7 Roads With The Best Windshield Views In All Of Idaho
Sometimes going for a long drive through Idaho’s most beautiful landscapes sounds like the perfect way to spend a day. If you’re looking to experience the vast beauty of the Gem State without exerting too much energy, you’ll want to take a look at these seven roads with the all-time best windshield views in the state. Next time you have a few hours to kill, consider taking a drive down one of these glorious highways. Take a look.
The Elk River Back Country Byway is the perfect road if you're looking for a rugged adventure. Beginning in Orofino, you'll cross the North Fork of the Clearwater River on your journey towards the town of Elk River. Along the way you'll get magnificent views of landmarks like Dent Bridge and Elk Creek Falls. With a length of 57 miles, you'll spend around two hours driving through the most incredible scenery in north central Idaho.
This 33 mile byway takes you along the utterly beautiful shores of one of Idaho's most pristine lakes—the gorgeous Lake Pend Oreille. The route begins in Sandpoint and is full of stunning imagery such as the lake, the Clark Fork River, and the Schweitzer Ski Area. This is a great option for a nice and sunny day when you can get out of the car and play in the lake!
If you're looking for a multi-day adventure, then consider the International Selkirk Loop. Coming in at approximately 280 miles, this highway will take you through northern Idaho, Canada, and eastern Washington. The stunning Selkirk Mountain Range is the backdrop to this epic drive. You'll be led through amazing north Idaho landscapes including towns like Priest River and Bonners Ferry. This is an adventure that simply can't be beat.
Located along the Albion Mountain Range, this byway takes you through the incredibly scenic City of Rocks National Preserve. City of Rocks is one of Idaho's most unique geologic wonders. You'll want to plan a few hours to explore the park before you continue on this byway. The byway is nearly 50 miles and takes around a hour and a half to complete.
The Snake River Canyon is one of Idaho's most epic landmarks. The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway takes you along a ride to some of the canyon's most incredible sights including Shoshone Falls, Thousand Springs State Park, the Perrine Bridge, Hagerman Fossil Beds, and much more. Although the route only takes an hour and a half to complete, you'll want to plan at least an entire day to traverse the many attractions along the byway.
Starting just west of Boise, the Payette River Scenic Byway winds through a handful of charming communities like Horseshoe Bend, Cascade, and McCall. You'll follow the impressive Payette River which is famous for its fishing and whitewater rafting opportunities. Definitely stop to explore the gorgeous Ponderosa State Park which is located on Payette Lake.
Not only does the Salmon River Scenic Byway boast some spectacular windshield views, but it also contains a fascinating historical significance. The route follows the same path as the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition. Clocking in at over 3 hours, this is one of the longest drives on the list. You'll definitely want to schedule an ample amount of time to explore the different attractions on the way including hot springs, ghost towns, and the massive Frank Church River Of No Return Wilderness.
What’s your favorite scenic drive in Idaho? Have you seen this Road Trip Through Idaho’s Most Picturesque Small Towns?
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