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Physical Map of Idaho - Geographical Features of Idaho

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of Idaho showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other Idaho physical features.

Idaho Physical Map

Physical Features of Idaho

Idaho is characterized by rugged mountains, deep river canyons, and broad forested valleys. Much of the state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, with numerous ranges and wilderness areas covering central and northern Idaho. The Snake River Plain stretches across the southern region, forming a wide, relatively flat agricultural area. Major rivers such as the Snake and Salmon carve through steep terrain, creating dramatic landscapes including Hells Canyon, one of the deepest river gorges in North America.

Major Landforms in Idaho

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Rocky MountainsMountain rangeCentralRugged high elevation terrain
Snake River PlainPlainSouthBroad volcanic plain
Hells CanyonCanyonWestDeep river gorge
Clearwater MountainsMountainsNorthForested mountainous region
Bitterroot RangeMountain rangeNorthForms eastern border
Salmon River MountainsMountain rangeCentralRemote rugged peaks
Idaho BatholithGeologic featureCentralLarge granite formation
Owyhee PlateauPlateauSouthwestHigh desert plateau
Palouse HillsHillsNorthwestRolling agricultural hills
Magic ValleyValleySouthIrrigated farming region

Major Mountain Ranges in Idaho

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Salmon River MountainsCentralThompson Peak10,751 ft
Bitterroot RangeNorthTrapper Peak10,157 ft
Sawtooth RangeCentralThompson Peak10,751 ft
Lemhi RangeCentralBorah Peak12,662 ft
Lost River RangeCentralBorah Peak12,662 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in Idaho

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Snake RiverRiverSouthLongest river in state
Salmon RiverRiverCentralRiver of No Return
Clearwater RiverRiverNorthJoins Snake River
Boise RiverRiverSouthwestSupports irrigation systems
Payette RiverRiverSouthwestPopular rafting river
Lake Pend OreilleLakeNorthLargest lake in Idaho
Bear LakeLakeSoutheastKnown as Caribbean of Rockies
American Falls ReservoirLakeSouthLarge irrigation reservoir
Coeur d’Alene LakeLakeNorthScenic recreational lake
Redfish LakeLakeCentralAlpine glacial lake

Elevation and Terrain in Idaho

Idaho features significant elevation variation, from high mountain peaks to lower river valleys in the south. Borah Peak is the highest point, while the lowest elevation lies along the Snake River near the western border. The terrain includes mountains, canyons, plains, and forested valleys.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointBorah Peak – 12,662 ft
Lowest PointSnake River – 710 ft
Average Elevation5,000 ft
Terrain TypeMountains, plains, canyons

Idaho Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateIdaho
Total Area83,569 sq mi
Land Area82,643 sq mi
Water Area926 sq mi
Highest PointBorah Peak
Lowest PointSnake River
Longest RiverSnake River
Largest LakeLake Pend Oreille
Major LandformsRocky Mountains, Snake Plain
Main Water BodiesSnake River, Salmon River
Terrain TypeRugged mountains and valleys
CoastlineNo coastline