Statewide - Idaho

« Lewis and Clark
The Lewis and Clark expedition
crossed the Continental Divide near
Lemhi Pass on August 12, 1805,
accompanied by their interpreter,
Sacajawea, a young Lemhi-Shoshone
woman who was born near presentday
Salmon, Idaho. It was in central
Idaho that the hopes of finding a river
passage to the Pacific were dashed.
Begin your own “Voyage of Discovery”
in this region by visiting the
Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural,
and Educational Center; rafting the
Salmon River; and driving to Lemhi
Pass on the Lewis and Clark Backcountry
Byway.
lewisandclarkidaho.org
Mackay and Arco
As you drive along Highway 93 beside
the towering Lost River Range, you’ll see
Idaho’s highest peak to the east. Mt.
Borah is the most noticeable mountaintop
in the range, surpassing the neighboring
peaks at 12,662 feet. Nearby is
the town of Mackay, nicknamed “Top of
Idaho” because of its proximity to the
peak. The majestic mountains surrounding
Mackay are ideal for hiking and
backcountry drives. Explore the area’s
heritage on a self-guided tour of mining
locations on Mackay’s Mine Hill.
Located along the Big Lost River in eastern
Idaho, Arco was the first city in the
world to be lit with electricity generated
by nuclear power in 1949. Its location
makes it a good place to stop between
the Craters of the Moon, 18 miles to the
west, and the Idaho National Laboratory,
the vast complex of scientific experiment
stations. East of Arco, Experimental
« For those who appreciate the middle of nowhere »
Breeder Reactor # 1 National Historic
Landmark is open to the public for free
self-guided tours about this former
nuclear reactor plant and the new technologies
in nuclear energy.
Salmon & the Lemhi Valley
North of Challis, Highway 93 enters the
serene and picturesque Lemhi Valley.
Nestled in the shadows between the
Bitterroot Mountains and the Lemhi
Range, this is the valley where mountain
men of the 1800s, Jim Bridger and
Kit Carson, would spend the winter.
Today, the town of Salmon is called
the “Whitewater Capital of the World.”
From Salmon, professional outfitters
are available to take you on the river
dubbed the “River of No Return,”
the Main Salmon River.
The Salmon River remains one of the
few free-flowing waterways in America.
Wildlife thrives in the rugged mountains
and grassy meadows that embrace the
river. The best way to experience the
Salmon is with one of Idaho’s many
licensed outfitters, who offer float trips
ranging from one to eight days on calm
or wild water. The town of Salmon is
the largest in the area and a great place
to stop, refuel, and refresh. Don’t pass
up a visit to the Sacajawea Interpretive,
Cultural, and Educational Center.
The museum celebrates the contributions
of this Lemhi-Shoshone woman
who served as an interpreter for the
Lewis and Clark expedition. Enjoy the
visitor center, outdoor amphitheater,
Sacajawea monument, and a one-mile
interpretive trail.
Immerse yourself further in the explorers’
experience by driving up to Lemhi
Pass on the Lewis and Clark Backcountry
Byway. Many historians consider Lemhi
Pass the most important site along the
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. It
was here that the dream of an easy route
to the Pacific died as the explorers gazed
upon seemingly endless mountains
ahead. The byway is a 38-mile, singlelane
gravel road with steep grades, but it
is certainly worth the journey.
visitidaho.org |
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Craters of the Moon
Middle Fork Salmon River
Sawtooth Mountains
Lost River Range
Sun Valley Resort Golf Course