The state of Idaho has a robust and inspiring landscape. It sneaks up on the Canadian Kootenays, and shares in the mountains of Washington and Montana, as well as the immense forests of Oregon and Wyoming. Idaho is also in the bottom third of the nation for its overall population, and only surpasses six states in terms of the lowest population densities. This paints a clear picture, nay, a beautiful picture, of a wild and free environment where wholesome small towns are the norm. But of all the neat settlements to visit in the name of big-city/hustle-culture respite, these deserve the most attention. Let's kick things off with the four S's.
Sun Valley
Central Idaho's Sun Valley is as special as it sounds. This small, high-altitude resort city is part of Blaine County and centers around Bald and Dollar mountains. These slopes welcome skiers and snowboarders during the action-packed winters, but also provide a summertime playground for avid hikers and mountain bikers. Other popular activities during the fair-weather season include fly-fishing in one of several waterways that mosey through town, or enjoying watching each swing carry a bit further through the thinner air of the gorgeous alpine golf courses. While the local activities are enough to fill a vacation, there are two excellent day trips that can be made from these parts: Sawtooth National Forest sprawls proudly to the West, while Craters of the Moon National Monument awaits to the Southeast.
Stanley
Another sweet, centrally-located small town is Stanley, in Custer County. As of the 2020 census, there were only 116 permanent residents, but the stunning beauty of the Sawtooth Valley and the dozens of imposing spired peaks of the Sawtooth Mountain Range that surround the community draws plenty of outdoor-enthusiast tourists. There is plenty to explore during the day, including the 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area (shared with Sun Valley), which includes a whopping 700 miles of multi-use trails that can take explorers to some of the 300 or so nearby lakes, or the pristine Boise National Forest to the West. If you prefer to breathe the fresh air while staying in one place, cast a line in the Salmon River (you'll never guess what you might catch there…). Otherwise, just stroll the tiny Western town and get to know the fit and friendly residents.
Salmon
Speaking of the Salmon River, the Montana border town a little over 100 miles Northeast of Stanley also found a home on this lengthy and abundant waterway, and was inspired to adopt the same name. The Lemhi County town of Salmon sits in another jaw-dropping valley (which unsurprisingly shares its name with the revered river). Fishing is once again a big pastime in this old-school mining/lumber/ranching town, but so too is rafting, with local outfitters running regular tours in the summer. And continuing the trend of gigantic swaths of unspoiled nature is the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness Area. At 2.367 million acres, it is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states. Even the 3,000 or so locals have a hard time scratching the surface of this place, but visitors can at least get a memorable taste over the course of a committed weekend.
Sandpoint
Up in the state's geographical chimney, on the Northern arm of the 43-mile-long Lake Oreille (i.e. Idaho's largest body of water), the charming and fun city of Sandpoint suits all persuasions. This seat of Bonner County has one of the bigger populations on this list (8,639 as of 2020), and therefore offers more in the way of summer socializing. The Sandpoint City Beach gives visitors a place to sprawl out and enjoy the sunshine, and the walkable collection of ice cream parlors, eateries, coffee shops, and markets are ready to assist in all vacation indulgences. At the same time, Sandpoint is sandwiched between the Kaniksu National Forest (to the North) and the Idaho Panhandle National Forests (to the South) and situated amongst the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, so there is once again no shortage of big backcountry adventures to be had.
McCall
Another rocking lakeside spot is the Valley County resort town of McCall. Situated around the Southern portion of the gorgeous Payette Lake, and adjacent to Little Payette Lake, this Southwestern Idaho getaway is just 100 miles North of the capital city of Boise. McCall sports a walkable downtown that encourages active afternoons (if not already splashing around the lake or getting after it on the golf courses during the summer, or carving fresh powder in the winter). If walking is your preferred speed, make sure to stroll out onto the long peninsula of Ponderosa State Park, eventually reaching the rewarding Narrows Overlook. When the sun sets on another fulfilling day, add a few more stamps to the McCall Ale Trail passport program from the ten local participating breweries.
Idaho City
If based out of Boise, make sure to also include Idaho City in your small town road trip itinerary. This Boise County town sits just 40 miles Northeast of the capital, between Elk and Mores Creeks and right up against the Boise National Forest. Founded in 1862 during the gold rush and quickly peaking as one of the largest towns in the Northwest, Idaho City connects visitors to a bygone era, while also scratching the ghost town itch. Enjoy the Wild West architecture and quirky vibes that the 500 or so residents proudly preserve. It's easy to walk around and enjoy the sights as they emerge, but to delve deeper into the local history, why not join in for a guided tour instead? If that gets you into the locomotion groove, keep the momentum going with some of the excellent hikes that begin just outside of downtown, and then soothe those weary muscles at The Springs – a geothermal retreat center on the edge of town.
Wallace
Surrounded by the Idaho Panhandle Forest and all the adventure it affords, Wallace is one of the most prosperous extant mining towns around. The entire Shoshone County silver settlement is listed on the National Register of HIstoric Places. Those wanting to find out why can join the underground mine tour, visit the mining museum, or pop by the old train station and perhaps even the retired bordello. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will also feel right at home. There are over 1,000 miles of old mining, logging, and Forest Service roads that act as an interconnected trail system for mountain bikers, ATVers, and snowmobilers – the largest in the world, in fact, of its kind. If that was not enough, there is also the Route of the 15-mile Hiawatha Scenic Bike Trail (converted from the old railroad line) and the 73-mile "rails-to-trail" Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes.
Priest River
A little over 20 miles West of Sandpoint, also in Bonner County and inching towards the Northeastern Washington border, Priest River is sitting pretty where the impressive Pend Oreille River and the North-South eponymous river converge. This quiet city of under 2,000 residents is a lovely spot for picking mushrooms and huckleberries amidst the backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains. At the same time, the local waterways welcome paddlers, anglers, and boaters, while the nearby Gisborne Mountain/Priest River Experimental Forest hike provides a challenging and scenic outlet. Those looking for an engaging Sunday drive can cruise the 29.9-mile Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage Scenic Byway, of which Priest River is a favored stop on, or even continue on the rest of the 280-mile International Selkirk Loop, which expands into Washington and the Canadian province of British Columbia.
"The Gem State" is a perfect nickname for Idaho. This unassuming chunk of middle America may not flash prominently on everyone's radar, but it is ready to impress anyone who devotes the time and attention to its varied and storied lands. The natural environment is the dominant attraction, with seemingly boundless reaches and a timeless aesthetic, but no adventure is possible (or desirable) without a welcoming basecamp. These eight small towns, in particular, are some of the best places to visit, regardless of the season.
