
If you are an outdoors lover, a summertime visit to Idaho at some point is a must. The open space is vast and gorgeous, plus the number of visitors is small compared to National Parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.

Redfish Lake (the photo at the top of the post) is at the base of the Sawtooth Mountain Range. The scenery in this part of Idaho is wonderfully rugged.

Hiking, boating, fishing, biking—it’s all accessible and amazing here.

Even short hikes take you somewhere that feels like a land far, far away from urban living.

We stayed at the Red Fish Lake Lodge (not on Ciao Bambino but needs to be). Families can choose from cabins, motel rooms, and camping. There’s a sandy beach and shallow water—perfect for kids of all ages.

For something more upscale, the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch is a treat. Cozy cabins, delicious meals, and an evening kids’ program my son still talks about make this property an O’Shaughnessy favorite.

I’m still dreaming about the scenery from their deck. It’s a place where you can happily sit for hours and never tire of the view.
If you want more of a dude ranch experience, the Red Horse Mountain Ranch is in our portfolio and has a phenomenal review. Questions about this accommodation category? Read about how to choose the right family ranch vacation.
You can combine a visit to the wilderness with a few nights in Sun Valley for great restaurants and an endless list of outstanding summer events—check out the Visit Sun Valley website for details. The Sun Valley Lodge is part of our portfolio and a longtime family favorite.
For more Photo Friday posts, visit Delicious Baby.
Relevant Links:
Camping with kids tips
Things to do in Idaho on Uptake.com
Topics: Blogsherpa, Destinations, Idaho, Photo Friday, Tips, USA