You may not think of Idaho as being a particularly photogenic state. That’s probably because its neighbors of Utah, Wyoming, and Montana get lots more attention with their respective national parks. The truth is that Idaho has a lot to offer the intrepid landscape photographer in the way of beautiful scenery. So, check out these places in Southeastern Idaho for some ideas.
1. Idaho Falls
The city of Idaho Falls is beautifully situated on the Snake River which runs down the center of town. You can see the waterfall for which the town is named in my photo to the left. It’s the central feature for which the city is famous.
The waterfall is shallow and controlled by a dam which makes for the straight lines and sharp angles you see in the picture. Also, it’s surrounded by a city park and a greenway which are very popular with the local residents. There are viewing platforms built around parts of the river to make viewing the waterfall much more pleasant.
Due to its location, it’s very difficult to get a shot of the waterfall without including a piece of the Idaho Falls LDS temple in the shot as well. If you’re into that sort of photography, this combination of landscape and architecture makes for a beautiful overall photograph.
2. Mesa Falls
Situated upstream from Idaho Falls is the pair of waterfalls which are collectively called Mesa Falls. There’s both an upper falls (depicted here) and a lower falls. Both are in a canyon which makes them very dangerous areas if you stray off the path.
Mesa Falls is a state park which is a popular side trip for those on their way to visit Yellowstone. It’s a short few minutes trip off the main highway and a worthwhile view. You can access it easiest when you reach Ashton.
3. The Tetons
The famous jagged mountains known as the Teton Mountains are on the shared border between Idaho and Wyoming. The most famous peaks, depicted to the left, are the main draw for Grand Teton National Park. However, this is what they look like from the other side.
Their unusual shape and close proximity are what makes towns like Driggs such popular tourist destinations in Idaho. Imagine waking up everyday and walking out your door in the morning to this view.
4. Craters of the Moon National Monument
One thing Idaho is not well known for is its geologic activity. This is surprising because of our proximity to one of the most well known geologically active sites in the world: Yellowstone National Park.
Craters of the Moon is a lava plain with several extinct cones which covers 1,117 mi². There are several different trails you can hike to check out the rock formations, ancient dead trees, and other points of interest. While it’s downright unpleasant to visit during the heat of summer, flower season is a rare treat to behold around June.
5. City of Rocks National Preserve
Here’s a site which is on the edge of what I’d call Southeastern Idaho. City of Rocks National Preserve is a great nature area which is managed by the Department of Interior but currently doesn’t charge an entrance fee.
Everywhere you look in this area, there are giant rocks sticking up for no apparent reason. There are mountains around but these rocks are not a part of the mountains. They do make for some great exploring though.
6. Massacre Rocks
Here’s a state park with some history behind it. As the name suggests, there was indeed a massacre which took place there and several settlers lost their lives to the native population thanks to a big misunderstanding. The park shows off this pioneer heritage.
You’ll find this portion of the Snake River nestled in a region with small hills very near the Oregon Trail. There’s also a place where Lake Bonneville is said to have broken through. It’s a rather obvious scar in the landscape.
7. Targhee National Forest
The Targhee National Forest area around Island Park is a beautiful lodgepole pine tree forest. In this area you will find the beautiful and highly recreational Island Park reservoir, Mesa Falls State Park mentioned earlier, and Harriman State Park.
This is one of two different national forests which Southeastern Idaho has. It’s the better-looking of the two forests as well. With wide open skies and even a view of the Tetons, this area is one of the best places for amazing sites in Idaho.
8. Palisades
The area around the Palisades reservoir, on the Snake River and the Wyoming border, is some amazingly beautiful forest. It’s a sight to behold when autumn rolls around and the leaves change color for the season. You can see a few hints of that in my photo to the left.
Palisades is a very scenic drive where you climb and descend several times as you drive the length of the winding northern shore-line. You can get so many different views of the lake and the surrounding hills as you go.
9. Henry’s Lake
Many of the lakes in Southeastern Idaho are man-made. Not this one. The naturally occurring lake that is Henry’s Lake State Park is located just outside the northern end of Island Park and not far from the Montana border.
You’ll find Henry’s Lake surrounded on two sides by mountains. The other two sides, however, have a very open view of the surrounding landscape. It’s a shallow lake that is a favorite stop for lots of local waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and pelicans.
10. Devil’s Creek Reservoir
So many of our entries have been from the northern portions of Southeastern Idaho. However, this one is not. This one is very close to the border with Utah. It’s the beautiful nature area called Devil’s Creek Reservoir.
Situated high up in the mountains near Malad Pass, this mountain lake is difficult to miss as you drive in on Interstate 15, that is unless you are driving through in the dark. The side of the road suddenly drops off and you can see this beautiful lake below you.
This area is popular with ice fishermen. The higher elevation of the lake really contributes to it having thick enough ice for a man to easily walk on.
The surrounding mountains give this area a picturesque feel well worth coming to see.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Idaho is one of those places in the United States which could be called a hidden gem. How ironic given that it’s also the “Gem State.” There are beautiful scenic vistas and incredible landscapes to check out all over the place. You just have to know where to go to find them. So, if you want to check out some of these places and more, there are plenty of places you can stay, or even camp, and lots of help to find just the right place to photograph.
Know some other amazing vistas to go see in Southeastern Idaho? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share them in the comments section below.
