Midvale IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Midvale, Idaho.
1. Hell's Canyon
AMERICA'S DEEPEST RIVER GORGE
Hell's Canyon is North America's deepest river gorge, encompassing a vast and remote region in Idaho and Oregon with dramatic changes in elevation, terrain, climate, and vegetation. The recreation area offers scenic vistas, world-class whitewater boating, fishing, spectacular mountain peaks, and vast reaches of remote wilderness. Recreation season in the lower section typically runs from early spring through late November, with winter storms and summer thunderstorms common along the canyonlands and mountain ridges.
2. Weiser River National Recreation Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE TRAIL
The Weiser River National Recreation Trail runs parallel to Highway 95 in Midvale and is easily accessible for outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife often seen along the trail include deer, elk, heron, bear, raptors, and wild turkeys, with the southern portion featuring rolling hills and open canyons topped with black lava cliffs. Recent improvements include new restrooms adjacent to the trail and an information kiosk with plenty of parking nearby to begin biking or trekking adventures.
3. Midvale Mercantile
CHARMING COUNTRY STORE
Midvale Mercantile is a charming country store located in a historic building in Midvale, Idaho. The store offers everything visitors need and more, making it a great stop for provisions during adventures on the Weiser River Trail. Its convenient location near the trail makes it an ideal resupply point for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the area.
4. Mundo Hot Springs
NATURAL THERMAL WATERS
Mundo Hot Springs is a popular natural attraction near Midvale with a 4.0 rating from visitors. The hot springs offer natural thermal waters perfect for relaxation after exploring the region's outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the geothermal features while taking in the beautiful Idaho countryside scenery.
5. Heavens Gate Lookout
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Heavens Gate Lookout is a highly-rated scenic viewpoint with a 4.8 rating that can be accessed from Riggins via Trail #101. The lookout provides spectacular panoramic views of Hell's Canyon and the surrounding wilderness areas. Visitors can experience breathtaking vistas of the dramatic landscape that showcases the region's natural beauty.
6. Black Lake Campground
WILDERNESS CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Black Lake Campground serves as a major trailhead (Trail #214) that can be accessed from Riggins for those exploring the Hell's Canyon area. The campground provides an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts looking to venture into the wilderness on multi-day excursions. Located in a scenic setting, it offers visitors a genuine Idaho outdoor experience with access to numerous recreational opportunities.
7. Windy Saddle Trailhead
GATEWAY TO WILDERNESS
Windy Saddle Trailhead provides access to Trail #124 and includes Windy Saddle Horse Camp for equestrian visitors exploring the Hell's Canyon area. The trailhead serves as a gateway to trails that track steep slopes as well as follow ridges and traverse moderate slopes and benchlands. This access point facilitates exploration of the spectacular mountain peaks and vast reaches of remote wilderness that define the region.
8. Snake River Trailhead
RIVER ACCESS POINT
Snake River Trailhead connects to Trail #102 and is one of the major trailheads accessible from Riggins for Hell's Canyon adventures. The trailhead provides access to the Snake River, famous for its world-class whitewater boating and fishing opportunities. Visitors can experience the dramatic landscape where the river has carved North America's deepest river gorge.
9. Council Valley Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Council Valley Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the Council Valley and surrounding areas near Midvale. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts, photographs, and stories that illustrate the cultural heritage and development of this part of Idaho. The museum provides valuable historical context for understanding the region's past and how it has shaped the present-day communities.
10. Washington County Fairgrounds
COMMUNITY EVENTS HUB
The Washington County Fairgrounds in Cambridge serves as an easy access point to the Weiser River Trail for those visiting from Midvale. Beyond trail access, the fairgrounds host various community events, agricultural exhibitions, and gatherings throughout the year. The venue provides visitors with opportunities to experience local culture and connect with the agricultural heritage of the region.
11. Midvale Bed and Breakfast
TRAILSIDE COMFORT LODGING
The Midvale Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located adjacent to the Weiser River Trail, providing comfy lodging for outdoor adventurers. Visitors can rest up after a fun day on the trail before continuing their biking or trekking adventures the next day. The accommodation's prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring the natural attractions in and around Midvale.
12. Weiser Trailhead
SOUTHERN TRAIL GATEWAY
The Weiser Trailhead is the southernmost access point to the Weiser River National Recreation Trail, located one-half mile east on East Main Street in Weiser. This horse-friendly area has improvement plans that include horse corrals, hitching rails, and a horse path alongside the first paved mile of the trail. From here, visitors can begin their journey north toward Midvale through rolling hills and open canyons topped with distinctive black lava cliffs.
13. Seven Devils Mountains
MAJESTIC WILDERNESS PEAKS
The Seven Devils Mountains form a spectacular mountain range near Hell's Canyon that offers challenging hiking and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. These majestic peaks rise dramatically from the Hell's Canyon gorge, creating one of Idaho's most impressive landscapes. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous trails through diverse terrain featuring alpine lakes, forests, and meadows with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
14. Snake River Adventures
WHITEWATER THRILL RIDES
Snake River Adventures offers world-class whitewater boating experiences on North America's deepest river gorge near Midvale. Visitors can enjoy guided rafting trips through the dramatic Hell's Canyon landscape with its challenging rapids and stunning scenery. The river provides opportunities for various water activities including fishing for steelhead and sturgeon in one of Idaho's most iconic waterways.
15. Payette National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS PLAYGROUND
Payette National Forest encompasses a vast region near Midvale with diverse ecosystems ranging from desert grasslands to alpine forests. The forest offers numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and winter sports across its 2.3 million acres. Visitors can explore spectacular mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and remote wilderness areas that showcase Idaho's natural beauty at its finest.