Spring is on the way
Spring in Southwest Idaho
Around here, we never want to wish away a great winter
— skiing, snowmobiling, cozy evenings around the fire — but that doesn’t mean we don’t get a bit excited when spring is right around the corner.
Now is the perfect time to start planning a spring getaway to Southwest Idaho. Here are some ideas to plan your trip.
PARK IT
Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park
Southwest Idaho’s parks come to life in the spring. Flowers come into bloom, wildlife awakens from its winter slumber, and the skies put on a show with vibrant colors and large, lazy clouds.
City Parks
These are the unsung heroes of Southwest Idaho’s park system. Here’s a small sample of what’s out there…
Ribbon of Jewels – Boise
In Boise, the centerpiece parks are the 10 parks that line the Boise River. Known as the Ribbon of Jewels, these parks are all easily accessible from — or completely integrate — the Boise River Greenbelt. Each is named in honor of notable Boise women, from the wife of Idaho’s potato magnate to a cycling Olympian.
The range of activities in these parks is astounding. From peaceful nature walks and calm water paddleboarding to boisterous festivals and disc golf, they offer a great way to explore Boise’s wild side without leaving town. To learn more, check out this PDF the City of Boise created summarizing each park and its namesake.
Armstrong Park – Cascade
A large, family-friendly park near the Payette River in Cascade. Very popular for family reunions and other gatherings. And it’s easy to see why: there’s so much to do! Armstrong Park features a large, well-maintained playground, covered picnic areas, bocce, pickleball, and so much more. For more details, contact Cascade Parks and Recreation.
Crestview Park – Fruitland
When you’re in the Western Treasure Valley on a warm, late spring day, it’s tough to beat Crestview Park in Fruitland. It’s a small park with a lot to do. The highlight? A free, typically uncrowded splash pad perfect for cooling off on warm days. For the exact location, browse through these Fruitland parks.
State Parks
Southwest Idaho is blessed with many Idaho State Parks. In the spring, these are some of our favorites…
Bruneau Dunes – Bruneau
Spring is the perfect time to explore this park, starting with a climb to the top (the view’s nice from the bottom) of North America’s largest single-structure sand dune. The more adventurous often bring snowboards or sleds to ride down.
April and May bring mild days and wildflowers into bloom around the park pond and picnic area. A definite bucket list item! Contact information can be found here.
Three Island Crossing – Glenns Ferry
Many consider this the “main event” of Oregon Trail exploration in Idaho. This park is set at one of the most famous — and treacherous — Snake River crossings along the Oregon Trail. The onsite museum provides a great education on the history, plus a respite in case your spring visit brings more rain or sun than you’d like.
Read more about the Oregon Trail in Southwest Idaho here.
Eagle Island – Eagle
This park delivers 545 acres of riverfront wilderness in the middle of Idaho’s most populated valley. While quite popular year-round, come spring the intensity of nature’s beauty gets turned up here. Greens are greener. Wildflower scents are stronger. And the river is a bit more wild.
As for things to do, there’s too much to list it all here. But spring makes perfect hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and disc golf weather. Learn more about it all here.
DRIVE IT
Highway 55
Spring weather in Idaho can be a bit unpredictable… that’s just part of the fun. But no matter the skies or temperatures, a scenic drive can be a great way to fill a day (or three). Here are some of the most popular.
Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway
A 53-mile drive through MILLIONS of years of history and plenty of today’s most incredible scenery. We like to start in the small town of Payette in the morning, making our way through the vineyards of Sunnyslope Wine Country in the mid-day, and finishing with a dramatic sunset along the Snake River Canyon in the evening.
This drive in spring — before the vineyard grapes are harvested — is stunning, with plenty of side trips if you’d like to extend your journey. Find maps or more detailed information at snakerivercanyonscenicbyway.org.
The Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway
Connecting Banks to Lowman, this 33-mile drive is full of breathtaking views along the South Fork of the Payette River. Keep an eye out for elk, eagles, hawks, and other wildlife. In the spring, the river is running full. If you’re lucky, you may be able to pull over and catch expert kayakers braving the rapids.
The Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway also takes you through some charming small mountain towns, so grabbing lunch along the way is easy.
Highways 55 and 95
While not officially “scenic byways” top-to-bottom, these north-south routes are undeniably beautiful. Whether you’re driving them to your destination (including one of the State-designated scenic byways) or just passing through, they’re definitely worth savoring, especially in spring. To help, we created two driving guides.
TRY IT
Treefort Music Fest
A visit to Southwest Idaho opens doors to all sorts of accessible adventures. This spring, why not try something new?
Hot Air Balloon Rides: While the Spirit of Boise festival doesn’t hit until fall, spring is a great time to connect with a hot air balloon outfitter for an unforgettable experience. Cool mornings and warm days make spring a great time to take flight. Check out Idaho Balloon Adventures or Treasure Valley Balloon Rides for options.
Urban Music Festival: If you’re a music fan and haven’t experienced Treefort, you need to change that. This sprawling festival takes over downtown Boise March 20-24 this year. The main stage is set in Julia Davis Park, acts perform all over town in every type of imaginable venue, including a former bus depot. Deets at treefortmusicfest.com.
Indoor Play Date: If it’s too cool to head out, head indoors for some fun at Wahooz Family Fun Zone. Laser tag, bumper cars, arcade, bowling, and so much more under one (BIG) roof.
Golf: With dozens of courses spanning wine country to mountain valleys, golf is more than a pastime in Southwest Idaho — it’s an obsession. Early spring, it’s best to start in the Treasure Valley, where warm, comfortable playable days hit regularly in March. By April, May, and into June, the mountain courses open up with all their snow-peaked vistas. Read more in our golf guide.
Room with a Point of View
(and, Usually, a Literal One)
The best way to ensure a great stay is to choose accommodations as memorable as the rest of your trip. We have some ideas.
Photo: Shore Lodge
Shore Lodge – McCall
Spectacular lake views, a luxury spa, and even s’mores around the fire make this a perfect springtime escape.
Photo: Inn the Pines
When the spring chill still lingers in the mountains, it’s tough to beat a good long soak in a beautifully maintained hot springs. Inn the Pines gives you classic cabin-eque accommodations just ⅓ of a mile away from The Springs hot springs retreat.
Photo: STUGÄ Cabin
STUGÄ Cabin Airbnb – Garden Valley
A dreamy, updated mountain cabin in scenic Garden Valley. Head out for nearby hot springs, hiking, and fishing — or just cozy up and enjoy the view from the stunning window wall.
Photo: Hayhurst Bed & Breakfast
Hayhurst Bed & Breakfast – Pine
Kick off spring with a stay at a lakeside lodge. Mountain views, peace and quiet, and hot breakfast are included.
Photo: Modern Hotel & Bar
This old school motel turned modern hangout is pretty tough to beat if a sense of style is on your agenda. Set in downtown Boise, locals flock here in spring for their craft cocktails, creative menu, and stylish fire pits.
Looking for more unique stays? Check out this guide or browse a wide range of places to stay in Southwest Idaho here.
Read More
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Exploring SW Idaho’s State Parks
Idaho’s State Parks are the gems of the Gem State — and fortunately, a whole lot of them are located right here in Southwest Idaho.
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Small Town Travels
Southwest Idaho’s full of hidden gems. Don’t miss out on these small towns. They’ve got big celebrations — and big fun.
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Harvest Season Guide
From haunted corn mazes to Boise State football games, we’ve outlined our top 10 favorite things to do in the fall in Southwest Idaho.
