5 Most Beautiful Places to Photograph in Idaho (2024)

You might not immediately think of breathtaking landscapes and well-known landmarks when you think of the state of Idaho, but we are here to tell you that this is a common misconception. In fact, Idaho is a stunning state that is home to such unique and diverse landscapes that you will not find anywhere else in the United States. This makes it the perfect destination for not only tourists but also photographers.

Idaho is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world as well as equally incredible man-made attractions that are worth capturing on film. From dramatic jagged mountain peaks to the most incredible otherworldly volcanic landscapes, Idaho remains untouched and largely unexplored even today. The state is home to some of the biggest wilderness areas in the world as well as in the US. No matter which part of the state you visit, you will find spectacularly picturesque views that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

5 Most Beautiful Places to Photograph in Idaho

Here are some of the best places to photograph in Idaho:

1. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

We begin with the most otherworldly-looking attraction in Idaho that is unique to this state. You might not have heard of the Craters of the Moon National Monument since it is a little-known preserve located in the center of the state. However, once you visit this beautiful and unique location, you will understand that this dynamic and strange landscape is one of the best places to photograph. Complete with cinder cones, massive lava flows, lava tubes, and many other notable volcanic features, this landscape is so unique that the Apollo 14 astronauts even came here to train for their mission to the moon in 1969.

The Craters of the Moon monument comprises of five caves that are each known to have their unique features. This is why it is well worth the effort to visit all five caves. When it comes to photography, the Indian Tunnel is said to be the most photogenic place here, as the sunlight shines right through a collapsed ceiling in the cave, creating beautiful and incredible scenery. As you explore the landscape, you will also find that the top of the Inferno Cone is another excellent place to click some stunning photographs, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Clicking photos here will ensure that you are able to capture the long volcanic history of this place beautifully on your camera.

2. Sawtooth Scenic Byway

The Sawtooth Scenic Byway, also known as State Highway 75, is another beautiful place to head to if you want to click some of the best photographs in Idaho. This is the best place to get access to the stunning Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the Sawtooth Mountains, and the Sawtooth National Forest. Majestic rugged mountains are the star attraction of this byway as the route takes you through the magnificent Boulder Mountains right to the base of the Sawtooth Mountain Range. Along the way, you not only get to witness some of the most stunning scenery, but also come across many local wildlife including deer, pronghorn antelope, and elk.

You will find a wide variety of scenic, natural, archaeological, cultural, and recreational experiences as you travel along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway with your camera in tow. The best time to check out this highway is in the winter when the mountains are topped with snow.

The 115-mile-long highway is not only the best way to explore these beautiful mountains, but also one of the best ways to check out the natural beauty of Idaho up close.

3. Perrine Bridge

Located in Twin Falls, Idaho, the Perrine Bridge is a breathtaking sight that will have you reaching for your camera again and again. This beautiful bridge spans the mesmerizing Snake River Canyon sitting on the northern part of Twin Falls. Being 1500 feet long and almost 500 feet high, the bridge is the best way to check out some stunning views of the lakes, waterfalls, and of course, the river itself.

It won’t be wrong to say that Perrine Bridge is one of the most iconic landscapes in Idaho. In fact, the bridge is famously known to be the state’s greatest treasure. The first thing that strikes a first-time visitor is that the bridge is beautifully camouflaged against the awe-inspiring and rugged magnificence of the Snake River Canyon. The original bridge was actually constructed in 1927, but the one you see today also has a significant amount of history attached to it, having been opened to traffic since 1976.

The bridge is an architectural marvel and the only man-made structure in the country from where base jumpers are allowed to legally jump off. While visiting the bridge, you will often find jumpers diving off the bridge. To get the most fantastic views of the Snake River, head to the pedestrian walkways that line both sides of the bridge and offer the best views. If you move towards the southern rim of the canyon, you will come across a monument dedicated to Evel Knievel at the spot from where he is said to have unsuccessfully tried to jump across the canyon on his rocket motorcycle in 1974.

Today, the Perrine Bridge is one of the main entry points to the town of Twin Falls and over the years, it has become somewhat of a mascot for the town as you will find it making an appearance on almost everything from billboards to advertisements.

4. Shoshone Falls

Commonly known as the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls lets you experience true natural beauty amidst the most incredible setting. This towering beauty of a waterfall draws thousands of tourists to Idaho every year. For photographers, Shoshone Falls is the place where you can capture the exhilarating beauty of the Niagara Falls experience, but with half of the crowd and hustle-bustle associated with the popular Niagara Falls. Not only will you get an opportunity to capture the beauty of this stunning waterfall, but also the landscape around it, which is equally breathtaking.

Located just northwest of Twin Falls, the Shoshone Falls brings the thundering waters of the Snake River crashing from almost 212 feet across the nearly 900-foot distance. The sheer magnificence of this horseshoe-shaped waterfall is a spectacle that visitors from all over the country come here to witness for themselves. Shoshone Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the country and not many people know this, but this waterfall actually surpasses even the magnificent Niagara Falls in height.

For photographers who want to capture the true beauty of this waterfall, spring is the best time to come here as the snow just begins to melt and the water still remains at nearly full flow. The beauty of the falls is best captured at sunset, but you have to time your visit just right as the sun stops falling on the walls of the Snake River Canyon well before the actual time of sunset.

If you want a closer look at this impressive waterfall, you can take a kayak or paddleboard up to the base of the falls from Centennial Falls. But for this, you will need to pay an extra fee at Pillar Falls.

5. Hell’s Canyon

Hell’s Canyon is one of the most famous destinations in Idaho. In fact, it is the deepest river gorge in the entire North America and a must-visit attraction when you are in Idaho. The canyon was actually carved out by the forceful waters of the Snake River. Sitting very close to the Oregon border, Hell’s Canyon is today one of the most popular places for those who seek adventure.

The Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and you will find many people flocking here to try their hand at fishing. Surrounding by some spectacular mountainous peaks, Hell’s Canyon is home to many magnificent hiking trails. To reach the remote areas of the canyon, you can either opt for river rafting or climb aboard one of the jet boat tours that are offered here. If you are trekking, the best part to take is the Snake River National Recreation Trail No. 102, which is a photographer’s dream as it takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery of Hell’s Canyon.