Idaho
Discover Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States. Idaho is known for its wilderness; there are snow-capped mountains that reach 10,000 ft (3,000 m) to 12,500 ft (3,800 m) above sea level. One of the whitewater rivers runs through the country's deepest river canyon. Most of the land north of Boise is national forest or state forest. North Idaho is sometimes considered part of the Pacific Northwest. It's where the rolling grain-covered hills of the Palouse give way to the Bitterroot (Rocky) Mountains. South Idaho is usually considered part of the Intermountain West, and is in the Mountain timezone.
What to Experience in Idaho
Taste of Idaho...
The food is pretty much middle American. There are a few ingredients that are Idaho specialties, like Idaho Rainbow Trout, and of course the Famous Potatoes. In a similar vein, Moscow proclaims itself the "Dried Pea and Lentil Capitol of the World,". In the college towns (Moscow, Boise, Pocatello, Idaho Falls), it's pretty easy to find organic and vegetarian food, but in the rural areas you might have a hard time finding a meal without beef. In much of Idaho, particularly the southern portions, a popular condiment is "fry sauce," a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise. Fry sauce is primarily a Utah condiment but it is also popular in nearby areas, especially those with significant Mormon populations. If you want something fun for your social media feed, keep an eye out for an Idaho ice cream potato. This ice cream dessert, disguised to look like a baked potato, was invented in downtown Boise in the 1940s. Vanilla ice cream is rolled in cocoa powder to look like the potato skin. Sweet whipped cream takes the place of sour cream on top, coconut can be "cheese", and chocolate cookie crumbles represent the "black pepper". Idaho liquor laws aren't as stringent as in neighboring Utah, but they are more restrictive than places like Nevada. As in the rest of the United States, 21 is the drinking age; expect to get carded if you look like you're under 30.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere are no direct international flights into or out of anywhere in Idaho. If you're coming in from overseas, rest assured you'll go through United States customs before boarding a flight to an Idaho location. By far the largest airport in the state, Boise Airport (BOI) is the main airport in southern Idaho. Flights to and from Boise are available from most major cities in the western United States, as well as Minneapolis and Chicago. Boise Airport also offers a good selection of charter flight services. North Idaho is primarily served by Spokane International Airport (GEG), in eastern Washington approximately 20 miles (32 km) from the Idaho border. The non-stop schedule to and from Spokane is similar to Boise. For the far northeast panhandle (via US Hwy 2), Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) near Kalispell, Montana is another option. However, it has far fewer flights than Spokane, and in most cases, the distance is slightly further....
Regions
Explore AreasNorth Idaho is sometimes considered part of the Pacific Northwest. It's where the rolling grain-covered hills of the Palouse give way to the Bitterroot (Rocky) Mountains. South Idaho is usually consid…...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Apart from modest public transportation systems in the major cities, Idaho has no mass transit to speak of. The only Amtrak stop in the state is in Sandpoint in the far northern panhandle. Otherwise it's all driving or flying. Idaho is served by several Interstate highways. I-90 in North Idaho passes through Coeur d'Alene. I-84 enters Idaho at the Oregon border, serves the Boise metro area and passes near Twin Falls en route to Salt Lake City. I-15 serves the Eastern Idaho cities of Pocatello and Idaho Falls. The short I-86 in South Central and Eastern Idaho connects I-84 and I-15. Most other main roads in the state are two-lane highways. In more remote locations unpaved roads are commonplace. Pay close attention to current road conditions while traveling, particularly in winter.
Money & Budget
As in the rest of the United States, credit cards are widely accepted. You'll have little to no difficulty with Visa or MasterCard. American Express and Discover are also accepted but not quite as universally, especially in smaller towns. You may very well have problems if you present a JCB card for payment as most Idahoans have neither seen nor heard of them. Travelers checks are likely to warrant confused looks if presented outside of tourist areas, and personal checks rarely accepted without prior arrangements. If paying in cash, US dollars are the way to go, although Canadian dollars may be accepted by some merchants in the extreme north near the border.
Language & Talk
English is almost universally spoken and understood, except that potatoes are sometimes called "spuds" and there's a bit of a rural twang as you get out to the logging and farming areas. Spanish is not as widely spoken as a second language, although it is prevalent in each of the major cities. There are no direct international flights into or out of anywhere in Idaho. If you're coming in from overseas, rest assured you'll go through United States customs before boarding a flight to an Idaho location. By far the largest airport in the state, Boise Airport (BOI) is the main airport in southern Idaho. Flights to and from Boise are available from most major cities in the western United States, as well as Minneapolis and Chicago.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Idaho cities are by and large quite safe. While seedy neighborhoods and organized street gang activity exist, people rarely get into trouble without actively looking for it first. Local police tend to be courteous, professional and at times even lenient provided they don't suspect you of any major wrongdoing. They do, however, take an especially dim view of drunk driving and illegal drug possession. In stark contrast to several of its neighbors, marijuana remains highly illegal in Idaho. Even medical marijuana and oils will get you in trouble here. Major highways are routinely patrolled by the Idaho State Police (ISP), noted for the distinctive diagonal stripes on their vehicles. ISP officers are quick to lend a hand if they see someone in trouble along the side of the road. The most pressing safety concerns in Idaho often involve the outdoors. Idaho weather can be fickle and extreme compared to other parts of the world.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Idaho
green trees on green grass field during daytime
brown mountain near body of water during daytime
Colorful urban traffic at night
a rocky area with trees and mountains in the background
Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls Idaho
city skyline under blue sky during daytime
green trees beside body of water during daytime
Stanley Lake, Idaho fudojahic.com
brown horse on open fields near mountain
Hot air balloons landing throughout Ann Morrison park during the Spirit of Boise hot air balloon rally.
green trees on green grass field during daytime
brown mountain near body of water during daytime
Colorful urban traffic at night