Idaho

7 Secluded Towns in Idaho

Published

1 year ago

December 1, 2024

There is much more to visiting Idaho than seeing a hub of the world’s potato production. This authentic piece of Americana also houses some of the most scenic and secluded small towns that offer an immersive escape from life’s hustle and bustle. People come to the state to get lost in nature, as the entire state boasts nearly five million acres of wilderness and natural landscapes. Smaller towns, like Riggins or Bonners Ferry, stand in wonder with breathtaking landscapes for those who want to recharge. While they call it The Gem State, many visit for things like the whitewater rafting you can experience in Riggin’s Salmon River or the relaxing trails of Bonner Ferry’s Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Riggins

View of the Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho.

Riggins is positioned between the mountains, providing a lot of cover and making it a location many might not even know exists. Nicknamed the “Whitewater Capital of Idaho,” the town is set primely on Salmon River, a hotbed for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. Visitors can be submerged in outstanding natural beauty at places like Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, where the panoramic views and diverse wildlife offer a serene getaway.

Besides natural beauty, Riggins is also a place with active local life and friendly people. Every year during the summer months, the races of Salmon River Jet Boats attract audiences from all over. The locals here love to tell visitors about Seven Devils Bar & Steakhouse, which offers mouthwatering regional cuisine. When you want to let that sweet tooth run wild, check out another favorite in River Rock Café, famous for its homemade pies.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a backwood for those searching for quiet retreats amidst landscapes that take your breath away. Tucked in picturesque rolling hills in western Idaho, this quaint little town offers the ultimate retreat for peaceful relaxation. Nature lovers will surely not forget the trip to Weiser River Trail, which offers miles of walking and cycling across a scenic former rail line that takes adventurers through lush valleys and pristine open countryside.

Community spirit is displayed through this town’s small businesses. Try OH Honey Bee-stro for outstanding comfort food and attentive service. Also, one may get enlightenment about the area’s colorful history from the Cambridge Museum, which is a must-do for the member of your party who enjoys studying an area’s backstory. Want a unique and festive experience? This little town goes wild annually during Hells Canyon Days, when rodeos, parades, and local crafts add to the spirit of small-town life.

Bonners Ferry

Bonners Ferry is an enchanting retreat for anyone seeking seclusion amidst nature’s grandeur. Those seeking the town will discover the Kootenai Valley, and vice versa – as the community’s personality is quietly tied to this scenic protected property. Find your haven of peace in the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, with serene walking trails offering second-to-none bird-watching opportunities and stunningly beautiful views of diverse wildlife in their respective natural habitats.

However, there is more to Bonners Ferry than the refuge. History buffs begin their tour at the Boundary County Museum for an unforgettable look at the community’s wild past. Dining at the rustic Dot’s Country Kitchen is also a memorable experience, with homemade dishes to savor amidst a warm atmosphere. The serene nature and an electric local culture make Bonners Ferry ideal for a secluded retreat.

Driggs

Driggs shares the same landscape as the Grand Teton Mountains and is a haven for outdoor lovers. In winter, people visit the nearby Grand Targhee Resort, where world-class skiing and virgin powder slopes attract visitors. In the summer, hiking and mountain biking trails at this same resort open up amidst stunning views.

But beyond its natural charm, Driggs is filled with active community spirit and its unique attractions. Want to grab a nice bite? Check out Forage Bistro & Lounge, a farm-to-table eatery that offers up flavors of the region in a cozy setting. Meanwhile, the Teton Geotourism Center provides fascinating exhibits on local geology and culture. Driggs seamlessly balances seclusion with adventure and a local flair to create the right vacation spot for travelers wanting to unwind.

Donnelly

Donelly is a quiet retreat amidst the picturesque landscapes of Valley County and a haven of perfection for people seeking seclusion. Lake Cascade is one of the town’s primary draws, a main source of entertainment and recreation, offering fishing, boating, and water sports. Another natural draw is the year-round recreation at the Tamarack Resort, which includes biking, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

Beyond the natural beauty, local businesses have enjoyed long-term success, like the famous Cougar Dave’s Food & Spirits, for a filling meal and a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Don’t pass by Flight of Fancy, a quaint stop for some breakfast pastries and baked goods. Donnelly also hosts an annual Huckleberry Festival in August. This delightful event features food vendors, local crafts, and active entertainment.

