Backcountry Routes
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Travelers who choose these routes will trace the steps of the Lewis and Clark expedition or other heroic explorers or pioneers, or will unearth the diversity of the Idaho landscape, or catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat.
The following is a listing of these designated Scenic Byways highlighting some of the features along these special routes and the location and path of each byway. The list is in alphabetical order:
- The Scenic Byways -
City of Rocks Country Byway
This 49-mile backcountry route runs between the towns of Oakley and Albion, both found south of Burley, Idaho off Interstate Route 84. It travels around the Albion Mountain Range, skirting the Pomerelle Ski Area and Lake Cleveland Recreation Area, and goes through the City of Rocks National Reserve. The entire town of Oakley is on the National Register of Historic Places and the route features looks at Kelton Road of the Oregon Trail and the Hudspeth Cutoff of the California Trail. Scenic vistas along this historic road featuring geological wonders. Allow 1.5 hours, one way.
Elk River Back Country Byway
This backcountry route across North Central Idaho is found between the towns of Bovill and Orofino. From Orofino, east of Lewiston, this scenic trail begins at the junction of State Route 7 and Wells Bench Road, crosses Dent Bridge over the North Fork of the Clearwater River, then on to the quaint community of Elk River where it joins State Route 8 to Bovill. Along the way, the presence of small farms and ranches quickly changes to a vast evergreen forestland and the approaching prospect of the Clearwater Mountain Range. A scenic trail is an off-the-beaten-path pleasure. 57 miles. Allow 2 hours, one way.
Fort Henry Historic Byway
This famous path begins on U.S. Route 20 north of Rexburg, onto Salem Highway, to St. Anthony Sand Dunes on Red Road and on to the junction of A-2 Road. Continue north on A-2 to the Kilgore area, then east through Shotgun Valley to Island Park and U. S. Route 20. This 81-mile drive passes through the Fort Henry Monument area, wide-open sagebrush lands, pastoral ranchlands, the Nez Perce Trail and Indian battlegrounds. The chance of happening upon herds of deer and elk are good, and seeing Sand Hill Cranes and acres of wildflowers can occur in the spring months. Allow 2 hours.
Gold Rush Historic Byway
This historic road along State Route 11 begins in Greer at the junction of U. S. Route 12 with a switchback climb up the Greer Grade, providing an incredible look of the Clearwater Valley. The route takes you though the towns of Weippe, Pierce, and Cardiff and, finally, to its end at Headquarters, Idaho. The byway offers spectacular views of the Clearwater River and the Weippe Prairie, passing historic sites of the gold rush era of the mid-to-late 1800’s. Watch for wildlife. 43 miles. Allow 2.5 hours, roundtrip.
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
This scenic trail on Hells Canyon Road, begins at Oxbow Bridge near Copperfield, Oregon (yes, on the Oregon side of Hells Canyon, that separates Idaho from neighboring Oregon). The canyon is the deepest in North America. The Byway is 22 miles long and ends in Idaho at Hells Canyon Dam. While the view from backcountry route is breathtaking, a guided float trip or jet boat tour of the Hells Canyon Recreation Area is strongly suggested. The dam is the entrance to the wild and scenic part of the intimidating river. This area was home to the band of Nez Perce Indians led by Chief Joseph. Many other tribes were frequently drawn to this location for plentiful wildlife, lush foliage and the mild winters. Allow 3 hours, roundtrip.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway
Beginning at the junction of Interstate 90 and Idaho State Route 97, Lake Coeur d’Alene (cor-da-lane) Scenic Byway continues along the southern end of the lake on SR 97 to a junction with State Route 3. The scenic trail follows a path where the lakes, the mountains and the perfect weather have made it one of most popular summer playgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. At SR 3, it meets the White Pine Scenic Byway and its southern route to the Palouse. Be sure to stop and stretch your legs on the easy Mineral Ridge Trail, with panoramic views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, including interpretive stations describing the area’s botany and animal life. 36 miles, one way. Allow 1.5 hours.
