Unearth The Voyage
Idaho might be famous for its potatoes, but it’s also a hidden gem for wildlife lovers. With its rugged mountains, dense forests, and wide-open plains, the state offers a front-row seat to some of North America’s most fascinating creatures Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a big-game enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good moose sighting, here are the top places in Idaho to experience nature at its wildest.
1. Camas National Wildlife Refuge
Just north of Idaho Falls, this refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise—especially in spring and fall.
Thousands of migrating waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and even bald eagles make appearances here throughout the year.
2. Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Wildlife spotting in the Sawtooths feels like stepping into a nature documentary.
Keep an eye out for mountain goats on rocky cliffs, herds of elk in alpine meadows, and moose near quiet lakes.
3. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
As North America’s deepest river gorge, Hells Canyon is as wild as it gets.
You might spot bighorn sheep scaling the cliffs, black bears foraging in the woods, or golden eagles soaring overhead.
4. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the panhandle near Bonners Ferry, this lesser-known gem is full of surprises.
Deer, moose, beavers, and over 300 bird species call this lush refuge home.
5. Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness
This massive wilderness area is one of the most remote in the Lower 48—and perfect for spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.
Wolves, mountain lions, elk, and even wolverines roam freely across this untouched landscape.
6. Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge
This high-elevation marsh is one of the best places in the state to see sandhill cranes.
It’s also home to trumpeter swans, moose, and an array of wetland birds.
7. Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Tucked away in southeast Idaho, this wetland and marshland area is ideal for waterfowl viewing.
Look for pelicans, herons, and the occasional moose wading through the shallows.
8. Yellowstone National Park (Idaho Entrance)
Most visitors flock to the Wyoming side, but Idaho’s small slice of Yellowstone is rich in wildlife.
You’ll find bison grazing, elk bugling in the fall, and even the occasional bear wandering through the forested areas.
9. Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Spanning southeastern Idaho, this forest is a stronghold for species like black bears, elk, and mule deer.
It’s especially beautiful in the fall when wildlife is active and the scenery turns golden.
10. Harriman State Park
Part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Harriman is known for its moose sightings and fly-fishing-friendly rivers.
Come early in the morning or around sunset for the best chances to see animals up close.
