Idaho, with its pristine and diverse natural beauty, is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From majestic mountains to crystal-clear lakes and lush forests, Idaho offers countless opportunities to enjoy a memorable picnic. If you’re looking for ideal locations to experience a picnic in Idaho, let’s explore the fantastic suggestions below, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy relaxing moments with family and friends.
Explore Stunning National Parks for Picnics
Idaho boasts magnificent national parks, perfect destinations for picnics amidst majestic nature. Sawtooth National Forest, with its jagged Sawtooth Mountains and glacial lakes, is an unmissable choice. Here, you can find numerous lakeside picnic spots such as Redfish Lake or Stanley Lake, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the stunning mountain scenery reflected on the water.
Visitors walking and jogging in a lush green space
For a perfect picnic at Sawtooth National Forest, you should visit in the summer or early fall when the weather is warmest and most pleasant. Prepare all your picnic essentials such as a blanket, picnic basket, plates, and don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, you can combine your picnic with other activities like hiking, fishing, or kayaking to fully enjoy the beauty of this national park.
Another equally appealing option is Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Although famous for its unique volcanic landscape, this park also has lush green picnic areas, creating an interesting contrast between the green of the vegetation and the black of the volcanic rocks. The Inferno Cone picnic area is a great suggestion, where you can enjoy your meal while admiring panoramic views of the park from above.
Picnic by the Picturesque Lakes of Idaho
Idaho is known as the “Gem State” of the Pacific Northwest, not only for its majestic mountains but also for its beautiful lakes. Lake Coeur d’Alene, one of the largest lakes in Northern Idaho, is an ideal picnic destination with its long sandy beaches and clear blue waters. You can easily find lakeside picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, very convenient for hosting an outdoor barbecue.
Palisades Park featuring picnic areas and a playground
Lake Pend Oreille, the deepest lake in Idaho, is also an excellent choice for picnics. Farragut State Park, located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, has many spacious lawns and shaded picnic areas, perfect for families with young children. Here, you can picnic and participate in activities such as swimming, fishing, sailing, or simply relax on the lawn and enjoy the fresh air.
If you’re looking for a quieter and more nature-immersed picnic space, head to Priest Lake, known as Idaho’s “hidden gem.” Priest Lake has turquoise waters and is surrounded by lush pine forests, creating a wonderfully poetic and romantic setting. You can find small, charming picnic spots along the lakeshore or rent a kayak to explore the small islands and find your own private picnic spot.
Unique Picnic Experiences at Campgrounds
In addition to national parks and lakes, Idaho also has many well-equipped campgrounds, ideal places to combine camping and picnicking. Heyburn State Park Campground, located south of Lake Coeur d’Alene, is one of the oldest campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. Here, you can pitch your tent and have a picnic at your campsite, or use the public picnic areas in the park.
A reminder to keep the environment clean
Ponderosa State Park Campground, located on a peninsula jutting into Payette Lake, is also a great option. This campground has many beautiful campsites with lake and mountain views, along with picnic areas equipped with tables and grills. You can enjoy overnight camping and have cozy picnics by the campfire.
If you are adventurous and want to experience picnics in more pristine locations, try exploring the national forest campgrounds in Boise National Forest or Salmon-Challis National Forest. These campgrounds are often deep in the forest and have fewer amenities, but in return, you will be immersed in wild nature and enjoy absolute tranquility. Remember to prepare carefully and follow safety rules when camping and picnicking in these areas.
Tips for a Perfect Picnic in Idaho
To make your picnic in Idaho truly memorable, keep in mind a few small tips below:
- Choose the right time: Summer and early fall are the best times for picnics in Idaho, when the weather is warm and less rainy. However, you can also picnic in spring or winter if you like the cool air and snowy scenery (for winter).
- Prepare all essentials: Don’t forget to bring a blanket, picnic basket, plates, cutlery, glasses, wet wipes, trash bags, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, insect repellent, and drinking water. If you plan to grill food, bring a grill, charcoal, and grilling tools.
- Choose suitable food: Cold dishes like sandwiches, salads, fruits, pastries, and canned drinks are great choices for picnics. If you want to grill food, prepare meat, sausages, vegetables, and marinades in advance.
- Keep the environment clean: Always remember to clean up trash after your picnic and leave no trace of your presence in nature. Use trash bags and take trash to designated collection points.
- Check the weather forecast: Before going on a picnic, check the weather forecast to prepare appropriate clothing and gear. If it rains, you can bring an umbrella or raincoat in case the weather changes suddenly.
With the above suggestions, hopefully, you will find the ideal picnic spot and have memorable experiences in Idaho. Enjoy the wonderful natural beauty and relaxing moments with family and friends on your picnic trip!