Lewis and Clark Back Country Byway
This backcountry route begins 20 miles southeast of Salmon on State Route 28. Turn left (east) at the Tendoy store. This is a loop drive that takes you to Lemhi Pass at the Continental Divide and then back to the small town of Tendoy. The scenic trail provides majestic views of the Beaverhead and Bitterroot Mountains and a portion of the Lewis and Clark trail, including the spot where the flag of the United States was unfurled for the first time west of the Rocky Mountains. In addition to mountain vistas, visitors see alpine meadows, wildlife and carpets of wildflowers. 39 miles. Allow 3 hours.
Lost Gold Trails Loop
This 48-mile historic road begins in Dubois (formally known as “Dry Creek“) and follows Old Highway 91 to Spencer, then easterly to a connection with Fort Henry Historic Byway, before returning to Dubois. Along this route, you will pass by canyons, wildlife and cattle grazing terrain, opal mine fields. high-grade opal shops and the old Idmon town site. Allow 1.5 hours.
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway begins where the Teton Scenic Byway reaches its northern end in Ashton, at the junction of U.S. Route 20 and State Route 47. From there, the path takes you through Warm River and on to the main attractions, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. The upper waterfall drops 110 feet, while the lower falls drops 85 feet. Mesa Falls are the only major falls in Idaho not disturbed by irrigation or man-made impediments. While the suggested travel time is only 1 hour, many visitors will end up spending half a day, mesmerized by the falls and the surrounding forest setting on this scenic trail. 29 miles.
Northwest Passage Scenic Byway
From the west, this beautiful route begins at Lewiston, following U.S. Route 12 along the Clearwater River Canyon. The backcountry route passes through the Nez Perce National Historical Park areas of Spalding and Kamiah and the towns of Orofino and Kooksia. At Kamiah is the Heart of the Monster, the legendary Nez Perce site and a geological formation. At Kooksia, the byway splits. One segment turns south on State Route 13 to the Camas Prairie and the town of Grangeville, while the other continues east on SR 12. State Route 12 follows the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River, and the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River. This segment ends at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center. 202 miles. Allow 4 hours. For the Grangeville segment: 27 miles. Allow 40 minutes.
Oregon Trail - Bear Lake Scenic Byway
Bear Lake straddles the Utah-Idaho border. This scenic trail begins on U.S. Route 89 at the Utah state line and following the lake’s west side, then north to U.S. Route 30 at the town of Montpelier. The route follows US 30 north and west to Soda Springs, then west on Blazer Highway (old US 30) through Bancroft and then south to Lava Hot Springs and, finally, west to Interstate Route 15 at McCammon. Besides the panoramic view of Bear Lake and the Bear River Valley, byway travelers will follow a portion of the Oregon Trail (the National Oregon-California Trail Center at Montpelier, is an absolute must-see), next to the Blackfoot Reservoir and through the Cache and the Caribou National Forests. 110 miles. Allow 2 hours, 4 hours, if including a stop at the Trail Center.
Owyhee Uplands Back Country Byway
This backcountry route is a loop byway beginning 80 miles southwest of Boise, near Grandview on State Route 78. It can also be reached from the west through Jordan Valley, Oregon. Rolling hills and hay meadows start the journey before the winding course of Jordan Creek. Views of many mountain ranges frame the stark desert, as you start your climb into the mountains and gnarled stands of juniper woodlands. Sagebrush and wildflowers, plus rock-walled streams are present as you make your way through the Owyhee uplands. About 101 miles on a gravel road that requires some slower speeds. The byway is usually impassable from late November through March due to snow and heavy precipitation. Best times are early summer and fall months. Can take 3-4 hours to make the loop, up to all day from Boise.
Panhandle Historic Rivers Passage
This byway along U. S. Route 2 begins at the Washington state line and follows the Pend Oreille (pon-der-ay) River through Old Town, Priest River, and finishes in Sandpoint. It is the southern leg of the International Selkirk Loop which also includes portions of the route west in Washington, north in British Columbia, Canada and the Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway from Sandpoint east. The passage offers views of the Pend Oreille River, the historic town of Priest River, and the pastoral beauty of the surrounding forests and farms. 29 miles. Allow 45 minutes.
