Salmon River Scenic Byway: Follow The Longest Free-Flowing River in America

Salmon River Scenic Byway is a 161-mile journey alongside the longest free-flowing river within one state in the USA. On this road trip you’ll explore Idaho’s wild side on a drive through jaw-dropping scenery where rugged mountains rise above one of the deepest canyons in America.

The Salmon River, also known as “The River of No Return”, is the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. On its 425 mile course from the Sawtooth Mountains through central Idaho, not one dam impedes its flow.

Two segments — the Middle Fork and a section of the main Salmon River — are protected as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Middle Fork was actually one of the original eight rivers designated Wild and Scenic in 1968, and is often considered the “crown jewel” of the wild and scenic river systems.

So why is this undammed river nicknamed “The River of No Return”? Because the river’s strong currents and rapids were once considered treacherous and difficult to navigate by fur traders who traveled downriver and could not make it back upstream. Now, the nickname symbolizes this wild, rugged, and remote part of Idaho.

The Main Salmon River carves through the second deepest canyon in the nation (yes, even deeper than the famous Grand Canyon) second only to nearby Hell’s Canyon! However, on this road trip you won’t see vertical walls like its rocky canyon cousin to the south. Instead you’ll witness spectacular mile-high mountains and a rugged landscape that makes up the largest designated wilderness area in the United States.

Along the way you’ll likely see elk, antelope, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep grazing hills and meadows alongside the road which provides a glimpse of the wildlife living in this part of Idaho’s rugged backcountry.

The Salmon River Scenic Byway begins in Stanley, Idaho, and travels north through stunning Salmon River Valley where you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get lost in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Lewis & Clark traversed this route and much of the countryside still looks the same as it did when they first laid eyes here. At the end of the route you’ll climb the summit of Lost Trail Pass (6,995-feet) where the Bitterroot Mountains will guide you into Montana. It is inarguably one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Buckle up, and don’t forget to bring your binoculars! Here is the perfect itinerary and the experience of a lifetime!!

Best Stops on Salmon River Scenic Byway

Stanley

This road trip begins in Stanley, Idaho, one of the most picturesque and charming mountain towns in America! It is situated at the base of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains and on the banks of the beautiful Salmon River which means you can revel in grand scenery without leaving town.

Stanley is the gateway to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, one of the largest and most scenic national recreation areas in the USA. For this reason, it come as no surprise that Stanley is a mecca for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers.

If you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, whitewater rafting, horse riding, or fly-fishing, you should absolutely plan to stay here for a few days to take advantage of all the outdoor recreation opportunities.

There’s no shortage of primitive campgrounds near Stanley but even so, campsites get snapped up quickly here during July and August. If you can’t find a campsite or don’t plan on bringing camping gear for this road trip, you can stay at Mountain Village Lodge, one of the few motels in town.

Boat Box Hot Spring

Boat Box hot spring is one of the most unusual hot springs you’ll ever come across! Sometimes referred to as the “witch’s cauldron” because of its cauldron-shaped tub, this hot spring offers a soaking experience unlike any other.

The man-made tub is situated in a narrow valley right beside the Salmon River from which you can enjoy sensational river and forest views! Whether you stop by for a soak on a cool Idaho morning, at the end of a long day of hiking, or at night under a starry sky, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable time.

You’ll find Boat Box about four miles north of Stanley on Salmon River Scenic Byway. The tub is a little hard to see from the road since it is hidden around a bend. Keep an eye out on your right side (if heading north) for a curve in the road where there is a shoulder that can accomodate three parked cars. Get directions here.

Yankee Fork Gold Dredge

Yankee Fork Gold Dredge is one of the best preserved gold dredges in the USA. It was built in 1940 to pull out an estimated $11 million worth of gold purported to be buried in the gravel bed of the nearby Yankee Fork Creek.

The dredge worked on and off until 1952 but alas, the $11 million dollar jackpot was never found. Only about $1.5 million dollars worth of gold was ever discovered here and since it cost about that much to operate the dredge, the whole operation was a complete bust.

It sat lonely and abandoned for many years until the owner donated it to the U.S. Forest Service in 1966. Repairs were made to save the dredge from deterioration by the Forest Service however they didn’t have the funds nor the manpower to open it to the public.

Fortunately in 1980, the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge Association was formed who made it their mission to help preserve the dredge and promote its history. Today, this volunteer organization provides tours for interested visitors.

Tours are self-guided but staff members are happy to answer questions. The dredge is open daily throughout summer from 10am to 4.30pm. Cost of admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children. Learn more here.

Custer Ghost Town

Custer Ghost Town is one of the best preserved ghost towns in Idaho. Established in 1879 by gold speculators, this former mining town hit its peak population only seven years later before residents began leaving. There was noone left here by 1910.

Custer was saved from becoming completely obsolete when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Since then many of the abandoned buildings have been restored.

