Fall in Idaho is a spectacle of vibrant colors, crisp air, and breathtaking scenery. If you’re looking to experience the Gem State’s autumn beauty, there’s no better way than a scenic byway tour. Designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation for their exceptional archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic qualities, Idaho boasts 31 remarkable routes.
This article highlights seven of these incredible journeys, each promising an unforgettable experience and leading to some of the state’s most incredible natural wonders. To help you plan your adventure, video previews of these tours are available on the VisitIdaho.com website. Get ready to buckle up and explore Idaho’s stunning fall landscapes!
- Lake Pend Oreille Scenic Byway – Running along the northern shore of its namesake lake, the Lake Pend Oreille Scenic Byway beckons road trippers with alpine vistas, pristine forests, and sparkling waters. In the fall, the surrounding trees burst with vibrant autumn colors, creating a stunning backdrop for Idaho’s largest and deepest lake. Lake Pend Oreille stretches 43 miles long, plunges 1,158 feet deep, and boasts 111 miles of shoreline. During your visit, set sail, paddle a kayak, or rev up some jet skis, enjoying the crisp fall air. Keep an eye out for wildlife like osprey, moose, and deer, which are often more active in the cooler months, or cast a line for kokanee salmon. To top it all off, a variety of trails can be found around the lake and in Farragut State Park at the southern tip, perfect for a fall hike amidst the colorful foliage.
- Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway – Winding through a dramatic collision of terrains, the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway showcases Idaho’s raw geological power—from the sky-scraping summit of Mount Borah to the surreal expanses of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve. While the lunar-like landscapes of vast lava flows and cinder cones remain otherworldly year-round, fall brings cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore this unique destination. This otherworldly destination once served as a training ground for the Apollo 14 astronauts. Today, visitors to Craters of the Moon can explore spatter cones, venture into ancient lava tubes, and witness unfiltered night skies at this designated International Dark Sky Park, where the crisp fall air often enhances stargazing opportunities.
- Thousand Springs Scenic Byway – The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is a striking stretch of roadway that lives up to its name, offering a visual journey through a region where water steals the show. Along this route lies Thousand Springs State Park, made up of six separate park units brimming with waterfalls, spring-fed pools, and other natural Idaho landmarks. In the fall, the vibrant foliage surrounding the springs and waterfalls adds an extra layer of beauty to the already stunning landscape. Among them, the 350-acre Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Preserve stands out—home to entrancing blue waters, a 20-foot waterfall, and the 11th largest spring in North America.
- Mesa Falls Scenic Byway – Mesa Falls Scenic Byway guides travelers through the lush Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where two Idaho natural wonders take center stage. This Idaho scenic byway leads to Upper Mesa Falls, a thundering cascade as tall as a 10-story building, plunging over ancient volcanic rock left behind by a super eruption. Just downstream, Lower Mesa Falls cuts through layers of hardened ash and lava. In the fall, the surrounding forest transforms into a spectacular display of red, orange, and gold, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the powerful waterfalls. Visitors can follow the boardwalk to a viewing platform at Upper Mesa Falls or take in the sweeping view of the lower falls from the Grandview Overlook, just a mile south of the visitor center.
- Sawtooth Scenic Byway – Sweeping through the iconic Sawtooth Mountains and the namesake national forest, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway offers an unforgettable Idaho road trip steeped in wilderness bliss. In the fall, the already stunning mountain landscape is adorned with golden aspens and fiery maples, making for spectacular scenic drives and hikes. On this drive you’ll encounter the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve—the first gold-tier International Dark Sky Reserve in the U.S.—where, after sunset, the crisp, clear fall nights enhance the sky, transforming it into a brilliant canopy of stars. Free from light pollution, this designated Dark Sky Place treats visitors to rare, crystal-clear views of the Milky Way and beyond.
- Northwest Passage Scenic Byway – Spanning 202 miles, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway is Idaho’s longest—and one of its most storied—drives. Following the route taken by Lewis and Clark in 1803, this Idaho scenic byway weaves through rugged landscapes and deep cultural history. In the fall, the diverse terrain, from river valleys to mountain passes, showcases a mosaic of autumn colors. One of its most significant stops is the Heart of the Monster, a sacred Nez Perce site. According to a Nez Perce creation story, Coyote defeated a large monster along the Clearwater River, giving rise to the region’s various tribes. The rock formation here is said to represent the monster’s heart. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits and listen to an audio program that brings the story and the Nez Perce culture to life, enjoying the cooler fall weather.
- Oregon Trail–Bear Lake Scenic Byway – The Oregon Trail–Bear Lake Scenic Byway offers a blend of Idaho natural wonders and historical landmarks—from the Soda Springs Geyser and soothing natural hot pools of Lava Hot Springs to the charm of Historic Chesterfield. In the fall, the journey along this byway is particularly picturesque, with the changing leaves adding warmth to the landscapes. One of the highlights on this route is Bear Lake, often called “The Caribbean of the Rockies” for its vibrant turquoise waters. Half the lake lies in Idaho, while the other half is in Utah. On the Idaho side, Bear Lake State Park’s North Beach is a favorite for swimming, boating, and casting a line beneath wide-open skies, even as the fall temperatures begin to cool. East Beach, meanwhile, invites sun seekers to enjoy waterfront picnicking and camping amidst the autumn scenery.
Ready to discover more Idaho natural wonders? Embrace curiosity and keep chasing spectacular sights by downloading or ordering your copy of the Idaho Scenic Byway Brochure.
For the full list of 31 scenic byways with previews of each route go to the Visit Idaho Youtube playlist The Scenic Route. Queue up the playlist and grab your favorite snacks. They’re rolling the windows down and hitting the road for the ultimate Idaho road trip.