Northwest Passage Scenic Byway
en dag / 202 miles / 6 timer 44 minutter
The Lewis and Clark Expedition journeyed through north-central Idaho 200 years ago in search of the Northwest Passage. The sparkling rivers, deep canyons, and rugged mountains they encountered are relatively unchanged. Experience the culture, recreation, and scenery in this breathtaking land of the Nez Perce.
Dag 1
9:00 - 15.4 miles / 30 minutter - 9:30
Nez Perce National Historical Park
The Nez Perce National Historical Park consists of 38 sites scattered across the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana. Travel through the park and commemorate the stories and history of the Nimiipuu or Nez Perce and their interaction with explorers, fur traders, missionaries, soldiers, settlers, gold miners, and farmers who moved through or into the area.
10:30 - 27.4 miles / 54 minutter - 11:25
In 1805, Lewis and Clark stopped at this spot alongside the Clearwater River in Orofino to build five dugout canoes for their journey down the Clearwater, Snake, and Columbia Rivers. Visitors can still pause at this National Park Service site to build memories. Fish for steelhead at the Steelhead National Fish Hatchery or go bird-watching for glimpses of osprey, herons, and bald eagles. For visitors wanting to spend more time in the area, take advantage of an RV Park located just across the highway.
11:55 - 27.8 miles / 55 minutter - 12:51
Lochsa Historical Ranger Station
Located 48 miles east of Kooskia on US Highway 12, the seasonally-staffed US Forest Service site interprets life at remote forest service ranger stations during the 1920s and 1930s. The Visitor Center has interpretive exhibits, public fishing pond, and walking tour.
12:51 - 5.5 miles / 10 minutter - 13:02
See what Lewis and Clark saw along Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers
The road parallels the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River. The actual Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail, which is on a tree-lined ridge just north of the Lochsa River, represents the most difficult part of the Corps of Discovery's trek across the western territory to discover a passage to the Pacific Ocean. After Lowell, the road begins to narrow as the river canyon deepens and the speed limit is reduced to 50 mph. This portion of the highway is relatively young having been completed just 50 years ago in 1962, finally providing a connection between Idaho and Montana. Portions of this section of highway were constructed with manual labor from the World War II Japanese Internment Camp that was located at Canyon Creek. The road is narrow and winding but suitable for all vehicle types. Because the road shoulders are narrow, bicycling this section of the byway is not recommended. Services: Seasonal lodging and food at Syringa and Lowell, Year round lodging and food at Powell. Numerous tent and RV camping opportunities.
13:32 - 126.3 miles / 4 timer 12 minutter - 17:44