The most beautiful scenic drives in Idaho

Idaho, the northwestern U.S. state, is not only famous for potatoes but also a paradise for scenic driving enthusiasts. With diverse terrain ranging from majestic mountains and vast forests to crystal-clear glacial rivers and picturesque lakes, Idaho boasts countless stunning routes, offering unforgettable driving experiences for anyone who sets foot here. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to explore the most beautiful scenic drives in Idaho, where every turn reveals a magnificent natural painting, and each journey is an emotional story.

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Highway 12 – Journey Through Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

Highway 12, also known as the Clearwater Route, is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Idaho, stretching approximately 100 miles from Kooskia to the Montana border. This route follows the winding Clearwater River, traversing the heart of the pristine and majestic Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

Scenic Highway 12 winding through a lush green forest in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Idaho

Driving on Highway 12, you’ll witness the unspoiled beauty of Idaho’s nature. On both sides of the road are boundless pine and fir forests, snow-capped mountains, and the turquoise Clearwater River flowing rapidly. In autumn, the scenery here becomes even more romantic with the brilliant yellow and red hues of maple and birch leaves interspersed among the green of the forest.

Besides its stunning natural landscapes, Highway 12 is also rich in the history and culture of Idaho. This area was once the homeland of the Nez Perce Native American tribe, and you can learn about their history and culture at the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Kamiah.

Highlights on Highway 12:

Clearwater River: A crystal-clear, fast-flowing river, ideal for activities such as salmon fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest: A vast forest with a diverse ecosystem, home to many wildlife species such as black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles.
Lolo Pass: A historic mountain pass on the Idaho-Montana border, once a crucial route for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs: A wonderful relaxing stop with natural hot pools amidst the pristine mountain forest scenery.

Travel Tips:

Best time to visit: Summer and autumn are the best times to drive on Highway 12, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is most vibrant.
Stopover points: Along Highway 12, there are many charming small towns such as Kooskia, Kamiah, Orofino, and Lowell, where you can find restaurants, cafes, and accommodations.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, camping, and wildlife viewing are popular activities on Highway 12.

Sawtooth Scenic Byway – Admire the Majestic Sawtooth Mountains

The Sawtooth Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 75, is one of Idaho’s most iconic scenic drives. This approximately 60-mile route takes you into the heart of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains, with jagged granite peaks reaching for the sky, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and vast green valleys.

Panoramic view of the Sawtooth Mountains reflected in a pristine lake along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, Idaho

Driving on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world, where nature retains its most pristine and majestic beauty. The Sawtooth Mountains appear before your eyes with unique shapes, likened to giant saw teeth, creating a breathtaking and impressive scene.

The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is not only a stunning driving route but also a gateway to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a vast nature preserve with over 700 miles of hiking trails, hundreds of high-altitude lakes, and countless opportunities for wilderness exploration.

Highlights on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway:

Sawtooth Mountains: Majestic granite mountains with jagged peaks, one of Idaho’s most famous natural symbols.
Alpine Lakes: Hundreds of crystal-clear lakes scattered throughout the Sawtooth Mountains, such as Jenny Lake, Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake, and Alturas Lake, are ideal destinations for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
Stanley Town: A charming small town nestled at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, the tourism center of the area, where you can find restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and accommodations.
Galena Summit: The highest mountain pass on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, offering stunning panoramic views of the Sawtooth Mountains and the Challis Valley.

Travel Tips:

Best time to visit: Summer and early autumn are the best times to drive on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, when the weather is warm and pleasant, the roads are clear, and the natural scenery is most beautiful.
Stopover points: Stanley Town is an ideal stopover point for resting, dining, and exploring the surrounding area.
Activities: Hiking, mountaineering, camping, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, and sightseeing are popular activities on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway.

Selkirk Loop – Explore the Picturesque Panhandle of Idaho

The Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile loop route, stretching through the Panhandle region of North Idaho, Eastern Washington, and Southeastern British Columbia. This route offers a diverse exploration journey, from dense forests and towering mountains to clear lakes and charming small towns.

