Where is Idaho Located in the United States?

Idaho is located in the northwestern United States, known for its rugged landscapes, mountainous terrain, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The state is famous for its agricultural output, particularly its production of potatoes, and is also home to vast wilderness areas and national parks. Idaho is bordered by six U.S. states and one Canadian province. The postal abbreviation for Idaho is ID, and the state has a population of approximately 1.9 million people. Spanning an area of 83,569 square miles, Idaho ranks as the 14th largest state by area in the U.S. The state capital and largest city is Boise. Idaho became the 43rd state to join the Union in 1890. Idaho falls within two time zones: the majority of the state operates on Mountain Time (MT), while the northern Panhandle region operates on Pacific Time (PT).

Bordering States

Montana

To the northeast, Idaho shares a long border with Montana. This border is defined by the rugged Bitterroot Mountain Range, which is part of the larger Rocky Mountains. The Idaho-Montana border is characterized by forested mountain terrain and scenic landscapes, making it a popular area for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Interstate 90 connects the two states, facilitating travel and trade, especially between cities like Missoula, Montana, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The shared wilderness areas between Idaho and Montana, including parts of the Bitterroot National Forest, are important for conservation and wildlife protection. These areas are home to various species, including elk, deer, and bears, and serve as significant recreational zones for both states. Economically, the timber industry and tourism are key industries that benefit from the natural resources found along the border.

Wyoming

To the east, Idaho shares a border with Wyoming, which is mostly marked by the Teton Range and Yellowstone National Park. The town of Jackson, Wyoming, located just east of the border, is a popular destination for tourists visiting Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, both of which attract millions of visitors annually. Idaho’s access to Yellowstone is primarily through its southeastern corner, where the Island Park region offers scenic views and outdoor recreation.

The border between Idaho and Wyoming is significant for its tourism and outdoor activities. The Snake River also flows through this region, contributing to the agricultural and economic output of both states. Skiing, hiking, and fishing are popular pastimes along this border, especially near Grand Targhee Resort, located on the Idaho side of the Tetons.

Utah

To the south, Idaho shares a border with Utah. This border runs across flat plains and high desert regions, with the Bear River and Bear Lake providing natural landmarks. The southern part of Idaho is heavily influenced by its proximity to Utah, particularly in terms of agriculture and transportation. Interstate 15 runs north-south through both states, connecting Idaho’s largest city, Boise, with Salt Lake City, Utah. The area around the Idaho-Utah border is known for farming, ranching, and outdoor recreation, especially around Bear Lake, a popular spot for boating and fishing.

Utah’s influence on Idaho can also be seen in the cultural and economic ties between the two states, with many Idaho residents traveling to Salt Lake City for business and shopping. In addition, the southern part of Idaho is home to large Mormon communities, reflecting the cultural spread from Utah.

Nevada

To the southwest, Idaho shares a relatively short border with Nevada. The terrain along this border is mostly desert and high plains, with very few large cities or towns. The Idaho-Nevada border region is known for its isolation and wide-open spaces, offering a stark contrast to the mountainous areas found elsewhere in Idaho. However, it is also an area rich in mining history, with Nevada’s influence on Idaho’s economy seen through its shared industries of mining, ranching, and agriculture.

Nevada’s vast open deserts spill into southwestern Idaho, where visitors can experience the remote wilderness of the Jarbidge Wilderness Area, a region known for its pristine, untouched landscapes. This area is popular among hikers and those seeking solitude in nature.

Oregon

To the west, Idaho is bordered by Oregon, with the Snake River serving as a natural boundary for much of the border. This region is significant for its agricultural production, particularly in the fertile Snake River Valley, where crops like potatoes, onions, and sugar beets are grown. The Treasure Valley, which stretches across the Idaho-Oregon border, is a major agricultural hub and home to several large farming communities.

Interstate 84 connects the cities of Boise, Idaho, and Ontario, Oregon, facilitating trade and travel between the two states. The shared water resources of the Snake River are crucial for both states, supporting agriculture, hydroelectric power, and recreational activities like fishing and boating.

Washington

To the northwest, Idaho shares a border with Washington. This border is relatively short, running along the Palouse region, an area of rolling hills and fertile farmland. The cities of Pullman, Washington, and Moscow, Idaho, are located near the border and are home to major universities—Washington State University and University of Idaho—creating a vibrant academic and cultural exchange between the two states.

The Palouse region is known for its wheat production, and agriculture is the dominant industry in this border area. The shared landscape of rolling hills and rich soil makes this region an agricultural powerhouse for both states.

GPS Coordinates

Idaho is located between 42° N and 49° N latitude and 111° W and 117° W longitude. This positioning places Idaho in the northwestern United States, giving the state a diverse range of climates and ecosystems. The northernmost point of Idaho is part of the Idaho Panhandle, which stretches toward Canada and is characterized by dense forests, lakes, and mountainous terrain. This area, near 49° N latitude, is home to Priest Lake and the Selkirk Mountains, offering a cool, forested environment ideal for outdoor activities.

Idaho’s southernmost point, at 42° N, lies near the border with Nevada and Utah, where the climate is drier and more arid. This region is dominated by high desert plains and agricultural land, contrasting with the lush forests and mountains found in the northern part of the state.

In terms of longitude, Idaho’s easternmost point, located at 111° W, is near the border with Wyoming and Montana, where the Teton Range and Yellowstone National Park create a stunning mountainous landscape. The westernmost point, at 117° W, is near the border with Oregon and Washington, in the Snake River Plain, an area known for its fertile farmland and agricultural output.

These GPS coordinates place Idaho primarily within the Mountain Time Zone (MT), although the northern Idaho Panhandle, west of the Rocky Mountains, falls within the Pacific Time Zone (PT). This unique time zone division reflects the geographic diversity of the state, from mountainous northern regions to southern desert plains.

