Scenic Drives

There are a number of scenic drives on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. For an introduction into our mining history, consider a self guided tour of the Florence Basin. Not much exists of the mining district. The Gospel-Hump Wilderness corridor is a rare scenic drive. The views are outstanding along this route; wilderness surrounds you on either side of the road. Another historical drive is the Elk City Wagon road from the town of Clearwater, all the way to Elk City. Interpretive signs are posted at prominent points along the route. And for the adventuresome, consider the Magruder Road Corridor east of Elk City to Darby, Montana. This primitive 101 mile road was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s and has held up to the test of time beautifully.

Scenic Driving

Some of our most popular Scenic Drives on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests include:

• The Northwest Passage Scenic Byway-All American Road (US Highway 12)
• The Elk River Backcountry Byway
• Idaho State Highway 95
• The Magruder Corridor and Southern Nez Perce Trail (also known as the Montana Road and Parker Trail)
• The Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark Corridor (also called the Nez Perce National Historic trail and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail)
• Idaho State Highways 13 and 14 (the Elk City Wagon Road tour is available on this route as well as the Gold Rush Loop)
• The Elk City Wagon Road
• White Pine Scenic Byway (Idaho State Highway 3 at Interstate 90, and continuing on Idaho State Highway 3)

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Recreation Opportunities

Scenic Driving (38)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 38 results

14 Mile Trailhead

Visitors will travel the scenic Magruder Road Corridor to reach 14 Mile Trailhead, which offers a starting point for hikers and pack trains to reach the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness via…

Bald Mountain Lookout

Site Closed

Constructed in 1964 on one of the highest peaks in the Hoodoo Mountain Range and used as a Forest Service fire lookout until 1984, the Bald Mountain Lookout allows its visitors to enjoy spectacular…

Blackerby Picnic Area

Site Open

Located approximately 20 minutes southeast of Grangeville, Idaho, the quarter acre Blackerby Picnic Area has a paved parking area, restroom, sidewalk, picnic tables and a grassy sitting area, making…

Castle Butte Lookout

Site Closed

Originally built in 1916, replaced in 1928 and rebuilt as a lookout in 1950, the Castle Butte Lookout is perched on a rocky point 6659' above sea level in north central Idaho. Thrilling panoramic…

Colt Creek Trailhead

Although this trailhead requires some patience in order to get to it due to narrow and bumpy roads, the pay off is well worth it.  Approximately 2 hours southwest of Lolo, MT or 2 hours and 45…

Devoto Grove Picnic Area & Trailhead

Only 12 miles from the Montana border in northeastern Idaho along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12), visitors can enjoy a break from their travels by taking a…

Eagle Mountain Trailhead

At mile marker 135.3 on US Hwy 12, Idaho’s Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, a majestic wooden trail bridge forms part of the Eagle Mountain Trailhead,…

Elk Summit Campground

Site Closed

This sweet destination of a campground rests a short distance from the 1.34 million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Located just 24 miles south of Highway 12, you'll have available to you 15…

Fog Mountain Trailhead

Fog Mountain Trailhead, located at the end of Forest Service road 319 (Fog Mountain Road) and Big Fog Saddle, provides visitors with access to three trails which lead to the Selway Bitterroot…

Glade Creek Group Campground

Site Closed

A popular spot with the locals, the quaint Glade Creek Group Campground has five sites and is peacefully tucked away on about four acres, alongside a rolling river and under a canopy of mixed-age…