Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

View from Tubbs Hill Trail by Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
View from Tubbs Hill Trail by Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The Best of Idaho

#69 best destination in the world

Map view

Johnny Sack Cabin, Big Springs

Summer at Johnny Sack's Cabin at Big Springs Idaho.
  • The Johnny Sack Cabin is a historic log bungalow located at Big Springs near Island Park
  • Built between 1932 and 1934, it is recognized as a landmark in the area, featuring unique architectural elements and handmade furniture created by Sack himself
  • Johnny Sack also built a water wheel to harness the power of the springs, allowing him to generate electricity for the cabin
  • The cabin now serves as a visitor center for the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and the Big Springs Recreation Area

Boise Greenbelt

Boise State University bridge to downtown Boise, Idaho

Best time to visit: March-May

  • The Boise River Greenbelt is a scenic and recreational pathway that stretches approximately 25 miles along the banks of the Boise River in Boise, where it serves as a vital connection between various parks and natural areas
  • The Greenbelt is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists, providing a multi-use trail
  • The pathway is lined with trees and offers views of the river
  • Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, ducks, Canada geese, and bald eagles, particularly during early morning or late afternoon
  • The Greenbelt provides access to numerous restaurants, wineries, coffee shops, and parks

Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise

Old Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise Idaho USA

Best time to visit: March-May

  • The Old Idaho Penitentiary, located east of Boise, is a historic site that served as a functional prison from 1872 to 1973
  • Built in 1870, it is one of only four territorial prisons in the United States that are open to the public today
  • During its operation, the penitentiary housed over 13,000 inmates and was known for its distinctive architecture
  • The facility included various structures such as cell blocks, solitary confinement areas, and even a gallows
  • After closing due to a major riot in 1973, the site was preserved and is now managed by the Idaho State Historical Society

Kirkham Hot Springs, Boise National Forest

Kirkam and Bonneville Hot Springs, Grandjean, Idaho
  • Kirkham Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the Boise National Forest, east of Lowman
  • It is situated alongside the South Fork Payette River, at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet
  • Kirkham Hot Springs features several natural hot pools, which are surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and wooded areas
  • The springs provide an environment for relaxation, enhanced by the sounds of cascading water from nearby waterfalls

Mesa Falls, Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Upper Mesa Falls, near Island Park, Idaho, United States of America, North America
  • Mesa Falls is a natural attraction located near Ashton, featuring two prominent waterfalls: Upper Mesa Falls and Lower Mesa Falls
  • Upper Mesa Falls is drops about 114 feet over volcanic rock remnants from an ancient super-eruption, which creates a thunderous cascade that can be viewed from various vantage points, including a visitor center that provides access to trails leading to the falls
  • Lower Mesa Falls, located downstream, offers a different perspective and is also accessible via scenic overlooks

Lake Coeur d'Alene

A boat passes in front of a small sandy beach at Beacon Point, a stop on the Centennial Trail, on lake Coeur d'Alene's Wolf Lodge Bay, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA.
  • Lake Coeur d'Alene is a natural lake located in northern Idaho
  • The lake was formed during the last Ice Age and is surrounded by forested mountains
  • The lake serves as a recreational hub, offering a variety of water sports and outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming

Tubbs Hill, Coeur d'Alene

View from Tubbs Hill Trail by Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
  • Tubbs Hill is a natural park located in Coeur d'Alene, bordered by Lake Coeur d'Alene
  • It features several miles of hiking trails, offering scenic views
  • The area is known for its forested areas and rocky outcrops, as well as swimming opportunities

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Craters of the Moon National Park (Idaho, US)
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a geological area located in southern Idaho
  • It features a dramatic landscape of lava flows, cinder cones, and sagebrush, created by volcanic activity over the past 15,000 to 2,000 years
  • The region is characterized by a variety of trails, caves, and scenic overlooks along a 7-mile Loop Road
  • The monument was formed during eight major eruptive periods, primarily from the Great Rift, a series of deep cracks that extend for about 52 miles

Lava Hot Springs (Thermal Mineral Springs)

Lava Hot Springs Flowers in Idaho
  • Lava Hot Springs is located in southeastern Idaho, where it is famous for its natural geothermal hot springs
  • The springs are known for their mineral-rich waters, which bubble up from underground sources and are free from sulfur odors
  • In addition to the hot springs, visitors can enjoy various facilities, including indoor swimming pools, water slides, and diving platforms

Shoshone Falls

Double Rainbow and Clear Skies Over Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho
  • Shoshone Falls is a waterfall located on the Snake River, northeast of Twin Falls
  • It is renowned for its height of 212 feet (about 65 meters) and a width of 900 feet, making it one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States
  • The falls are 45 feet taller than Niagara Falls, which has earned it the nickname "Niagara of the West"
  • The falls are particularly noted for their beauty during the spring when water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt

Sun Valley

Sun Valley Ski Resort, Idaho

Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, June-Sept, Dec

  • Sun Valley is a resort city located in Blaine County, renowned as one of the premier ski destinations in the United States
  • The city is part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, making it a great spot for stargazing
  • Historically, Sun Valley attracted many celebrities and elite athletes, contributing to its reputation as a luxurious getaway
  • Today, it continues to be a destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer visitors looking for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures