If this is your first time here – WELCOME! If not, welcome back!! As full-time RV’ers, we travel and see a lot. This is part of our Opting Out of Normal series where we explore the hidden treasures in every state. We love the big popular attractions like everyone else, but there is just something incredible about discovering something unique, different, and taking the road less traveled. We certainly can’t explore them all, but we’d love you to share your own off the beaten path stories. Each series will include at least 1 epic boondocking area, with GPS coordinates.
Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
Located in Garden Springs. The hot springs in Idaho are in such abundance. Located in Garden Springs, Idaho. This 4 (reasonably sized) tiered hot springs all vary in temperatures and will require a very cold river crossing (make sure it’s safe before crossing) It sits right above the Middle Fork of the Payette River. Guess what? There are several free, dispersed campsites nearby for boondocking/dry camping. Most of them are also RV friendly. This is good for us since we boondock our way through the USA.
You have to freeze before you can get warm. In order to get to this hot spring, you have to cross a river. The river may or may not make your feet numb! Ha! Totally worth it! As with any hot springs, if you’re shy about naked peeps, don’t go. If you’re worried about your kids seeing the occasional naked man or woman, head to a local public pool instead.
Getting There / Staying There: Located just under 11 miles North of the little town of Crouch.
Boondocking GPS: 44.252283, -115.891129 or 44.247927, -115.891907 We would always recommend not arriving on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Especially in the summer.
Hells Canyon
Have you been to Hell’s Canyon? Hells Canyon is North America’s deepest river gorge.
The recreation area offers scenic vistas, world-class whitewater boating, fishing, spectacular mountain peaks, and vast reaches of remote wilderness. There are very calm sections you can flat water float in your kayak, but please do your research and remember weather and rain amounts affect this.
Elmer’s Fountain
Located in Mullan Idaho – This is just such a neat thing to see! Elmer Almquist built these fountains. He was a silver miner and resident of Mullan. These beautiful, artsy water features were erected in remembrance of one of Almquist’s closest friends, who today is remembered only as Arnold. Arnold was Elmer’s best friend and the original owner of the land the fountains are on. These year-round fountains are made from old mining salvage and are located on close to 600 acres of forested land just off of the highway. The water comes from nearby Gold Creek. Which as it comes down the steep slopes from Gold Creek mine, maintains enough pressure to run the fountains. This is such a unique and definitely off the beaten path sight to see.
Balanced Rock
You just gotta say “defying gravity” when looking at this! Weighing an estimated forty tons, this natural Idaho wonder formed by ancient waters and strong winds make for a perfect day-trip. The park itself is right along Salmon Falls Creek in South Central Idaho and offers picnic areas as well as a short hike to the Salmon Creek canyon rim. This is a perfect half-day trip but so worth it. Take a lunch, sit by the creek, and wonder how the heck that top-heavy rock stays there!
Malad Gorge
This is often overlooked in favor of the larger Hell’s Canyon.
Malad Gorge in the Thousand Springs State Park. A stunning river canyon forged by an ancient volcanic eruption, eroded and smoothed by the Snake River and its smaller tributaries. Malad has exhilarating views from the crest, as well as small waterfalls pinpointed throughout the 250-foot deep gorge. Did we mention we love waterfalls? Also don’t miss the Devil’s Washbowl for yet another incredible viewpoint, which continues to grow with time.
Center of the Universe Manhole
Located in Wallace, Idaho
Here’s a fun one! The mayor made the declaration in 2004. The story behind this is so unique and funny that I thought I’d just leave it for you to discover on your own. Is it really the center of the universe? You should go find out!
Kayaking to Shoshone Falls
(Update) We came back to Idaho to kayak the Snake River. If you haven’t done this, and you like kayaking, this is a must for you. Put-in is at the Centennial Park in Twin Falls, located on the north side of the canyon. Easy parking. Great put in area. We paddled up to Pillar Falls, (about 1.5 miles) on easy flat water. Pillar Falls was almost as exciting and beautiful as the main attraction Shoshone Falls. You have to carry your kayaks over a small area at Pillar Falls. Nothing too hard, but you do have to portage over an area.
Blue Heart Springs
This is the most amazing hidden gem ever! This is a super simple kayak trip. Much easier than kayaking to Shoshone Falls even. About a mile once you put in at Bayberry Hot Springs. If you have your own kayaks, they charge you $5 to put in. But they also rent them M-Sat. On your trip to Blue Heart Springs, you’ll see lots of waterfalls, and wildlife. Definitely make this a whole day trip!
Idaho Potato Museum
I mean it IS Idaho! Ha! So maybe this isn’t really off the beaten path, but who can go to Idaho without seeing the world’s largest potato chip? It’s a 25-inches long Pringle dating from 1991. Really fun for the kids, and … the kids at heart! Plus the history! Who knew there could be so much potato history?
Here are a few other blog posts we think you’ll love!
- Off the Beaten Path in California. Our Top Hidden Gems You Just Have to See!
- Simple DIY RV Renovation
- The Best Tips for Organizing Your RV Stuff
- Off the Beaten Path in Alabama. Our Top Must See Places!
Boondocking
We came back to Idaho to do some more bucket list things, and found a couple more boondocking places to share! See picture with GPS location!
Near Hagerman – Bell Rapid’s Access. GPS: 42.7932413. -114.9361663. Easy access, 10 day maximum stay, flat, paved and scenic. Trash and pit toilets available.
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This is an awesome post….
Thank you very much!!