The 5 Best Places To Go Huckleberry Picking in Idaho This Summer

 Potatoes? Sure, we know the Gem State is known for the starchy vegetable. But for many individuals, it's all about the huckleberry and huckleberry season in Idaho! The huckleberry was officially named the state fruit in 2010 ... and is it any wonder why? We love huckleberries and all things containing them. However, the best part about enjoying this delicious berry is the adventure of finding it. It's notoriously difficult to cultivate huckleberries commercially on farms. The main method of obtaining them is going out and picking them in the wild—the old-fashioned way.

Since huckleberries thrive at higher elevations, going into the mountains is an absolute must. Huckleberry season in Idaho usually begins in mid-June and goes through August. Obviously, this can vary based on temperature, precipitation, and other factors. Many Idahoans are pretty tight-lipped about their favorite huckleberry-picking spots. After all, it's tough not to be greedy about these juicy fruits! However, this list contains just five places for you to try your luck at huckleberry picking in Idaho this year.

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1. Coeur d'Alene National Forest

Finding a huckleberry patch can be fairly challenging. However, once you do find the patch, the fruits themselves tend to be quite abundant. If you're searching for where to pick huckleberries in Idaho, the Coeur d'Alene Mountains are especially known for their great quantity of the fruit. Most people's strategy is to pick a hiking trail, like the lengthy Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, and follow it until they spot a berry bush!

2. Priest Lake

When it comes to berry picking, it doesn't get much better than northern Idaho. Priest Lake is one of our favorite places to visit in Idaho during the summer. This is such a great excursion, particularly if you're looking to camp overnight. It's not hard to find a treasure trove of huckleberry bushes here. There's plenty for everyone!

3. Ponderosa State Park

Just outside of McCall, Ponderosa State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Idaho. Does anything sound better than spending the day in a beautiful forest scavenging for berries? We think not.

4. Teton Valley

The Teton Valley is located on the western slope of the Teton Mountains. This is a spectacularly beautiful region, and seasoned berry pickers know that berries are nearby if you can sniff a sweet tartness in the air. So, follow your nose to the prize! And if you don't want to head into the mountains for a taste of huckleberry, head to Victor Emporium and try one of their famous huckleberry shakes.

5. Huckleberry Creek, Sawtooth Mountains

The aptly named Huckleberry Creek is a great spot for huckleberry picking. Its remote location ensures a certain amount of solitude while you're out searching for berries. However, human Idahoans aren't the only lovers of huckleberries. This is a spot where you must be on the lookout for bears.

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Did your favorite berry-picking location make our list? Are you willing to share? If so, fill out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you. And if you plan on going for a hike to pick huckleberries out in the wild, check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for everything you'll need before hitting the trails.

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