There are so many reasons to explore the Gem of the Northwest. Idaho is jam-packed with adventures, from scenic byways to hot springs to hiking and everything in between. When you find yourself visiting Idaho, there’s no better place for a home base than a bed and breakfast. While there are a plethora of these inns to choose from, we’ve scoured the state and selected one unique bed and breakfast experience for each of the seven regions of Idaho to get you started.
We’re kicking off our list with the oldest hostelry in northern Idaho, aptly named The Northern Hotel. Located on Priest Lake in Coolin, Idaho, this two-story log hotel was built in 1900 and restored into an inns in 1993. You can choose from six rooms named for a geographic feature of Priest Lake, or guests can reserve the whole place. While all of the suites feature period antiques, old lake cabin furnishings, and handcrafted quilts, two have sitting rooms and private bathrooms, and two other rooms have separate entrances.
Enjoy the private dock where you can safely swim and moor your boat after a day spent on the lake. Or, spend your day on the large deck in front of the inn, watching the activity on the water while you share lunch at the shaded picnic tables. The stone fire pit on the deck and the stone fireplace in the parlor are the perfect places to reminisce about your adventure as the day turns to night.
Worth The Drive:A little less than an hour away from The Northern Hotel you can wander through 800 to 2,000+ year old living cedar trees and find yourself at the base of a waterfall at Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars and Granite Falls.
Our next stop takes us to North Central Idaho and the Reflections Inn. Located on 10 wooded acres on Clearwater River in Kooskia, Idaho is a secluded mountain getaway. The eight private rooms are rustic yet cozy and feature country-style decor that complement the breathtaking views of the Clearwater River and Bitterroot Mountains.
You’ll awake renewed and refreshed and ready to fuel up for your day filled with hikes, bird watching, fishing, and more. You’ll find a continental style breakfast is served daily. Or, you can whip up your own meals on the outdoor grill or in the Guest Services room, offering a kitchen. Should you decide to spend the day or evening at the inn, you’ll find games and books as well as an outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and a private hiking trail.
Watch a Video: Kooskia is along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway. Idaho’s longest byway at 202 miles follows the route Lewis and Clark took through north-central Idaho.
Continuing on, we find a unique and elegant ranch experience known as Elkhorn Bed and Breakfast tucked away in Mesa, Idaho. This working goat and sheep farm welcomes you to stay amongst friendly dogs, goats, lambs, and horses. Your guest room is a comfortable place to disconnect (there’s no Wi-Fi but cell reception is good) and features charming western decor, a king bed, and an ensuite bathroom inside the log home.
The food here is a real treat. You can savor farm-to-table dishes with milk and cheese made from the farm’s goats, as well as other locally sourced ingredients. The signature ranch house breakfast includes favorites like eggs, hash browns, sausage, homemade bread, and fresh fruit. It’s the perfect start to a day spent hiking or simply soaking up the ranch atmosphere while admiring views of the Weiser River watershed and Payette National Forest.
Chip In: You can get a workout at this bed and breakfast by chopping firewood. This working farm has loads of logs to take a whack at, which will strengthen your core and improve your stress level.
Our next destination takes us mere minutes from the Snake River Canyon to a picturesque and traditional bed and breakfast in Twin Falls, Idaho — The Fillmore Inn. This classic brick Tudor style home offers four suites to choose from. While they all include a television and refrigerator, there are some decidedly different options, from a private entrance to private baths and electric fireplaces to a private office. One suite even has a silver veined marble jetted tub/shower connected directly to the bedroom.
In addition to homemade cookies and spring water, you will delight in a home-cooked breakfast. Afterward, consider retiring to the sun terrace to read the complimentary newspaper before you head off to explore. The Perrine Bridge and Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon Jump Site are just a few miles away, and downtown Twin Falls’ boutiques and restaurants are a half-mile walk away.
Worth a Stop:The Shoshone Falls are less than a half hour drive from The Fillmore Inn. At 212 feet, the falls are higher than Niagara Falls and is the perfect spot to play and have a picnic.
As we reach the high country, we find ourselves one-half mile from the Utah border at The Blue Bird Inn. Located in Fish Haven, Idaho, the inn is surrounded by the Bear Lake Valley and overlooks the shores of Bear Lake. You can choose from five themed rooms: anniversary, bear, beehive, bluebird, and hummingbird. While the rooms look different, they each have a shower, tub and double sinks, and a fireplace. Should you want lots of space or are seeking more privacy, you can choose The Apartment. This accommodates from two up to eight guests and comes complete with two full bathrooms and full kitchen privileges to prepare your own meals.
There’s also a dining area, where you can join fellow guests for a hearty breakfast before striking out to ride ATVs, bike, fish, boat, and more, in the dining area. Each morning you can enjoy gourmet fare made fresh daily, including breakfast pizza, easy eggs bearnaise, French toast casserole, frittata, and quiche Lorraine. Each breakfast is served with fresh fruit and fresh biscuits served with homemade raspberry and apricot jam.
Stop and Learn: See what it was really like to settle Idaho at the National Oregon / California Trail Center, featuring re-enactments of the wagon train experience with actors.
We continue on to the foot of the Tetons, where you’ll discover Fin & Feather Inn. Located in Victor, Idaho, where the Tetons and Big Holes mountains collide, is a charming lodge offering five guest suites. Each suite is named for its amazing location (mallard, trout, wildflower, farm rooms, and the Teton suite) and provides a private bathroom, with most featuring large dual-headed showers, granite sink vanities, and in-floor heating. One suite actually has a claw foot tub, stand-alone shower, and granite-topped vanity.
Each morning, you’ll wake up to a delicious homemade breakfast, fresh air, and stunning views. Family favorites include eggs cooked in a cast-iron skillet, crunchy hash browns, fresh-baked croissants, and donuts. Or, try some house specialties like the fried polenta, prosciutto, poached egg with sauteed onions, egg in a basket with baked prosciutto and asparagus, and frittatas made with asparagus planted and harvested on-site. After a day of hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fly fishing, or skiing, you can gather around the fire pit to recall the day’s fun.
Take a Hike: The Fin & Feather Inn is perfectly situated to hike the Teton Valley. Discover the hiking trails in Teton Valley and an interactive map to help you find the perfect path
Rounding out our Idaho B&Bs is the Syringa Lodge Bed and Breakfast located in Salmon, Idaho. This enormous log cabin lodge is situated on 19 acres of an old homestead that overlooks the town, Salmon River, and the surrounding mountains. You can choose from six rooms with two you can convert into a suite by adding an adjoining bedroom. Each room has its own charm. The fine touches include a canopy bed, hourglass velvet chair, a curly maple vanity with matching desk, and a picture of Elvis Presley, to name a few.
Before you head out to hit a hiking or ski trail or any other number of outdoor activities, indulge in a home-cooked breakfast. There’s something to tempt every taste bud, with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage links, fluffy pancakes, breakfast casseroles, as well as fresh fruit, biscuits, and homemade granola.
Ride the Rapids: You can challenge yourself on the “River of No Return” on a whitewater rafting trip. About 7,000 people a year ride the class I to class IV rapids of the Salmon River.