Victor

The village of Victor is a quiet haven and a personal invitation to explore the breathtaking beauty of Teton Valley. Located near the Wyoming border, Victor offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the towering Teton Range. Nature’s beauty is waiting to be discovered here, with opportunities abounding for hiking, fly fishing, and mountain biking. The nearby Teton Pass transforms into a snowy wonderland for those coming in the winter and hoping to hit some slopes for skiing and snowboarding.

The local culture in Victor is alive and well, and the community is friendly. Popular Victor Emporium treats guests to refreshing huckleberry milkshakes after a day of adventure – a true Idaho classic. To try some local brews, West Side Yard serves up delicious drinks for a fun night in Idaho.

McCall

Travel to the heart of the Payette National Forest, and you will find McCall. The mountainous town provides beautiful views and serves as an entrance to Payette Lake’s crystal-clear waters, ideal for kayaking, fishing, or simply a relaxing lounge. When the temperatures cool enough to support the snow, Brundage Mountain Resort draws in those looking for a real alpine adventure with its legendary powder for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

McCall’s peak beauty is matched only by its vibrant local culture. Savor regional cuisine in the cozy setting of Steamers Steak & Seafood. Another must-visit is the Manchester Ice & Event Centre, where ice skating provides fun for all ages.

Wrapping Up

Small towns across Idaho have a natural appeal and a warm community spirit, making them ideal for a secluded retreat. Whether exploring the pristine Payette Lake in McCall or savoring huckleberry milkshakes in Victor, visitors can discover unique experiences in every corner of the Gem State. Smaller towns full of scenic beauty and genuine hospitality offer a refreshing haven where the cadence of daily life yields unforgettable moments of serenity and discovery.

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Idaho

Police chase ends with 2 people arrested in Idaho Falls – Local News 8

Published

23 hours ago

February 3, 2026

Press Room

Police chase ends with 2 people arrested in Idaho Falls – Local News 8

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – A high-speed chase on I-15 ended at the Broadway off-ramp in Idaho Falls near the former Shari’s Restaurant on Tuesday afternoon.

Idaho Falls Police spokeswoman Jessica Clements said around 2 p.m., Idaho State Police stopped a white SUV was stopped on I-15 between the Hells-Half Acre Rest Area and Shelley exit. Suddenly, the vehicle sped away north on the Interstate. The trooper then chased after them, requesting help from Idaho Falls Police.

Clements said the vehicle took the Broadway exit and crossed the intersection, running through a fence near the Idaho Falls welcome sign and came to rest on the sidewalk just outside the Shari’s building.

Clements said police quickly arrested the driver and a passenger. They are calling it a drug investigation even though they haven’t said if any illegal drugs have been located.

An SUV is searched after a high speed with Idaho State Police on Feb. 3.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Idaho

Fisherman lands record Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in East Idaho

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2026

Press Room

Fisherman lands record Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in East Idaho

HENRYS LAKE, Idaho — Not many anglers go out fishing with the hope of breaking a state record.

Robert Gregory, however, had his hook set on greatness this past New Year’s Eve.

“My college buddies and I got up early, went ice fishing at Henry’s Lake with a goal of catching a state record cutthroat trout, if possible,” Gregory told Idaho Fish & Game.

Idaho Fish & Game

What started as a fairly productive morning of fishing on Dec. 31 changed completely when Gregory decided to fish shallower waters.

Once he’d switched tactics, Gregory hooked and landed a 19-inch 3.08-pound Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, the new state record for the species.

“Yellowstone cutthroat trout aren’t your run-of-the-mill trout. They are one of Idaho’s three native subspecies of cutthroat trout and are found almost exclusively in the Snake River basin above Shoshone Falls and in the Yellowstone River basin. That means anglers can only find them in southern and eastern Idaho, parts of Wyoming and Montana, and tiny bits of Nevada and Utah.” – Idaho Fish & Game

After weighing the record-breaking trout at home, he took the catch to a certified scale at a local grocery store, where the record was confirmed.

