Summer in Eastern Idaho is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking scenery and a wealth of activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, nature provides an escape that refreshes the mind and body. Beyond the thrill of exploration, time spent outdoors has profound mental health benefits, helping to reduce stress, elevate mood, and enhance cognitive function.
Spending time in nature helps regulate stress hormones, calm the nervous system, and lower anxiety levels. Even a five-minute interaction with nature can have an immediate soothing effect. Activities such as hiking, camping, or simply being present outdoors encourage mindfulness, allowing you to disconnect from daily pressures and focus on the present moment.
For those struggling with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD, nature-based therapy and immersion in natural spaces can serve as powerful coping tools. Walking through green landscapes, listening to the sounds of a river, or gazing at the stars can ease emotional strain, offering clarity and mental restoration.
Spending time in nature is more than just an activity for me—it’s where I feel most alive, where I thrive, and where I heal. Whether I’m standing at the edge of a breathtaking waterfall, watching the sun set behind the Teton Valley, or simply feeling the cool breeze during a quiet moment outdoors, I find a sense of peace that nothing else quite offers.
One of the ways I feel most connected to nature is through gardening. There’s something deeply fulfilling about tending to plants, watching them grow, and nurturing life with my own hands. Digging into the earth, feeling the soil, and witnessing flowers bloom or vegetables thrive brings a sense of calm and accomplishment. The simple act of gardening not only grounds me but also reminds me of the beauty of patience and care.
Beyond gardening, Idaho’s natural beauty resets my mind. Whether hiking rugged trails, dipping my toes into a cool river, or gazing at a vast star-filled sky, every experience in nature brings joy and clarity. It's not just a place to explore—it’s where I reconnect with myself, where I find energy, inspiration, and healing as well as building connections with my family.
Eastern Idaho’s incredible landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for these benefits, with affordable outdoor activities that let you experience nature without breaking the bank:
- Hiking in the Teton Valley – Free-access trails with stunning mountain views.
- Exploring waterfalls – Visit Mesa Falls, a breathtaking natural wonder.
- Floating the Teton River – A relaxing way to enjoy the water, especially if you have your own gear.
- Camping in public lands – Affordable spots for a night under the stars.
- Wildlife watching – Observe diverse animals in their natural habitat at no cost.
- Stargazing – Low light pollution makes Idaho’s skies perfect for celestial viewing.
- Visiting the Idaho Falls River Walk – A peaceful path along the Snake River.
- Exploring the St. Anthony Sand Dunes – Ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
Nature asks for nothing yet gives so much. Whether it's the thrill of a new adventure or the tranquility of a quiet moment, embracing the outdoors in Eastern Idaho can be a powerful way to reset your mind, body, and spirit.
Which of these experiences would you love to try this summer?
Sara Hiatt, LCSW
Photo by Andrei Tanase @ Pexels.com