Payette River Scenic Byway
This backcountry route offers up spectacular views of forested mountains, sparkling Payette Lake, Cascade Reservoir, and the whitewater rapids of the Payette River. It begins west of Boise at the junction of State Route 44 and State Route 55 and ends at U. S. Route 95 at New Meadows, or begin at New Meadows and travel south along SR 55 to SR 44. There are pull-offs along the wilder parts of the river where you can treat your senses to the heart-pounding whitewater. 118 miles, one way. Allow 2.5 hours.
Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
The Pend Oreille (pon-der-ay) Scenic Byway presents travelers with some of the most spectacular water views in Idaho. Just east of the town of Sandpoint, the junction of U.S. Route 95 and State Route 200 is the beginning of this scenic trail. Take SR 200 as it makes its way eastward to the Montana state line across farmlands, through river deltas and along the rocky shoreline of Idaho’s largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. Pull-outs along the way will offer breathtaking vistas of the lake, with mountains framing the panorama. As you get closer to Montana, you will come upon the Cabinet Gorge, bordered impressively by the Cabinet Mountains. 33 miles. Allow 1.5 hours.
Pioneer Historic Byway
This diverse route begins at the Utah state line and follows U. S. Route 91, then State Route 34, north to U. S. Route 30 and then east to Soda Springs. There, it meets up with the Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Scenic Byway. From there, go north on State Route 34 toward the Wyoming state line. Along this historic road, you will retrace some steps of early pioneers, and follow the a path through some of the historic points of interest in this special area. 127 miles. Allow 2.5 hours.
Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway
From Boise, take State Route 21 northeast to the junction of State Route 75 at Stanley. The byway follows the Boise River, to Idaho City where you can still pan for gold in a creek bed, then along the South Fork of the Payette River. It passes near the Sawtooth Wilderness and the entryway to the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. As you make your way though these thick forested areas and the high mountain valleys you will occasionally catch a glimpse of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains ahead. As you drop down into the town of Stanley, the full view of the Sawtooth peaks will be yours. 131 miles. Allow 3 hours.
Sacajawea Historic Byway
Sacajawea, a Shoshone women born about 1788, is known as a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. While she was born and raised in the Lemhi Valley of Idaho, at age 12 she was captured by the Arikira Indians and forced to live among them in distant North Dakota. Sacajawea joined the expedition in North Dakota in 1805 and helped Lewis and Clark find the Salmon River, where she revisited her people. This backcountry route begins at Sage Junction, the junction of Interstate Route 15 and State Route 33 north of Idaho Falls, then SR 30 to SR 28 and then through the Lemhi Valley to the town of Salmon. Your drive will take you between the Beaverhead and Lemhi mountain ranges and through a number of historical towns and areas. 132 miles. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours.
Salmon River Scenic Byway
The northern end of the Salmon River Scenic Byway begins on U. S. Route 93 at Lost Trail Pass (elevation 6,995 feet) at the Montana border to Challis, Idaho, then west on State Route 75 to Stanley. This route follows the Salmon River from near its headwaters, as well as offering views of the White Cloud, Lemhi and Bitterroot mountains and the Lost River. Challis and the Land of the Yankee Fork Historic Area are just two points of interest, the latter being among the most famous mining areas in Idaho. 162 miles. Allow 3.5 to 4 hours.
Sawtooth Scenic Byway
This famous path is via State Route 75 north to Stanley from the town of Shoshone. This byway has the distinction of being the 100th National Forest Scenic Byway. About 14 miles north of Shoshone, take a brief side trip to visit the new Black Magic Canyon. See complex carvings and potholes created over thousands of years in a four-mile section of the Big Wood River basalt bedrock. Next, the route takes you north through the fertile agricultural land, then the resort towns of Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley. From there, the road carves its way through the Boulder Mountains to Galena Pass, showcasing the ridge of the Sawtooth Mountains and through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, before terminating in Stanley, where the Sawtooth meets the Ponderosa Pine and the Salmon River Scenic Byways. A treat! 116 miles. Allow 3.5 hours.
