Best Time to Visit Northern Idaho

The best time to visit Idaho will depend on what you are seeking for your road trip itinerary. If you want beautiful fall foliage, hit the road in autumn. Winter should be on your bucket list if you want colder air and falling snow! You can also enjoy the springtime flowers starting in April too. Want to hike or boat your day away? Summer may be the season for you.

I recommend going on your Northern Idaho road trip in late spring, summertime, or early fall to get the most out of your experience. Winter is also beautiful in Northern Idaho but can also limit the amount of swimming, camping, and hiking availability. Also, remember that some locations are closed in the winter, and roads can become icy. Make sure you are comfortable with winter driving conditions if you plan to go then.

How to Get to Northern Idaho

There are a few ways to get to Northern Idaho, from planes to long drives. Boise, the capital of Idaho, wouldn’t be my first choice, but it is the largest airport in Idaho. You can always fly in here, but beware that Idaho is a large state, and driving up to Northern Idaho can take up to 6+ hours. 

My first choice would be to fly into Spokane, Washington, and start your trip here as it’s the most accessible place to fly into to get to Northern Idaho and only 40 mins from Coeur d’Alene. If you can get a flight into Pullman, Washington, or Lewiston, Idaho, that will also work. 

Roadtripping is another excellent way to access this part of the state, especially if you are coming from the Pacific Northwest. 

What To Pack For A Northern Idaho Road Trip

Idaho is an outdoorsy state; honestly, anything goes in terms of clothing for dining or nights out. The majority of the state has a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe. Knowing what to pack in detail will depend on the season, but here is a quick packing list to get you started! Also, this is a good resource as well!

Hiking Boots

Proper footwear for outdoor adventures is so important! Sneakers or flats with slippery or low-grip bottoms can ruin your day in the forest. Do yourself a favor and invest in good boots or shoes with proper grips. These are my favorite at the moment.

Layers

Being over-prepared with layers can make or break your trip. Mornings can be cold in the mountains, with crisp air in both summer and winter. You can start your day with a base layer and a jacket but end your day in a T-shirt. This is normal for states that are at higher elevations. Bringing multiple…