Buildings that have been restored include an old schoolhouse, a saloon, and a few private cabins. There’s also rusted mining equipment scattered throughout Custer that visitors are welcome to investigate.

The schoolhouse has been turned into a museum that holds all sorts of historic memoribilia and the saloon now sells sodas, candy, and ice cream. Both are open to visitors throughout summer.

Bayhorse Ghost Town

Bayhorse Ghost Town was once a thriving mining town supported by a large nearby silver deposit. In 1882, the mine here produced $300,000 worth of silver which is the equivalent of $9.47 million dollars today.

By 1885, Bayhorse had grown to 300 residents. There was a mill, a hotel, restaurant, and five saloons. Over the next 15 years, the equivalent of $366 million dollars in today’s money was made through the extraction of silver, lead, and copper from the surrounding mountains.

But like all good things, the prosperity came to an end. A combination of low metal prices and natural disasters like fires led to the decline and eventual abandonment of the town.

Today you can see several preserved buildings along with ruins of houses on the main street through Bayhorse. Most impressive is the huge three-story mill that rests on a hillside. Also intact are charcoal kilns that you’ll find at the end of a short hiking trail a little ways from the main street.

Goldbug Hot Springs

Goldbug Hot Springs is one of the dreamiest hot springs in the Northwest! These hot springs are perched on the side of a cliff and consist of a series of pools wedged between two mountains.

The largest of the pools is heart-shaped and fed by a warm creek. Water from this larger pool spills over the mountain-side feeding several smaller pools below. From each and every pool are views that are beyond magical!

Unlike the hot springs near Stanley, you’ll need to take a short hike to reach Goldbug Hot Springs. The trail to Goldbug is only two miles each way but it does climb 1,350 feet, therefore it is a moderately strenuous hike.

The trail begins and travels across private land for a quarter mile before coming to a metal gate. Once you pass through the gate you’ll enter Salmon-Challis National Forest where the trail slowly ascends a beautiful high desert landscape dotted with fragrant sagebrush. At the last half mile are steep rocky steps that will guide you to the hot springs.

Enjoy your time in this very special place, but please treat it with respect. That is to say do not leave any trash behind. You’ll find the trailhead in Elk Bend which is about half an hour south of Salmon, Idaho.

Salmon

Salmon, Idaho, is one of the larger towns in the central part of the state. It is nestled beneath the Bitterroot Mountain Range, and the Salmon River Scenic Byway runs straight through Salmon’s downtown.

In Salmon’s downtown you’ll find a handful of shops and restaurants. Odd Fellow Bakery is a heavenly place with fresh-baked bread, sandwiches, pastries, and muffins. Across the road is a brewery and some other bars.

One place not to miss in Salmon is the Sacajawea Center, a museum that focuses on Sacajawea who was a valuable member of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. She was born and raised right here in the Lemhi Valley until she was captured by Arikira Indians and forced to live in the Mandan Villages of North Dakota. Eventually she would return on the historic expedition in the early 1800s to revisit her people.

If you’re looking to break up your drive on this road trip, Salmon is a good place to do so since it’s one of the few places on the Salmon River Byway that has lodging. See all hotels in Salmon here.

Salmon River Scenic Byway between Salmon and the Idaho-Montana border

From Salmon north to the Idaho-Montana border, the byway follows the Salmon River curve for curve through a very remote corner of the state. Besides North Fork where there is a small general store and the very cool River’s Fork Lodge & RV Park, there is little else except for wide open spaces.

There is ample opportunity for adventure along this stretch of the byway — and you won’t have to stray far from course to find it! However if you’re feeling especially ventursome, pick a forest road, any forest road, and get lost in Idaho’s backcountry.

Best Places to Stay on Salmon River Scenic Byway

While there is no shortage of campgrounds along Salmon River Scenic Byway, hotels and other lodging is limited along this route. Traveling from south to north, the best place to break up the drive is in Salmon where you can choose from a small selection of affordable motels. If you plan to drive from north to south in one day look for lodging in Stanley.

• Look for hotels in Stanley, Idaho.
• Look for hotels in Salmon, Idaho.

Best Campgrounds on Salmon River Scenic Byway

If you enjoy camping you’re in luck because campgrounds line the entire stretch of Salmon River Scenic Byway. You’ll find private campgrounds that have all the amenities for roadtrippers traveling by RV, to state park campgrounds with only essential facilities like restrooms. In addition, there is certainly no shortage of free primitive campsites on public lands.

Best Time To Visit Central Idaho

Is there a bad day of weather in Central Idaho during the summer? Very rarely! Between July and September this region of “The Gem State” experiences beautiful, sunny and warm days. Hot days give way to warm evenings, all perfect for enjoying the sparkling rivers and alpine lakes. Prepare to bring a tan home with that smile.