There are so many ways to explore the beauty found in the Gem State. You can go for a hike, ride in an all-terrain vehicle, enjoy a horseback ride, or even go on a scenic drive in Idaho. There are more than 30 scenic byways for you to explore in the Gem State, but there is one that you cannot miss, and that’s the Salmon River Scenic Byway. As you drive on this road, you’ll not only travel along the beautiful Salmon River, but you will visit ghost towns and historical sites, capture the most majestic mountain views, and so much more. It is certainly one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Idaho.
The Salmon River Scenic Byway is 161 miles and will take you through some of the most mesmerizing areas in central Idaho.
Leigh-Harrington/TripAdvisor
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You can begin this scenic drive in the small town of Stanley.
Darwin Fan/Moment Collection via Getty Images Stanley is one of the most beautiful small towns in Idaho. This town sits at the bottom of the Sawtooth Mountains and is near some of the best fly fishing, hiking, camping, and rafting in Idaho. It is also one of the few small towns on this byway that offers full services. This means you will want to gas up, stock up on snacks, and get ready for an adventure.
As you drive on this road, you will pass through the Sawtooth National Forest and will travel along the stunning Salmon River.
Tom Gautier Photography/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images
The Salmon River is also known as the “River of No Return.” This river flows for approximately 425 miles and is one of the best rafting rivers in the state. On the calmer areas of the river, it is a great place for fly fishing or to simply enjoy some peace and quiet in nature.
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Once you come to Land of Yankee Fork State Park, it’s time to get out of your vehicle and explore!
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park and Historic Area/Facebook
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park and Historic Area/Facebook This state park is home to multiple historical sites including the ghost towns of Custer, Bayhorse (shown above), and Bonanza. At this state park, you can also visit museum exhibits and a gold panning station. You can learn more about this state park in Idaho here.
Land of Yankee Fork State Park is located just outside of Challis and you won’t want to drive past this small mountain town without stopping.
Pitamakan at English Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons Challis is a small town with approximately 1,000 residents. Not only is it near many incredible camping and hiking opportunities, but it is home to several rodeos and festivals including the Braun Brothers’ Reunion Music Festival each summer.
As you continue your journey, you’ll come to Sunbeam, a small ghost town.
Kahnster/TripAdvisor As you explore this area, you’ll see an old cabin and trading post. You may also want to stop for a while and relax in the Sunbeam Hot Springs.
Get your camera ready as you won’t want to miss any of the beautiful views as you drive into the small town of Salmon.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr The Salmon Valley is known as the birthplace of Sacajawea, the Lemhi Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark on their expedition. You can learn more about her and the history of the area at the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center. Prepare yourself as Salmon is one area in Idaho where the views are absolutely breathtaking.
You can continue driving up to the Idaho-Montana state line. In this area of the scenic byway, you will come to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, not to mention some awe-inspiring scenery.
CrankingChick/TripAdvisor
The best time to explore the Salmon River Scenic Byway in Idaho is between April and November. To learn more about this beautiful drive in Idaho, click here.
Leigh-Harrington/TripAdvisor
Kmsmolen/TripAdvisor
Darwin Fan/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Stanley is one of the most beautiful small towns in Idaho. This town sits at the bottom of the Sawtooth Mountains and is near some of the best fly fishing, hiking, camping, and rafting in Idaho. It is also one of the few small towns on this byway that offers full services. This means you will want to gas up, stock up on snacks, and get ready for an adventure.
Tom Gautier Photography/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images
Management/TripAdvisor
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park and Historic Area/Facebook
This state park is home to multiple historical sites including the ghost towns of Custer, Bayhorse (shown above), and Bonanza. At this state park, you can also visit museum exhibits and a gold panning station. You can learn more about this state park in Idaho here.
Pitamakan at English Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons
Challis is a small town with approximately 1,000 residents. Not only is it near many incredible camping and hiking opportunities, but it is home to several rodeos and festivals including the Braun Brothers’ Reunion Music Festival each summer.
Kahnster/TripAdvisor
As you explore this area, you’ll see an old cabin and trading post. You may also want to stop for a while and relax in the Sunbeam Hot Springs.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The Salmon Valley is known as the birthplace of Sacajawea, the Lemhi Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark on their expedition. You can learn more about her and the history of the area at the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center. Prepare yourself as Salmon is one area in Idaho where the views are absolutely breathtaking.
CrankingChick/TripAdvisor
Have you ever taken a day trip in Idaho on the Salmon River Scenic Byway? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!
If you are searching for even more backroads in Idaho to explore, here are 10 you should add to your bucket list.
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Address: Stanley, ID 83278, USA
