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: 11 - 20 of 38 results

Heavens Gate Overlook

This overlook is thought by many to be the best view into Hells Canyon from Idaho. It is the highest viewpoint on the Idaho side at an elevation of 8429 feet. From this point, in addition to Hells…

Hells Canyon Corridor

 [Larger version of map]Once called the “Grand Canyon of the Snake River,” the Hells Canyon corridor is known for its magnificent but extremely rugged landscape. It is the deepest gorge in North…

Jerry Johnson Campground

Site Closed

Located off U.S. Highway 12 across from the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, Jerry Johnson Campground offers 20 campsites for visitors to enjoy. The campground is located a short distance from the…

Kelly Forks Cabin

Site Open

Sleeping up to six comfortably, with a kitchen, propane stove, flush toilet and shower, this historic cabin built in the 1930s is located within an active Forest Service work center, and is a…

Knife Edge Campground and River Access

Site Open

Located along the breathtaking Wild and Scenic Lochsa River, about fifteen minutes east of Lowell, ID, families, campers, anglers, kayakers, floaters and boaters may enjoy this five unit, two acre,…

Kooskooskia Meadows Trailhead

Just 15 miles off of the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12), is one of the forest's more obscure trails, but also one of the more beautiful: trail #45, the Wind…

Liz Creek Cabin

The Liz Creek Cabin was constructed in 1929 at the confluence of Liz Creek and Weitas Creek as an early Forest Service backcountry guard station. This rustic single-room cabin sits peacefully in a…

Lochsa Historical Ranger Station

Site Open

The Lochsa Historical Ranger Station is located along U.S. Highway 12 in the Lochsa River drainage, approximately 48 miles east of Kooskia, Idaho.  From 1925 to the late 1950s, the station was…

Lochsa/Highway 12 Corridor

Site Open

The corridor winds along two wild and scenic rivers, the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River and the Lochsa River. Scenery is beautiful through the corridor, ranging from dense forests to shrubfields…

Lolo Creek Campground

Site Open

Lolo Creek Campground consists of 9 camping units and is located 21 miles northeast of Kamiah, Idaho along the shores of Lolo and Eldorado Creek. This campground is a fantastic location for a rustic…