When you get the urge to go off on an adventure, a scenic drive is always a good option. Not only is Idaho full of them, but they give you the opportunity to see large sections of our beautiful state all at one time. It’s one thing to read about these wonderful places and another thing entirely to actually go out and see them! Treat yourself to an underrated adventure that boasts a little bit of everything—stunning views, rich history, and small-town hospitality—when you set off on this little-known scenic drive in our state.
Go for a memorable adventure through breathtaking eastern Idaho when you set off on the Sacajawea Historic Byway. Beginning at the intersection of I-15 and Idaho 33, this scenic drive shows off a vastly underappreciated region of our state.
Of course, this scenic drive has plenty of breathtaking vistas to enjoy, but that's not all this highway is known for. The best part about the Sacajawea Historic Byway is the incredible stories you're bound to discover about this region along the way.
This part of eastern Idaho is packed with history, including Sacajawea and the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery to the mining boom of the 1800s. Passing through this area is like experiencing a piece of living and breathing Idaho history.
From the intersection of I-15 and Idaho 33, the byway traverses a dozen or so miles before turning north on Highway 28. It then stretches all the way to Salmon, Idaho—a delightful small town that calls itself the birthplace of Sacajawea.
The route is as remote as it gets and you'll likely experience long stretches without another soul on the road. However, the surrounding beauty of the majestic Lemhi Valley is unlike anything you've experienced before.
On the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop by old charcoal kilns that were used to process lead and silver ore over a century ago. The kilns are an excellent reminder of the history that resides in this amazing region.
The former mining town of Gilmore can also be found along this route. It's practically a ghost town, with nothing but dilapidated structures left of the community that it once was.
Traveling along the Sacajawea Historic Byway is so much more than a scenic road trip. It's a trip through Idaho's past, and it's an adventure that's bound to leave an impression.
