Idaho Road Trip: Off the Beaten Path to Yellowstone

After landing at Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah, you’ll head north to Bear Lake. Stretching for 30 kilometers across the Utah border into southern Idaho, Bear Lake is known for its breathtaking turquoise-blue water, earning it the nickname “The Caribbean of the Rockies.” Spend the day paddle boarding, cast a line for some fish or enjoy an exciting excursion on a personal watercraft. Travelers seeking the best sand to soak up the sun on should head to North Beach, while East Beach is a hidden gem thanks to its close-by camping spots. During the summer, don’t miss out on the Raspberry Days Festival which features concerts, games and mouthwatering raspberry treats during the third week of July.

Once you’ve experienced the wonders of Bear Lake, hit the road north to historic Montpelier. Stop by the National Oregon/California Trail Center for a simulated wagon adventure headed west. A live cast of pioneer reenactors will guide you through the stories of those who traveled across the USA, bringing the tales of their journey to life. After the tour, stop by the Pegleg Smith’s Trading Post gift shop for souvenirs such as Western-themed books, jewelry and delicious handmade jams.

From Montpelier, the adventure continues in Soda Springs, a historic town where Oregon Trail pioneers discovered naturally carbonated springs and learned how to make soda pop out of the bubbly soda water. Sample some refreshing fizzy water at Hooper Springs Park and snap photos at Geyser Park, the only captive geyser in the world. The geyser erupts every hour on the hour and shoots water up to heights of around 21 meters. Golf enthusiasts should plan an afternoon at the Oregon Trail Country Club where you can tee off in style on the nine-hole golf course where you can still see depressions from pioneer wagons and handcarts that passed through. In Thomas Corrigan Park, see the historic Dinkey Engine No. 1, a miniature locomotive that played an important role in the history of Caribou County, transporting supplies to and from the Alexander Reservoir. Train enthusiasts should also check out President Theodore Roosevelt’s stagecoach. After you’ve explored Soda Springs, the scenic valleys and hillsides of Swan Valley await to the north.