Discover our top picks for perfect picnic spots along the scenic trails of North Central Idaho, where breathtaking views and serene nature await! Pack your bags, and your picnic lunch, and map out your picnic with a view.
Colgate Licks Loop Trail
With rewarding views of the Wild & Scenic Lochsa River and Bear Mountain, this trail is an excellent choice to meander, smell the flowers, and throw a blanket in a meadow for an idyllic picnic. Walk through lush forests of pine, fir, and cedar. There's even a natural mineral lick that attracts a variety of wildlife for its mineral deposits that help bone and muscle growth. It's a short 1-mile loop trail off Highway 12, the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway at milepost 147.9.
Nearby Lodging: Lowell, Powell, Kamiah, Kooskia
Rapid River Trail
Soak in the river views and listen to the water flow over the rocks while savoring your picnic lunch. Head out on this scenic 8.6-mile out-and-back trail near Riggins, Idaho. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 hours to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through May. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Elevation gain: 1,384 ft
Directions:
From Riggins, follow US-95 south about 4 miles. Turn west on Rapid River Road and follow for about 2.5 miles until you reach Forest Rd 2114A. Take a slight right and the trailhead will be on your right near the Salmon River School District.
Nearby Lodging: White Bird, Riggins
Fish Creek Loop
This 8-mile loop trail in the Nez Perce National Forest Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 hours to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, camping, hiking, and biking. The trail is treed and peaceful, with mild inclines and cool shade. This winding path will progressively climb, passing through meadows and over picturesque creeks. Follow the Fish Creek Trail until you ultimately reach a junction with the Boundary Cutoff—keep right here. The lovely path will guide you to the Fish Creek Warming Hut. Explore the isolated cabin, then merge onto the eastbound branch of Debbie’s Cutoff. At the trail’s end, turn left onto the Cabin Trail, which leads through lush forests. Eventually, you will reconnect with the Fish Creek Trail—keep left and hike back to the trailhead. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Elevation gain: 780 feet
Directions:
From Grangeville head east on ID-13/E Main St. Turn south on Mount Idaho Road for .8 miles and continue straight onto Grangeville Salmon Rd for 6.8 miles. Take Fish Creek Loop west with a quick turn south onto Forest Rd 1863A. The trailhead is on your left.
Nearby Lodging: Grangeville
Elk Creek Falls
Explore Idaho's tallest waterfall near Elk River and one of the best trails in Idaho. This 2.6 mile loop trail through the lush forest takes you to the three separate drops: upper, middle, and lower falls. Each has a separate spur off the main loop trail. The upper falls trail can be steep and is switchbacked but you'll be well-rewarded with a refreshing swim in the pool below. The middle falls is the highest in Idaho. Benches dot the trail for peaceful respites. Best time to visit is May through September. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Elevation gain: 652 feet
Directions:
From Elk River, take ID-8 north out of town. The road will curve and turn south for about 2 miles. Turn south on Forest Road 1452 (gravel road) for a couple of miles. It leads to the recreation area parking lot and trailhead.
Nearby Lodging: Elk River, Deary, Moscow
Merry's Bay Trail on Dworshak Reservoir
This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail is an easy hike with scenic views of Dworshak Reservoir. The trail meanders through a fir and pine forest. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Elevation gain: 370 ft
Directions:
From Orofino take Riverside Ave for .1 miles and stay right onto Dent Bridge Rd. Continue as it turns into Lakeview Rd for 1.8 miles. Turn left onto Merry's Bay Road. The trailhead begins here and continues to Bruce's Eddy.
Nearby Lodging: Orofino
