The premier location for viewing the northern lights in the US is undoubtedly Alaska, but the aurora borealis occasionally graces other northern states as well. Idaho, with its dark skies and vast horizons, offers promising prospects for witnessing this natural phenomenon. However, conditions must be just right, and predicting these events in advance is challenging.
When can you see the Northern Lights?
Depending on the solar activity, the season when it's more likely to happen stretches roughly from September through March, and sometimes beyond. The best time is a dark and clear night between 10 pm and 2 am. This year, locals were able to observe the aurora borealis in mid-May due to a coronal mass ejection from the sun, which sent plumes of solar material toward Earth.
Aurora Forecast
Forecasting the aurora borealis can be challenging, with predictions often available only a few days in advance. Despite the uncertainty, checking official prediction websites can increase your chances of witnessing this mesmerizing natural phenomenon. Check the websites of the NOAA/NWS Space Weather Prediction Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, which publish aurora forecasts. The key is to look for a forecasted Kp index of four or higher.
Where to find aurora borealis in Idaho?
Panhandle National Forest
Northern Idaho naturally boasts the most frequent and vibrant exposures of the polar lights. In the Panhandle National Forest, visit Schweitzer Mountain Resort, just 12 mi (20 km) northwest of Sandpoint. Schweitzer offers spectacular mountain peak views and ski lift rides to the top in summer. After an evening hiking the Selkirks and picking huckleberries, stay for nature’s light show.
Also, you can head to Priest Lake in far-northern Idaho, which is considered to be the most reliable location for viewing the northern lights. Visit Hill's Resort for a great shot of aurora reflections. The resort offers clear views, sandy beaches, and fire pits that make waiting for the aurora almost as enjoyable as the show itself. They are usually amenable to turning off the marina lights for night-sky enthusiasts. The nearby beach in front of the Priest Lake Museum is another excellent spot to see the northern lights of Idaho.
Heyburn State Park
Another picturesque location to capture aurora dancing across the skies is Heyburn State Park on Chatcolet Lake, tucked between Plummer and St. Maries. Explore scenic lookouts opening from the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes that traverses the park. You'll want to capture the lights flickering on the horizon with the iconic bridge in the frame.
US-95 north of Moscow, ID
A drive along the US-95 could take you right to a spectacular celestial show. Watch out for the northern lights as the highway winds by the rolling Palouse plains just north of Moscow, ID. As long as you're on a road trip, continue your adventure through to Tensed and further north until you feel like taking a break.
Northern Lights in Boise
If you're in the city, consider a short drive to Bogus Basin, a local mountain resort north of Boise offering winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, as well as summer activities such as a mountain coaster. For a better chance of seeing the aurora, head to darker areas with minimal city lights. Some recommended spots include Blacks Creek/Bonneville Point, Lucky Peak, Horseshoe Bend, and Shehewoki'l Newenee'an Katete (formerly Squaw Butte) near Emmett.
South Idaho
If you're in south Idaho, the best way to view the aurora borealis is to head into the mountains, away from city lights. In the Stanley or Sun Valley areas, you'll find excellent viewing spots. For those in Idaho Falls, Island Park or the Tetons are ideal locations. If you're near Pocatello, drive southeast into the highlands, and for those around Twin Falls, Mount Harrison, or the Camas Prairie to the north can offer great views.
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
During solar storms, the northern lights are also visible from southern Idaho. Try to catch the otherworldly shimmer above the Craters of the Moon National Monument, where the skies are dark enough to make your dream come true.
Tips for catching Northern Lights
If you missed the northern lights before, remember they don’t need to be directly overhead and can be visible from over 600 miles away. Escape city lights and obstructions, look north a few hours after sunset, and watch for colors like green, pink, and red. Colors are often most vivid around midnight. Modern smartphones, like the iPhone 14, can capture the aurora well, especially with night mode and a steady hand or tripod.
At last, we suggest keeping your expectations low, so that your aurora hunting experience in Idaho could turn into a pleasant surprise. Track the latest forecasts and good luck with your pursuit of the northern lights!
Practical info
What is the best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in Idaho?
Between the months of September and March is the ideal time to view the Northern Lights in Idaho. However, the occurrence of the natural phenomenon depends on the solar activity, making it unpredictable. For a greater chance of sighting, visitors should go out on a dark and clear night between 10 pm and 2 am. Tracking the latest forecasts and following these timings will help visitors in maximizing their chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Show more
Where is the best place in Northern Idaho to see the Northern Lights?
Panhandle National Forest is the most popular viewing location for the Northern Lights in Northern Idaho. Visitors can also check out the Schweitzer Mountain Resort or the Priest Lake for a great view of the aurora reflections. Hill's Resort and Heyburn State Park on Chatcolet Lake are also similarly picturesque. To take the best photographs, visitors should hunt for a spot with fewer obstructions and unobscured visibility. Show more
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights from southern Idaho?
While sightings of the Northern Lights are less frequent in Southern Idaho, it is possible to observe them. Visitors may catch a glimpse of the phenomenon over the Craters of the Moon National Monument during a solar storm. Nevertheless, Northern Idaho is more likely to offer sightings. Visitors should plan their visit well and keep track of the latest forecasts to increase their chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Show more
What time of the night is the best for Northern Lights viewing?
The best time to view the Northern Lights is between 10 pm and 2 am when the skies are darker making the display easier to see. Visitors should look for a spot with few obstructing elements and unobscured visibility to get the best view. However, as the phenomenon is unpredictable and may last briefly, patience and persistence are critical. Visitors should enjoy the experience and try to spot the Northern Lights during their visit. Show more
What is the chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Idaho compared to Alaska?
While it may not be as well-known as Alaska, Northern Lights are visible in Idaho. While the probability of seeing the lights in Idaho is less compared to Alaska due to its southerly location, Idaho's wide and dark horizons offer ideal conditions for aurora sightings. Visitors should manage their expectations and track the forecasts to maximize the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during their visit to Idaho. Show more
