Best Places to See when Driving from Boise, Idaho to Spokane, Washington

Driving from Boise, Idaho to Spokane, Washington is a beautiful road trip that takes you through sceneries of high mountain ranges, national forests, rural landscapes, and occasionally, UFO sightings. Idaho is famous for its rugged natural beauty, and Washington is the state of stunning waterfalls, rocky coastlines, and glacier-fed rivers. The 6.5-hour drive between these two cities can be broken down into several pit stops and scenic detours that make the journey more worthwhile. Here are some of the top places to see when driving from Boise, Idaho to Spokane, Washington:

Craters of the Moon National Monument

The first stop of this scenic drive is the Craters of the Moon National Monument in southern Idaho. This geological wonderland is a sea of black lava flows, spatter cones, and deep craters that resemble the moon's surface. It was formed about 15,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, and it covers over 700,000 acres of wilderness. The park offers visitors a chance to explore the cinder cones, visit lava tubes, and enjoy bird-watching and stargazing. Don't miss the Indian Tunnel, a lava tube that extends 800 feet into the darkness.

Shoshone Falls

Located in southern Idaho, Shoshone Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the United States. It is often called the "Niagara of the West" for its sheer size and majesty. The falls drop 212 feet, which is higher than Niagara Falls, and the water cascades over a 1,000-foot-wide rim. The park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and trails for hiking and biking. The viewing platform gives visitors an excellent view of the falls, and the mist from the falls creates a rainbow on sunny days.

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

About an hour's drive north of Spokane, Washington, is the Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. The park is home to the prehistoric Dry Falls, which is the remains of the largest waterfall in history. Over 10,000 years ago, the falls were 400 feet high and ten times the size of Niagara Falls. At the park, visitors can hike along the many trails that take them through the desert, past the towering cliffs, and along the lakes. The park has several campgrounds, swimming areas, and picnic sites, making it a perfect stop for families.

Grand Coulee Dam

Located on the Columbia River in central Washington, the Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest concrete structures ever built. The dam was constructed between 1933 and 1942, and it generates hydroelectric power for millions of homes and businesses in the Pacific Northwest. The dam's Visitor Center offers tours that provide a glimpse into the workings of the dam, the incredible engineering feat behind it, and the history of the area. Visitors can view the nightly laser light show that illuminates the entire dam, choreographed to music, and tells the story of the dam's importance to the region's development.

Riverside State Park

Riverside State Park is located in Spokane, Washington, and is the largest state park in the area. The park covers over 14,000 acres of wilderness on the banks of the Spokane River. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty, including the majestic pine forests, freshwater marshes, and serene beaches. The park offers several activities, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking. The park's crown jewel is the Bowl and Pitcher, which is a set of rock formations that create rapids and small waterfalls, popular for kayaking and tubing.

Conclusion

Driving from Boise, Idaho, to Spokane, Washington, is a journey of breathtaking scenery and exciting pit stops. The route takes you through national monuments, stunning waterfalls, ancient geological formations, and scenic state parks. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or a casual traveler, there is something for everyone along the way. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and hit the road. You won't be disappointed with the beauty that you encounter on this unforgettable trip.