Scenic view of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding forests along the Selkirk Loop in Idaho Panhandle

Driving on the Selkirk Loop, you’ll admire the pristine and peaceful beauty of the Idaho Panhandle. Lake Pend Oreille, one of the deepest freshwater lakes in the United States, is a prominent highlight on this route. You can stop at the lakeside town of Sandpoint to enjoy the fresh air, participate in water sports, and watch the beautiful sunset over the lake.

The Selkirk Loop also takes you through the Kaniksu National Forest, a vast forest with a diverse ecosystem, home to many wildlife species, and an ideal destination for hiking and camping enthusiasts.

Highlights on the Selkirk Loop:

Lake Pend Oreille: A large and deep freshwater lake, ideal for activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and cruising.
Sandpoint Town: A beautiful lakeside town with many restaurants, cafes, shops, and art galleries, the cultural and tourist center of the Panhandle region.
Kaniksu National Forest: A vast forest with many hiking trails, lakes, and waterfalls, an ideal place to explore wild nature.
Albeni Falls Dam: A large dam on the Pend Oreille River, creating a majestic scene and an interesting destination to learn about engineering.

Travel Tips:

Best time to visit: Summer and autumn are the best times to drive on the Selkirk Loop, when the weather is warm and pleasant, the roads are clear, and the natural scenery is most beautiful.
Stopover points: Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry towns are ideal stopover points for resting, dining, and exploring the surrounding area.
Activities: Scenic driving, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, cycling, and visiting small towns are popular activities on the Selkirk Loop.

Salmon River Scenic Byway – Journey Along the “River of No Return”

The Salmon River Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 93 and Highway 75 North section, is an adventurous and challenging scenic drive, following the famous Salmon River, also known as the “River of No Return”. This approximately 150-mile route takes you deep into the central Idaho wilderness, with deep canyons, towering cliffs, and the surging Salmon River.

View of the rugged Salmon River canyon and winding road along the Salmon River Scenic Byway, Idaho

Driving on the Salmon River Scenic Byway, you’ll experience the feeling of conquering wild and rugged nature. The scenery along the road changes constantly, from dense pine forests to fiery red sandstone cliffs, from winding roads to wide river sections.

The Salmon River Scenic Byway is not only famous for its majestic natural landscapes but also an ideal destination for adventure sports enthusiasts such as rafting and fishing. The Salmon River is known as one of the wildest and most challenging rivers in North America, attracting professional kayakers and rafters from around the world.

Highlights on the Salmon River Scenic Byway:

Salmon River: A wild and majestic river, famous for its deep canyons and challenging rapids, an ideal destination for rafting and salmon fishing.
Hell’s Canyon: The deepest canyon in North America, located along the Idaho-Oregon border, offering spectacular and impressive natural scenery.
Salmon Town: A historic small town on the banks of the Salmon River, the tourism center of the area, where you can learn about mining history and Wild West culture.
Historical Sites: Along the Salmon River Scenic Byway, there are many historical sites related to Native Americans, miners, and early settlers.

Travel Tips:

Best time to visit: Summer and early autumn are the best times to drive on the Salmon River Scenic Byway, when the weather is warm and dry, the river level is moderate, and outdoor activities are most vibrant.
Suitable vehicle: It is recommended to use an SUV or pickup truck with good off-road capability, as some sections of the road can be quite rough and difficult to navigate.
Activities: Rafting, fishing, hiking, camping, sightseeing, and exploring history are popular activities on the Salmon River Scenic Byway.

Conclusion

Idaho is truly a hidden gem in the northwestern United States, with countless stunning natural landscapes and dreamlike scenic drives. From dense forests and majestic mountains to crystal-clear glacial rivers and picturesque lakes, Idaho offers visitors unforgettable driving experiences and memorable moments. Plan your journey to explore the most beautiful scenic drives in Idaho today, and you won’t regret witnessing the magnificent beauty of this state firsthand.