A Soapy Mess Destinations

A stormy sky creates the perfect dramatic atmosphere for the sunset in Sawmill Canyon.

Craters of the Moon is easily one of the most famous attractions in Idaho. It’s bizarre landscape is unlike anything you’ve seen before, which makes it a popular place to visit. Most people have definitely heard of this park before. However, there are several fascinating things about it that have flown under the radar. How many do you know? 1. Craters of the Moon is one of only four national parks in the Gem State. It was proclaimed a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge on May 2, 1924. 2. Many people are unaware of the massive size of the park itself. It is comprised of over 750,000 acres, which is approximately the size of Rhode Island! 3. The park sits on the largest lava field in the entire country! The lava field is comprised of 618 square miles. 4. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and watch your step. The monument lies along the deepest open rift crack in the world...

  Idaho truly has one of the most unique landscapes you’ll ever find, and there are some incredibly special places and things you can see here that you simply won’t find anywhere else. From mind-blowing man-made structures and beautiful gardens to magnificent natural wonders, here are eight marvels in Idaho that must be seen to be believed: 1. Balanced Rock, Castleford Carved thousands of years ago by ancient winds, this 40-ton boulder is balancing precariously on a small tableau only 3 feet wide by seemingly impossible physics. A rugged hike will take you to the base of the unique formation where you can also look out across the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon and Magic Valley landscape. 2. Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Clarkia Just shy of Moscow and overlooking the rolling hills of the Palouse, Hobo Cedar Grove rises above the surrounding prairie from the summit of Moscow Mountain. The grove is fed...

  Hiding within the vast and remote Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a limestone cave that’s filled with otherworldly stalactites, stalagmites, and banded travertine. Open for tours throughout the summer months, visiting the cave makes for a unique adventure that will definitely leave an impression. Explore the many rooms of this geologic wonder when you embark on the cave tour. It’s an experience that definitely belongs on your bucket list, so make plans to visit Minnetonka Cave and see its bizarre beauty for yourself. Hiding in St. Charles Canyon just northwest of Bear Lake, Minnetonka Cave is one of Idaho's most extraordinary natural wonders. This massive cave is filled with jaw-dropping formations, and you can see them all on the official canyon tour. Offered every year from mid-June until Labor Day, the guided cave tour is a fantastic way to experience the cave's nine distinct room. Despite being tucked away ...

Located within the Snake River Plain in central Idaho, Craters of the Moon National Monument is home to one of the state’s most unique landscapes. Consisting mostly of ancient lava flows and lava tubes, exploring this park is a must for anybody who enjoys a rugged adventure. The park’s Cave Trail makes seeing the best of Craters of the Moon as simple as can be. Taking you to the park’s four accessible caves, this brief trail will take you to another world. There's definitely a lot to see at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve near Arco, Idaho. The brief but otherworldly Caves Trail is the perfect place to start your adventure! A permit is required to enter any of the caves at Craters of the Moon. Cave permits are free and can be obtained at the visitor center during business hours. At Craters of the Moon, there are a total of four caves you can explore. The park's other caves are closed to the pub...

When planning a road trip in Idaho, you typically have one goal in mind: to see something extraordinary. While the Gem State is certainly filled with amazing sights and the coolest attractions, there are also gems that are unique to our great state. The popular publication Country Living released a list of the best road trip stops in each state. The locations listed are places that are unique to the state and where you won’t see anywhere else in the country. So, what is considered the best road trip stop in Idaho? It’s none other than the fascinating Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Craters of the Moon is certainly not the most beautiful sight in Idaho, but it is one of the most fascinating natural wonders you will find in the Gem State. Craters of the Moon is located in central Idaho and is essentially large fields of hardened lava flow. What’s interesting about this lava flow is it wasn’t created by...

  Is there anything more heavenly than a bite of fresh, homemade fudge? We don’t think so! Hiding out in a small Idaho town is a darling candy shop that makes fresh fudge every day. With a variety of flavors to choose from, you may just be tempted to try one of everything. Go ahead and do it – your sweet tooth deserves it! There's no doubt about it; Candy Jar is the sweetest spot in all of Blackfoot, Idaho. Touted as the small town's best candy shop, a stop here is a must when you've got a sweet craving. Candy Jar opened its doors in October 2019. The public love for this small business has been evident ever since. They were immediately bombarded by an "avalanche of customers" who were looking to support the business owners and satiate their sweet tooth! Hiding inside of a historic building in Old Town Blackfoot, the candy shop is definitely a breath of fresh air in this...

  A sleepy little town in Idaho’s Silver Valley, Murray isn’t typically considered an especially popular tourist spot. However, if you take the time to explore the treasures this town has to offer, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The history behind this town is bound to pull you in. One of the only businesses in town, the Sprag Pole Inn and Museum is a great place to start when you feel like digging into Murray’s rich history. Welcome to the little town of Murray, Idaho! Named after prospector George Murray, this community was one of the liveliest mining camps in North Idaho during the late 1800s. Located 20 miles from the town of Wallace on Dobson Pass Road, Murray is a quiet place that's mostly home to retirees, loggers, and prospectors. It may not be as rowdy of a place as it once was but there's still plenty to love about Murray, like the iconic Sprag Pole Inn and Museum. ...