Looking for the best Boise fall family photo locations? Fall in Boise is absolutely magical. The leaves turn these incredible shades of gold and amber, the light becomes soft and dreamy, and families finally get to wear those cute sweaters they’ve been waiting all summer for. But here’s the question I get asked every September: what are the best spots this year?

After photographing hundreds of families throughout the Treasure Valley, I’ve learned which locations deliver stunning photos without the crazy crowds. Trust me, you don’t want to be the 20th family waiting for “the red tree” at the most popular spots.

There’s a wide range of options for autumn family portraits in Boise. How (and where?) will you take yours this year? To help you decide, here’s our comprehensive list of the best Boise fall family photo locations for 2025.

Best Outdoor Photo Locations for Fall in Boise

Updated family portraits are the perfect opportunity to explore the greater Boise outdoors. As a local photographer who’s been capturing families for over 20 years, I recommend thinking outside the traditional (and often wildly busy) photo spots like the Boise Train Depot and Kathryn Albertson Park. Instead, consider somewhere unique and off the beaten path for a beautiful moment with your family.

What Makes a Perfect Fall Family Photo Location?

When scouting fall family photo locations in Boise, I look for several key elements:

Water Features Create Magic There’s something special about water in fall photos – those reflections of golden leaves on a still pond or the Boise river create this gorgeous, dreamy effect that you just can’t get any other way. It’s one of those simple things that makes a big difference in how your photos turn out.

Vibrant Autumn Colors If you want those classic fall vibes, look for locations with lots of colorful trees. Here in Boise, our cottonwoods, aspens, and maples put on quite a show with those gorgeous golds and ambers. Perfect for holiday cards and really capturing that autumn feeling.

Stunning Foothills Views as Your Backdrop One of the biggest advantages of living in Boise is having those incredible foothills right in our backyard. There’s something about having those rolling hills as your backdrop that just makes family photos feel more dramatic and beautiful. The foothills give your images depth and context – you’re not just getting a nice family portrait, you’re getting a portrait that shows where you live and what makes Boise special.

Urban Fall Charm Sometimes the best fall backdrops aren’t in nature at all. Some of Boise’s neighborhoods get into the fall spirit with beautiful decorations and tree-lined streets that create a completely different but equally gorgeous setting for family photos.

Avoiding the Crowds Whatever you choose, do your research (or just ask us!) so you can avoid the crazy busy and popular spots, especially if you’re doing your photoshoot on an October weekend. Instead of being a relaxing and fun family experience, it can quickly turn stressful if you’re surrounded by other families clambering for the same spots.

Here are a few of our favorite places for fall family pictures. These are just as pretty as the more traditional places and usually much less crowded.

My Top Picks for Outdoor Fall Family Photo Locations in The Treasure Valley

Best Boise Fall Family Photo Locations: Parks and Nature Reserves

Foothills, baby! We love these in all seasons, and the Boise foothills are just as beautiful in fall as they are in spring. Boise is full of trails, so it’s easy to find a patch that’s more peaceful and secluded than Cottonwood Creek Trailhead where everyone else is meeting up. We love the Three Bears Trail off Military Reserve instead.

Best Boise Fall Family Photo Locations: Orchards, Pumpkin Patches, Farms, and Barns

We love the apple orchards out in Kuna and Emmett where it’s more about nature and less about the crowds. These more rustic locales always have fun and unique places for the perfect family portrait.

Best Boise Fall Family Photo Locations: Lakes and Rivers

Lucky Peak is always a fun choice, and it’s just off the path enough to not be quite as crowded as some other spots along the Boise River. We also really like Veterans Memorial Park for that greenbelt vibe.

Best Boise Fall Family Photo Locations: Urban Locations with Fall Decorations

Check out Harrison Avenue for all things Halloween! Of course, it gets crowded once it’s actually Halloween, so plan your session for earlier in October so you don’t get caught up in hordes of trick-or-treaters. Hyde Park is another picture-perfect location if you dig that small town urban vibe.

Best Boise Fall Family Photo Locations: Historic Sites or Architectural Landmarks

If you love infusing your family history with a bit of local history, we particularly love Swan Falls Dam. Built over 120 years ago to generate power, Swan Falls is the oldest hydroelectric dam on the Snake River. It offers gorgeous canyon views and plenty of places to hike and explore.

Best Boise Fall Family Photo Locations: Off the Beaten Path

Looking for somewhere off the beaten path? You can’t do better than Bruneau Sand Dunes. We think this location is beautiful all year long, but the early sunset times make this a much easier location in the fall than in the summer. Note that the Sand Dunes are a good hour drive from Boise, so pack some car snacks.

Best Indoor Locations for Family Photos in Boise

If an outdoor photoshoot isn’t convenient for you, or maybe it’s a bit later in the fall, you might want to consider an indoor photography session instead. Our favorite spots are simple. Your place or ours?

Best Boise Fall Family Photo Locations: In Studio

We’ll tailor your studio shoot to your preferences of formal or more casual. We can still get an autumn vibe inside with the right outfits, colors, and cozy props. Many Boise photography studios offer stylized setups during the holidays if that best suits your needs. And of course, there’s no need to worry about the weather derailing your plans!

Best Boise Fall Family Photo Locations: In Your Home

Yes, you can have fall family photos taken at home and they’re beautiful! Kids are often more comfortable in their own surroundings, and at home lifestyle photos have a more relaxed feel. Consider a big farm table dinner in the backyard, a jump in your community pool, or just hanging out on your own porch swing.

You really don’t have to travel anywhere to have amazing portraits. Sometimes, the most meaningful place to take family photos is at home, capturing the coziness and love shared within your family environment.

A Few Other Things to Consider When Planning Your Boise Fall Family Photos

To ensure you have the best experience possible, there are just a couple of other things you’ll want to keep in mind:

Weather

If you’re planning an outdoor photo session, keep an eye on the weather. Wind, rain, an early snowfall, or even just a particularly chilly day can make taking pictures more challenging. Schedule your session when the weather should be good. And if you can, be flexible. You’ll often have a much more pleasant experience rescheduling a session if the weather looks iffy than you will trying to forge ahead in less than ideal conditions.

Lighting

Evenings (about an hour before sunset) and early mornings offer the best natural light for photography. If you can, plan your session for one of these times so you can create those soft, warm tones in your pictures.

Location Policies

Always check with the locations you plan to visit to ensure they are open to the public on the date you plan to visit. You should also check if they have any restrictions or fees for photography.

Boise Fall Family Photographer

We can’t wait to hear where you choose for family photos this year. Maybe you’ll choose from our best Boise fall family photo locations 2025…or maybe you’ll discover a new favorite of your own! Either way, we’ll be here to help you capture the moments and memories that make life precious.

If you’re ready for an amazing fall family photoshoot experience, book your session today! We’re happy to help you with all the details, from choosing a location to handpicking outfits, and from scheduling a date all the way down to delivering your beautiful artwork. Can’t wait to celebrate and document this season of life with you!