by Idaho’s national forests are renowned for being some of the most beautiful forests in the US. And for good reasons, most people visiting the forests return for another trip. These forests offer so many amazing hiking trails that it would take dozens of trips to experience all of them. And on top of that, you can find trails in Idaho’s National Forests suitable for both experienced and new hikers. Overall, it’s not hard to see why Idaho is so popular with hikers. But if it’s your first time coming here, which hiking trails are best for you? To help answer that question, we put together a list of the best hiking trails in Idaho’s national forests you can explore.
White Pine National Recreation Trail
The White Pine National Recreation Trail is the perfect middle ground between beginner-friendly and challenging. This trail will take you through a truly breathtaking part of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests while being relatively undemanding. In addition, getting there is quite easy as the trail is easily accessible from the highway. The best time to visit this trail is during the summer, but that’s also when you can expect to see the most other hikers. We should also note that this area has a lot of wildlife. As such, at least one person in your group should be prepared for a wild animal encounter, just in case. Also, wherever you go hiking, make sure you know what to do if you’re lost in the wilderness. This isn’t a very common occurrence in Idaho, but you should be prepared and know what to do just in case something happens.
Settlers Grove of Ancient Cedars Trail
If you’re looking for one of the more relaxed hiking trails in Idaho’s national forests, consider visiting the Settlers Grove of Ancient Cedars. This trail will take you down a path lined by gigantic cedars and pines. The trees are enough protection from the elements to make hiking down the trail comfortable. While the trail is easy and relatively short, it provides a good starting challenge for beginners and a relaxed hike for experienced hikers. All while taking you through some of the most awe-inspiring forests in the US. Trails like these are the reason why a lot of hikers decide to move to Idaho. And if you want to move here, remember you can always rely on experts for help. Moving to Idaho to be close to the forests is a great idea but remember to think about the move.
Mount Coeur d’Alene Trail
If you’re looking for a challenge among the best hiking trails in Idaho’s national forests, Mount Couer d’Alene is for you. This trail is famous among Idaho’s hikers as one of the most challenging trails in the state. As such, we only recommend taking on the Mount Coeur d’Alene trail if you’re an experienced hiker. Make sure you bring plenty of water and be prepared in case of a wildlife encounter, as they’re relatively common on the trail. This trail also has a number of interesting species of wildflowers and evergreens you can see. And remember, when taking on a difficult trail like this, having a fully stocked wilderness first aid kit is vital. You can never know when something will go wrong when on a hike. As such, it pays to be prepared for the eventuality and bring everything you need to help you or someone else.
Canfield Mountain Loop Trail
If you enjoy scenic views, you’ll enjoy hiking down the Canfield Mountain Loop Trail. This route is considered a decent challenge for hikers with some experience, so come prepared. While most of the trail takes you through a closed-canopy forest, occasional breaks in the forest offer amazing views of the surrounding mountains. So, we recommend bringing a camera, as the views you’ll catch on this trail are breathtaking. It’s worth mentioning, however, that this trail is also popular with mountain bikers, so expect to run into a few on your way down this trail. Also, while on your trip, you shouldn’t bring your important belongings. Experts from Peasley Transfer & Storage Boise recommend renting out a short-term storage unit where you’re staying. This is the safest option all in all, as you shouldn’t leave these items in a hotel room either.
South Chilco Mountain Hike
The South Chilco Mountain Hike is a fairly advanced trail and should only be attempted by experienced terrain. The terrain is rough, so bring plenty of water and snacks to energize you. However, the effort required to conquer this hike is well rewarded with plenty of breathtaking scenery on the trail. So, don’t forget to bring a camera, and try not to get distracted by the surrounding beauty too much. It’s also important to mention that this trail isn’t well-signposted, so download the GPS data before you get started. Otherwise, getting lost on the South Chilco Mountain Hike is relatively easy. And when preparing for your trip, ensure you have your backpacking gear adequately packed and ready to go. Especially when going on a hike as challenging as this, it’s vital to have your gear ready so you don’t forget anything.
Explore the best hiking trails in Idaho’s national forests – wrap up
Idaho has a lot of beautiful hiking trails for you to explore. Whether you’re just getting started as a hiker or already experienced, you’ll find a decent challenge in Idaho. This is one of the reasons why Idaho is so popular with hikers from all over the State. With so many choices for trails, however, it can be not easy to decide where exactly you want to go. However, planning is extremely important for hiking, especially if you plan to take on a challenging trail. We hope this list of the best hiking trails in Idaho’s national forests you can explore helps you plan, and we wish you a good day.
