We didn’t end up doing the full trail—just about a mile in and back—but even that short stretch was packed with wildlife and views that made us stop more than once. The water here is unbelievably clear, and there are plenty of little paths that lead right down to the river’s edge.

It is a hike where you don’t really need a destination. Just being out there feels like enough.

📍 Near Upper Coffee Pot Campground, Island Park, ID (Google this to get there)

🅿️ Park at the fisherman’s lot near Forest Rd 043 – that’s where the trail begins. You’ll pass the campground, cross a road, and follow the sign for Coffee Pot Rapids Trail.

Distance: 2.2 miles one way (4.4 round trip)

Time: 2–4 hours if you do the full trail

Difficulty: Easy

Good for: Families, casual hikers, and anyone who just wants a peaceful walk by the water

Watch your step for roots and rocks, and be careful with little ones—there are a few steep slopes near the river. There’s plenty of shade along the way, though, and lots of places to rest or dip your hands or feet in the water. The rapids are at the end of the trail.

🐻 This is bear country—bring bear spray and make some noise as you hike.

🌲 Pack out what you pack in.

📚 The trail is featured in Hiking with Kids Idaho by Holly Horch, if you want more ideas for hikes with kids in Idaho, this is a great book.

See our experience below.

Coffee Pot Rapids Trail is easy, quiet, and beautiful in that natural, untouched way that makes you slow down a little.

Even if you don’t make it all the way to the rapids, you’ll still get everything that makes this area special—shady forest, clear river, and the kind of peace you don’t realize you’ve been missing until you’re standing there in it.

Keep Idaho beautiful. Pack out what you pack in and leave it just as wild for the next person who wanders down the trail.