What makes the catch so special is that Henrys Lake is one of the only places an angler can legally harvest Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are also one of only three native subspecies of Trout that call Idaho home, making the record catch even more spectacular.

You can find Idaho Fish & Game records here: Records for fish caught in Idaho

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Idaho

Idaho Medical Marijuana Campaign Collects Over 45,000 Signatures For Ballot Initiative As Poll Shows Strong Voter Support – Marijuana Moment

Published

2 days ago

February 2, 2026

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Idaho Medical Marijuana Campaign Collects Over 45,000 Signatures For Ballot Initiative As Poll Shows Strong Voter Support – Marijuana Moment

An Idaho campaign says it’s collected more than 45,000 signatures to put a medical marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot—and recent polling shows overwhelming majority support for the reform among residents.

The Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho (NMAI) announced on Friday that it’s amassed its signature haul with a team of petitioners deployed throughout the state targeting “high-traffic areas” and public events to meet the threshold for ballot placement.

To make the cut, the campaign needs 70,725 valid signatures from registered voters statewide, including six percent from at least 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts.

“Idahoans are excited to finally have the chance to bring non-addictive, natural medical treatment alternatives to patients here at home,” Amanda Watson, communications lead for the Natural Medicine Alliance of Idaho, said in a press release. “With Idaho being one of just four states where cannabis is fully illegal, these numbers indicate that voters are ready for change.”

The Idaho Medical Cannabis Act, which NMAI unveiled in October, would provide patients with qualifying conditions access to marijuana from a limited number of dispensaries and provide a regulatory framework for the market.

Here are the main provisions of the Idaho Medical Cannabis Act:

Health practitioners would be able to recommend medical cannabis to patients with conditions that include, but are not limited to, cancer, anxiety and acute pain.
Medical marijuana patients or their designated caregiver could purchase up to 113 grams of smokeable cannabis, or 20 grams of THC extract for vaping, per month.
The state would be start by issuing three vertically integrated cannabis business licenses, after which point it could license up to six total.
Marijuana would be reclassified under state law as a Schedule II, rather than Schedule I, controlled substance.
State and local law enforcement would be barred from assisting in federal drug enforcement activities related to the state-legal cannabis program.
There would be anti-discrimination protections for those who use or sell marijuana in compliance from state law, preventing adverse actions by employers, landlords and educational institutions.
It does not appear that there would be any equity-centered reforms, nor would the initiative provide for a home grow option.

In addition to the signature update, the campaign also released the results of a statewide poll showing that 83 percent of likely voters back medical cannabis legalization, including 74 percent of Republicans, 95 percent of Democrats and 92 percent of independents.

Asked how they would vote if the current medical cannabis legalization does appear on the November ballot, 76 percent of respondents said “yes.” Of that cohort, 50 percent said they would “definitively” vote yes, and just 21 percent said they’d vote “no.”

The survey involved interviews with 400 likely voters from October 23-26 of last year, with a +/- 4.9 percentage point margin of error.

After the medical cannabis initiative was unveiled last year, a separate campaign that launched in 2024, Kind Idaho, told supporters that it would be suspending its own signature gathering for a ballot initiative to legalize the personal possession and cultivation of marijuana by adults.

Kind Idaho previously introduced medical marijuana ballot measures intended to go before voters in both the 2022 and 2024 elections, but the efforts proved unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, voters this year will see a different kind of proposal on the ballot: A constitutional amendment that the legislature approved to make it so only lawmakers could legalize marijuana or other controlled substances.

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Marijuana Moment is tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.
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Legislators separately held a hearing last March to discuss a bill to enact medical cannabis legalization legislatively, but there hasn’t been meaningful action on the issue in the months since.

Separately, a bill from Rep. Bruce Skaug (R) last year would have set a $420 mandatory minimum fine for cannabis possession, removing judges’ discretion to apply lower penalties. Skaug said the bill, which ultimately stalled in committee, would send the message that Idaho is tough on marijuana.

House lawmakers also passed a bill to ban marijuana advertisements, though the Senate later defeated the measure.

Photo courtesy of Brian Shamblen.

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