The chokecherries are in full fruit along the river banks, quaking aspens are beginning to dot the Big Holes and the Mesa Falls backdrops. Sage is in full bloom with the yellow flowering shrubs standing out in contrast to the aspens and maples heading into hues of orange and red. 

From riverside picnics to scenic drives, taking in the change of seasons in the Northern Rockies is the perfect excuse to throw out a strict itinerary and slow down. Make a day of heading out to  Harriman State Park→ for hiking or biking before continuing north to Island Park and Henrys Lake for a wide variety of plants and trees, which due to the abundance of water in the area, remain great wildlife watching areas as well. 

These areas are host to a magnificent palette of colors. River corridors and mountains promise blazing golds and oranges sprinkled amongst the evergreens and along the riverbanks. There is also a strong likelihood you’ll see wildlife.

Out and back trail, Big Elk Creek, alongside Palisades is a great fall destination for late season hiking, horseback riding and birding. With Big Elk Campground, this quiet arm of Palisades is a great way to hold on to the last days of summer with the whole family. The trail with a moderate elevation gain will lead to broad views of Swan Valley, and its ridgeline of changing colors this fall. 

The Snake River and Swan Valley offer more great fishing and boating opportunities, as well as rafting, canoeing, and numerous trails for hiking, biking, horseback, and ATV riding. Fall Creek Falls is 20 miles away, and the Fall Creek area has hundreds of miles of such trails. 

Another local haunt for fall rainbows is the  Cress Creek Nature Trail in Ririe. Climb through sagebrush and juniper-covered slopes to discover the lush respite of a perennial creek.  The creek’s namesake, the watercress plant, is a favorite food for moose. On bluebird days, it’s breathtaking to take in the Idahoan horizon, with expansive views of the Snake River, volcanoes, and surrounding farmland.