Center Content: 

Idaho Recreation Activities

Recreating on public lands in Idaho can mean fly-fishing along a scenic shoreline, backpacking through awe-inspiring mountains, paddling through world-class whitewater in remote canyons or riding off-highway vehicles through vast mountain and desert landscapes. 

Recreation opportunities abound throughout the diverse landscapes of Idaho’s 12 million acres of BLM-managed public land.  These public lands host many unique and special outdoor opportunities where visitors can enjoy some of the most scenic spots in Idaho and learn more about the state’s history. Many of these sites are part of the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System, which serves to protect and conserve special places on public lands. 

Check out the spectacular wilderness areas and wild and scenic rivers of the Owyhee Canyonlands, walk the vast lava fields of the Craters of the Moon National Monument, or view raptors at the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.  Take a step back in time to learn more about Idaho’s history by exploring the National Scenic and Historic Trails of Idaho, including the Lewis and Clark, Nez Perce, Oregon, California and Continental Divide Trails. 

Take one of the many Scenic or Back Country Byways that traverse the state.  Find a quiet spot along the route, grab binoculars and search for the variety of wildlife that call this area home.  Get outside to hike with the family on the Mineral Ridge or Hulls Gulch National Recreation Trails (both have interpretive signage) or camp next to the mighty Salmon River at one of the BLM’s many developed recreation sites. 

A diversity of recreational opportunities is available in Idaho for individuals of all ages and interests.  Public lands may be located in your backyard, so get out and explore the outdoors.

The milky way shines over the Snake River in Idaho. Photo by Bob Wick, BLM.

Visit @BLMIdaho Flickr and check out the many beautiful places in Idaho to get outdoors, like the Snake River above (photo by Bob Wick, BLM).