Aerial view of the Saint Joe River near the town of Avery. — Town of Avery along the St. Joe River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A roadside sign for Saint Joe River Scenic Byway. — Byway signage near Avery. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A wooden sign hangs from a post, welcoming visitors to Avery, Idaho. — Town of Avery. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A mother and son look at exhibits at the Marble Creek Historical Park. — Marble Creek Historical Park between Herrick and Hoyt. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A sign with a map at Marble Creek Historical Park. — Marble Creek Historical Park between Herrick and Hoyt. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A sign at Marble Creek Historical Park. — Marble Creek Historical Park between Herrick and Hoyt. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Machinery at Marble Creek Historical Park. — Marble Creek Historical Park between Herrick and Hoyt. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Exterior exhibits at Marble Creek Historical Park. — Marble Creek Historical Park between Herrick and Hoyt. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Wooden signs at the Avery Museum. — Avery Museum, Avery. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A red train carriage at Avery Museum. — Avery Musuem, Avery. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Interior of a train carriage at the Avery Museum. — Avery Museum, Avery. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Saint Joe River Scenic Byway signage. — Byway signage near Avery. Photo credit: Visit idaho.

Two people watch water cascade over rocks at the Saint Joe River. — St. Joe River near St. Maries. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Idaho Panhandle National Forest sign. — Idaho Panhandle National Forest near the Idaho/Montana border. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A boy fishing along the shoreline of the Saint Joe River. — St. Joe River, Turner Flat Campground near Avery. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Two people walk across a wooden suspension bridge. — Turner Flat Campground near Avery. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Two people stand on a ridge overlooking Saint Joe River. — St. Joe River near Avery. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Saint Joe River in Idaho. — St. Joe River near St. Maries. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

St. Joe River Scenic Byway

Tracing the cottonwood-lined St. Joe River, the St. Joe River Scenic Byway is a picturesque haven for birdwatchers and anglers. Bald eagles and osprey call the cottonwoods home and feast on fish from the waters below. Continuing along the byway, the crystal-clear waters become shallower and are ideal all sorts of trout species. Along the river’s edge, keep an eye out for deer, elk, moose and bear.

Length

87.3 miles
141 km

Time

2 hours,
21 minutes

Region

Northern

When to Visit

Spring, Summer, Fall

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: From St. Maries, at the junction of Idaho 3 and Forest Highway 50 (FS 50), head east along the St. Joe River for 75 miles. At the intersection with Road 218, FS 50 heads north (left) and climbs 14 miles to the Idaho-Montana border.

Road Conditions: N/A

Full Services in: St. Maries and Avery

Partial Services in: Calder

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Partial Services: When gas and a few other facilities are available

Nearby Adventures

Offering some of the best trout fishing in the region and an abundance of camping, picnicking and hiking opportunities, the St. Joe River Scenic Byway is the perfect place to unplug and recharge with nature.