St. Joe River Scenic Byway
This byway is a backcountry route that begins near the town of St. Maries at the junction of State Route 3 and Forest Route 50 (FS 50), east along the St. Joe River for 75 miles, then at the junction with Road 218, FS 50 heads north (left) and climbs 14 miles to the Idaho-Montana border. This famous path follows the St. Joe River. Deep, picturesque, and slow-moving in the beginning, “The Joe” goes through a dramatic change at St Joe City. Now, the river becomes shallower and fast-moving; clear and teeming with a variety of trout types. Tour the logging display at the Marble Creek interpretive center. Stop in Avery to see the trout pond, visit the historic railroad depot and see the refurbished sleeper/dining car. This byway is a treasure. 89 miles, one way. Allow 3 hours, each way.
Teton Scenic Byway
The splendid Teton Mountain Range is actually in Wyoming, but the quiet side along the western slopes is best viewed from the Teton Scenic Byway. This route begins on State Route 31 at Swan Valley, goes northeast to State Route 33 at Victor, then north on State Route 32 to State Route 47, and west on SR 47 to U.S. Route 20 at Ashton. This path offers travelers panoramic views of the Snake River Valley, the Western slopes of the Teton Range and the Falls River. 69 miles. Allow 2.5 hours.
Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
This scenic trail begins at Interstate Route 84 near Bliss and follows U. S. Route 30 through Twin Falls to State Route 50, then north on SR 50 to I-84. Another leg runs along U. S. Route 93 Spur from downtown Twin Falls at a junction with U. S. Route 30 and U. S. Route 93 across the Perrine Bridge and then the Snake River Canyon to a junction with Interstate Route 84. Much of this byway along a backcountry route offers travelers exceptional views of the Snake River, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, and Shoshone Falls, in addition to Thousand Springs. 68 miles. Allow 1.5 hours.
Western Heritage Historic Byway
This historic trail begins at the Interstate 84 Interchange in Meridian and follows State Route 69 south to East Avalon Avenue in the city of Kuna. Follow Avalon to Swan Falls Road though the Birds of Prey National Conservation Area all the way to the end of the road at Swan Falls Dam within the Snake River Canyon. 30 miles. Allow 1 hour.
White Pine Scenic Byway
The byway begins at the junction of Interstate Route 90 and State Route 3 near Cataldo to State Route 6, then to U. S. Route 95 at Potlatch. Cataldo is the home of the Old Mission of the Sacred Heart, which was built in the mid-1800’s and is the oldest building still standing in Idaho. From there, the byway passes through lush forests and lakes and marshlands of the lower Coeur d’Alene River and to the town of St. Maries. Next, you will cross the St. Maries and St. Joe Rivers, through the town of Emida and the St. Joe National Forest and to the historic mill town of Potlatch. 83 miles. Allow 2 hours.
Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway
This byway, part of the International Selkirk Loop, starts in Sandpoint on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. Take U. S. Route 95 north through Bonners Ferry to the junction of US 95 and State Route 1, then north on SR 1 to the Canadian border at Porthill. This path, along the eastern edge of the Selkirk Mountains, follows the trail the Kootenai Indians took to their fishing grounds at Lake Pend Oreille, and it was the trail the first white explorer, David Thompson, used in 1808. In 1863, this route became well-traveled when gold was discovered at “Wild Horse Creek”, 120 miles north of Bonners Ferry in British Columbia. 59 miles. Allow 1.5 hours.
Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway
This backcountry route begins at the junction of State Route 55 at Banks and follows Old State Route 17 to Crouch, then continues to Lowman and the junction of State Route 21. The route offers travelers a look at the pristine whitewater rapids of the South Fork of the Payette River, and an area rich with elk and deer, great trout fishing and the chance to see eagles and osprey. 33 miles. Allow 3 hours for the loop from Boise and back.
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