
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Ponderosa State Park

Osprey Cliff Overlook
From this Ponderosa State Park viewpoint, Payette Lake stretches out between forested shores and mountain backdrops. Drive right up, or earn the view on foot via the Ridgeline Trail, which passes the Narrows Overlook along the way.
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Lily Marsh Trailhead
A great spot to see wildlife as well as fall color and yellow aspens! Left undisturbed, the marsh is home to deer, ducks, and beavers, and the easy trail out to it runs just over 2 miles round trip.
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US Rte 95

Two Rivers Coffee Roasters
Rooted in the river town of Riggins, Two Rivers Coffee Roasters is the perfect stop while traveling along the Little Salmon River. Watch the beans get roasted right on-site, then grab a breakfast burrito or quiche to go with your cup.
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Old Lucile Recreation Site
Old Lucile Recreation Site makes for a great spot to stretch your legs and go down to the river, taking in the canyon views. Rafters and jet boaters coming down from Riggins often pull out here, and wide, sandy beaches sit close by.
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White Bird Battlefield Overlook - Nez Perce National Historical Park
These rolling hills were the setting for the first battle of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877. Learn about the battle and see unparalleled views of the valley below. Panels inside the overlook shelter tell the story from both the Nez Perce and U.S. Army sides.
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Kamiah, Idaho

Buckshot Pizza
Buckshot Pizza is perfect for dining in or carrying out to a picnic or your lodge! Dough is made fresh daily, and the family's signature sauce comes from a recipe decades in the making, so grab an order of garlic-butter breadsticks while you're at it.
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Hearthstone Lodge
Hearthstone Lodge is a unique Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast situated above the Clearwater River! Enjoy a private balcony or patio with views of the mountains. Come morning, breakfast is served a couple of miles away at the lodge's own bakery in downtown Kamiah, set in a historic building with tin ceilings and Victorian tea rooms.
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Clearwater Valley, Idaho

Big Eddy Recreation Site and Launch Area
View the Dworshak Reservoir formed by the dam at Big Eddy Recreation Site and Launch Area. If you have more time, you can explore more of Dworshak State Park nearby. At 717 feet, Dworshak is the third-tallest dam in the country, and the reservoir behind it stretches about 54 miles through the forested hills.
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Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center
Through exhibits and interpretation, this visitor center at Spalding explores the history, homelands, and living culture of the Nez Perce people. Admission is free, so settle in for the park film, Of One Heart, then browse a collection of traditional clothing, tools, and ceremonial objects.
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Nez Perce National Historical Park
The Nez Perce National Historical Park consists of 38 sites spread out over four states. Several are in the Clearwater Valley. Walk the short riverside trail at Heart of the Monster near Kamiah, or pull over at Canoe Camp near Orofino, where Lewis and Clark worked with the Nez Perce to carve canoes for the rest of their journey.
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Lewiston, Idaho

The Blue Lantern Coffee House
The Blue Lantern Coffee House is an adorable bank-turned-coffee shop in Lewiston. Look for the original vault, then pair your cup with a scone baked that morning, or swing back later for a glass of Lewis-Clark Valley wine.
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Mystic Cafe
Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this iconic brick building full of charm. Original hardwood floors and wood beams carry through several dining rooms, and local wines and microbrews join the menu when evening rolls around.
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Hells Canyon Grand Hotel
Named for the dramatic Snake River canyon south of the Lewis-Clark Valley, Hells Canyon Grand Hotel is a full-service hotel in Lewiston. Dinner and a pint are right on-site at Meriwether's Bistro and MJ Barleyhoppers, and the outdoor hot tub stays open year-round for chilly fall evenings.
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Hells Gate State Park
Along the Snake River near Lewiston, riverside greenery, trails, and basalt landscapes shape Hells Gate State Park, which is the gateway to the large Hells Canyon. Inside the park, the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center traces the expedition's route through Idaho, and a paved path follows the river back toward town.
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Deary, Idaho

The Pie Safe Bakery & Kitchen
This cute bakery sells delicious pastries, coffee, shakes, and lunch! Peek through the observation window to watch cheesemakers craft brie and cheddar from Jersey cow milk, and save room for the frozen custard-style ice cream made in small batches on-site.
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Elk Creek Falls
Elk Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Idaho, and it is a 37-minute drive from Deary, Idaho. The last few miles are along a gravel road. The hike is 3 miles long and moderate, taking you by 3 waterfall lookouts! Expect limited or no service in this area. Each overlook has a bench, and at the lower falls, the creek drops about 50 feet into a narrow basalt gorge.
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Experiences/Tours

1/2 Day Whitewater Rafting Trip near Boise, ID
Just 40 minutes from Boise, this half-day rafting trip sends you bouncing through Idaho whitewater on a lively 2.5-hour ride. The rapids welcome every skill level, so families with young kids and dedicated thrill-seekers can paddle side by side.
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Guided Half-Day Scenic Tour - Off The Beaten Path
Grab your camera and binoculars for this relaxed four-hour drive through Idaho's Magic Valley, with visits to five lesser-known scenic and historic spots around Twin Falls. Each stop comes with a short, easy stroll, so any traveler can get out and take in the views up close.
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