Levels of Elevation

Idaho’s varied terrain results in significant changes in elevation, from low plains to towering mountain peaks. The lowest point in Idaho is located at 710 feet above sea level, where the Snake River crosses the state’s western border into Washington. This area, near the town of Lewiston, is part of the fertile Snake River Valley, known for its agriculture and river-based commerce.

In contrast, Idaho’s highest point is Borah Peak, which stands at 12,662 feet (3,859 meters) above sea level. Located in the Lost River Range of central Idaho, Borah Peak is the tallest mountain in the state and a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. The ascent to Borah Peak involves a challenging climb, particularly along the section known as Chicken Out Ridge, but it rewards adventurers with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

Between these two extremes, Idaho is home to a diverse range of elevations, with much of the state sitting between 2,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level. The central part of the state, dominated by the Sawtooth Range and Bitterroot Range, is highly elevated, with rugged mountain terrain, while the southern part of Idaho, including the Snake River Plain, is relatively flat and lower in elevation. The Boise area, for example, sits at around 2,700 feet, making it ideal for both agriculture and urban development.

The variation in elevation across Idaho creates diverse climates and ecosystems. Lower elevations, such as those along the Snake River, experience hot, dry summers and milder winters, while higher elevations in the mountains are cooler year-round, with significant snowfall in the winter months, supporting Idaho’s ski resorts and outdoor recreation industry.

Most Extreme Points of the State

Idaho’s geographic extremities showcase the state’s diverse terrain, ranging from low river valleys to high mountain peaks and rugged wilderness.

• Northernmost point: Idaho’s northernmost point is located in Boundary County, near the Canadian border. This area, part of the Idaho Panhandle, is characterized by forested mountains, rivers, and lakes. The town of Bonners Ferry is located nearby, and the region is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The northern Panhandle is home to large tracts of national forest, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
• Southernmost point: Idaho’s southernmost point is found near the town of Montpelier, close to the Idaho-Utah border. This region, part of the Bear Lake Valley, is known for its high desert plains and agricultural activity. The nearby Bear Lake, which straddles the Idaho-Utah border, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming, contributing to the region’s tourism industry.
• Easternmost point: Idaho’s easternmost point is located near the town of Driggs, close to the Wyoming border and the Teton Range. This area is known for its proximity to Grand Teton National Park and offers stunning views of the Tetons. The town of Driggs is a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the region for hiking, skiing, and exploring the wilderness areas that stretch into Wyoming.
• Westernmost point: Idaho’s westernmost point is near the town of Fruitland, along the Snake River, which forms part of the state’s boundary with Oregon. This area is part of the Treasure Valley, known for its fertile farmland and agricultural production. The Snake River serves as a critical water source for farming and irrigation, making this region vital to Idaho’s agricultural economy.

Major Mountains

Idaho is home to several prominent mountain ranges that dominate its landscape, particularly in the central and northern parts of the state. The most well-known range is the Sawtooth Range, located in central Idaho. The Sawtooth Range is part of the larger Rocky Mountains and is named for its jagged peaks, which resemble the teeth of a saw. This range is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering, with its dramatic peaks and alpine lakes offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which encompasses much of the Sawtooth Range, is a protected wilderness area that offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The tallest peak in the Sawtooth Range is Thompson Peak, which reaches an elevation of 10,751 feet.

Another significant range in Idaho is the Bitterroot Range, which forms much of the state’s border with Montana. This range is characterized by its rugged terrain, dense forests, and deep river valleys. The Bitterroot National Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting, while the mountains themselves are a popular destination for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

The Lost River Range, located in eastern Idaho, is home to the state’s highest peak, Borah Peak. The Lost River Range is known for its dramatic elevation changes and remote wilderness areas, making it a favorite among more experienced hikers and mountaineers. The range is sparsely populated, with only a few small towns nearby, adding to its remote and rugged appeal.

In northern Idaho, the Selkirk Mountains stretch into Canada and provide a forested, mountainous landscape that is perfect for outdoor recreation. The Selkirks are known for their pristine lakes, such as Priest Lake, and are popular for hiking, boating, and camping. The northern part of the Selkirk Mountains is also home to large populations of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Idaho’s waterways are essential to its geography, economy, and outdoor recreation. The state’s most significant river is the Snake River, which originates in Wyoming and flows across southern Idaho before forming the border between Idaho and Oregon. The Snake River is vital for agriculture in Idaho, providing irrigation for vast expanses of farmland, particularly in the Snake River Plain. The river is also a major source of hydroelectric power, with several dams along its course, including the Hells Canyon Dam, which helps generate electricity for the region.

The Snake River is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and rafting. The Hells Canyon, which the river flows through, is the deepest river gorge in North America and offers spectacular views and challenging rapids for adventurous rafters.

Another important river in Idaho is the Salmon River, often referred to as the “River of No Return.” The Salmon River flows through central Idaho and is known for its wild and untamed waters. It is a major destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, with rapids that attract thrill-seekers from across the country. The river flows through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, one of the largest contiguous wilderness areas in the United States, offering a remote and pristine environment for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

Idaho is also home to several large lakes, the most famous of which is Lake Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho. This scenic lake is a major tourist destination, offering boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. The town of Coeur d’Alene, located on the lake’s northern shore, is a popular resort destination, known for its beautiful scenery and vibrant community.

Another significant lake in Idaho is Pend Oreille Lake, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the western United States. Located in the Idaho Panhandle, Pend Oreille Lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as sailing, kayaking, and fishing. The nearby town of Sandpoint is a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the lake and its surrounding wilderness areas.