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 (39)

Showing: 31 - 39 of 39 results

Split Creek Trailhead and River Access

Stop at the Split Creek Trailhead and take a break from your drive on the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and enjoy a picnic while taking in views of the Lochsa River. The Split Creek Trailhead and…

Warm Springs Trailhead

Warm Springs Trailhead serves as access to the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness and to the Jerry Johnson Hot Springs. It is located at at MP 152 on the famous Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All…

Weitas Butte Lookout

Site Closed

Sleeping up to four guests, equipped with woodstove and propane heater, this historic lookout was originally constructed in 1931, and the timbered structure visitors see today was constructed in…

Weitas Guard Station

Weitas Guard Station is a remote guard station staffed with volunteers for part of the year.

Wendover Campground

Site Closed

Wendover Campground is situated on stretch of land along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River off the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12) at mile post 158.2. With 27…

White Sand Campground

Site Open

59 miles southwest of Missoula, Montana, White Sand Campground is found between the Elk Summit Road and Lochsa River adjacent to White Sand Pond. The campground is underneath a stand of mixed…

Whitehouse Campground

Site Closed

Approximately an hour west of Lolo, MT at mile post 158.5 of the famous Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12), directly across from the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River,…

Wild Goose Campground

Site Open

Situated along the middle fork of the Clearwater River at milepost 98 on scenic Highway 12, Wild Goose Campground offers a superb location to feel the sand between your toes while deciding on which…

Wilderness Gateway Campground

Site Open

Wilderness Gateway Campground is one of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest’s premier campgrounds. Located at milepost 122.5 along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (US Highway 12), the…