When the weather begins to cool off all around the USA, Southern Idaho stays beautiful and warm. Summer adventures are just as exciting during autumn, here! Trails are less populated, the landscapes turn gold, and the weather is generally sunny and 75. Travel has resumed in Idaho, and our restaurants are open and ready to safely serve you. The hotels are practicing extra cleaning measures to assure your health is in good hands. It’s the perfect season to fall back into travel, and Idaho is the place to be!
Sight-Seeing
The views are plentiful in the Magic Valley and the surrounding mountains. Experience a new adventure around every corner in Southern Idaho. The Snake River Canyon is one of those incredible places. During autumn, the canyon’s vegetation turns yellow and against the blue river, the sights are stunning! Explore waterfalls like Shoshone Falls and Perrine Coulee. Rent a kayak at Centennial Waterfront Park from AWOL and enjoy a peaceful kayaking adventure on the river viewing orange and yellow reflections on the water.
Twin Falls County
Head up to the mountains to view fall foliage! Magic Mountain Ski Resort is located about an hour south of Twin Falls. The entire drive up this mountain will be shades of autumn. The gorgeous aspen trees are scattered all around as well as vibrant yellow flowers. Hike to Ross Falls to walk through the turning aspen trees and end at a pretty waterfall against a bright orange and moss covered wall. Wahlstrom Hollow is also a hike leading through colorful trees and bushes. The hike is a 9 mile loop, but is beautiful in sections as well.
Soldier Mountains
Another gorgeous area to hike in is the Sawtooth National Forest near Soldier Mountain. Drive north of Fairfield and enjoy many options to get outside! Soldier Mountain has a brand new mountain biking park open Friday-Sunday. There are hot springs deeper into the mountains called Worswick Hot Springs and Skillern Hot Springs. Worswick is easy to access with a parking lot just across the stream, however, Skillern Hot Springs is a 6 mile round trip hike! The hike to Skillern can be difficult, but the hot spring at the end is absolutely worth it! Visit The Wrangler for tasty food and treats in Fairfield after a day in the mountains.
Cassia County
Rupert is a great town to visit every fall because their downtown square turns into a festive scene! The trees all turn beautiful colors surrounded by the historic buildings. Drive north to a quiet park at Lake Walcott State Park. The disc golf at Lake Walcott is extremely fun, plus it provides views of the lake and mountains in the distance. Fishing is allowed at Lake Walcott and the bass are plentiful. The trees surrounding the park all turn bright and its incredible to see them reflecting off the lake. Heading south of Rupert and Burley will bring you to the quaint towns of Albion and Declo. There is a huge pumpkin patch called the Burley Straw Maze and Pumpkin Patch where you can take the family for lots of fun. Enjoy the straw maze, pumpkin patch, jump pad, gigantic slide, zip line, corn pit, train rides, hayrides, laser tag and more!
Looking for more of a haunt? Take a tour through the Haunted Mansion of Albion. These spooky buildings have many reports of paranormal activity and they are on the way to one of the most beautiful fall destinations of all! The City of Rocks National Reserve is always beautiful, but when fall rolls around and the foliage turns yellow and orange; the views just cannot be beat. Rock climb and hiking is available at the City of Rocks, and the park is easy to navigate in a vehicle.
Hagerman Valley
The Hagerman Valley is another great place to visit while partaking on your autumn adventures. The Snake River also pops with colorful trees and plants, plus there are secret blue water oasis’s hidden in it’s canyons. Ritter Island is one of those places that has blue water. There are two vacation homes on Ritter Island available to stay in, as well as hotel options in the nearby town of Hagerman. Visit Niagara Springs State Park to see waterfalls and hang out on a dock for a picnic or fishing day!
Wineries and Breweries
Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery is the perfect place for a family picnic while you’re visiting the Hagerman Valley. Enjoy their huge lawn and patio while sipping on some delicious wine! They host tastings often where you can learn all about their vineyard and products.
A great brewery and restaurant is located in Buhl called Magic Valley Brewing. Their seasonal fall flavors are delicious, and don’t forget to sample some of their famous homemade soda! There is a back patio to enjoy the lovely weather while drinking locally crafted beer and feasting on locally sourced food.
Downtown Twin Falls holds two local breweries, Milner’s Gate and Koto Brewing. Milner’s Gate – Idaho Craft Brewery is an upscale-causal restaurant, craft brewery and bar. The restaurant actually happens to have a small amount of paranormal activity going on, just in time for spooky season! Koto Brewing is located right on Main Street and also supply delicious local craft beer. Their microbrews pair delightfully with local fresh food in a friendly casual dining atmosphere.
Farmer’s Markets and Orchards
Kelley’s Canyon Orchard is located a short drive west of Twin Falls. They have delightful peaches, plums, apples, and other homemade goodies sourced from their fruits. Kelley’s is located right on the river’s edge in the Snake River Canyon and has an Airbnb right on the property for you to stay!
Twin Falls holds a downtown Farmer’s Market until mid October where you can purchase goods from local families. The Farmer’s Market is up every Saturday located on Main Street. Another great market to visit in Twin Falls is A Farmer’s Market Place located on the north side of Twin Falls. Local farmer’s sell their produce here and it is a great way to support local plus try delicious foods!