Scott Marchant worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.
Tucked in north central Idaho, between Kooskia and Lolo Pass at the Idaho–Montana border, is an area not widely known, not even to Idahoans. This unique region, the Lochsa River drainage, receives much more rainfall compared to other areas of Idaho and is more akin to the Pacific Northwest. And like the Pacific Northwest, lush and thick forest carpets the landscape, including huge western red cedar trees.
In addition to the vast forests, the corridor is blessed with three rivers—Lochsa, Selway, and Middle Fork of the Clearwater. The Lochsa and Selway Rivers both find their headwaters on the rugged, western slopes of the nearby Bitterroot Mountains. The two rivers confluence near the small town of Lowell and form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater. All three rivers are protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act due to their outstanding natural and recreational values.
Fortunately for travelers wanting to experience this sensational landscape, the area is bisected by one of Idaho’s 31 scenic byways–the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (U.S. 12). From Kooskia, the byway follows the Middle Fork of the Clearwater for 23 meandering miles upriver to the confluence of the Selway and Lochsa Rivers. From here, the byway winds another 78 miles along the Lochsa River to Lolo Pass. Most of this route is bordered by the beautiful Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forest.
The 101-mile drive will keep the adventuresome spirit busy. Outdoor recreationists will discover whitewater rafting and kayaking, dozens of hiking trails, and myriad places to fish. Other outstanding features include historic pack bridges, waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs. Also, rich history abounds as the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) traveled through the region for centuries and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail roughly parallels the byway to Lolo Pass.
Mile Marker Stops on Northwest Passage Scenic Byway
There is so much to see and do along the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway. To help you narrow your options, we have listed some of the “must-do” activities and their respective mile marker (eastbound from Kooskia) along the byway. Before you get started, you should know that there is no fuel once you leave Kooskia until you reach the Lochsa Lodge at the Powell Junction.
73.9 Junction of ID 13 and U.S. 12 near Kooskia
At the junction of the two roads, find a informative kiosk about the byway, local flora and fauna, and history. It’s a worthwhile stop for an introduction to the driving adventure.
75.2 Kooskia National Fish Hatchery & Looking Glass Village
Turn south across the bridge and then immediately turn left on Toll Road. Drive two miles to the modest fish hatchery on the south side of the road. The hatchery was established in 1961 to rear spring chinook salmon (up to 600,000) for release into the Clearwater River basin. The hatchery is free and you can see the young fish in tanks.
On the north side of Toll Road (across from the hatchery) is an open, wooded area along the Lochsa River where Chief Looking Glass of the Nez Perce had a seasonal village. There are interpretive signs detailing the village and information about the Nez Perce War.
88.6 Number One Swimming Hole
The swimming hole was named after a ranger station—identified as Number One— that was built near here in 1929. There is wide pullout on the right side of the road providing access to a restroom, picnic area, and a beautiful, sandy beach. This is a great stop for a summer day swim.
95.3 Wild Goose Campground
The scenic campground is sheltered by oversized western red cedars and sits on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. There are eight campsites and fee season is mid-May through the end of September.
96.5 Town of Lowell and the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway Rivers
Lowell—population 23—sits in a small valley at the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway Rivers. There are no establishments except for the rustic Three Rivers Resort. It offers cabins, a convenience store, cafe, and a pool. There is no gas.
From Lowell, a worthwhile and picturesque side trip can be made along the Selway River. The road (FR 223) is paved for the first seven miles to the heavily wooded O’Hara Campground, located on the south side of the river. The fee campground has 32 sites. Beyond O’Hara, the road transitions to a dirt surface and continues another 11 miles to Selway Falls, a 50-foot waterfall that sieves around a slew of granite boulders. Along the drive, there are a multitude of hiking trails, sandy beaches, primitive campgrounds, and whitewater opportunities.
115.5 Shoestring Falls
The 20-foot waterfall is easy to access and is especially beautiful during spring. Look for a pullout on the south side of the road. The signed trailhead is on the north side of the road. The hike ascends 150 feet through thick forest in less than a half-mile to a wooden bridge directly below Shoestring Falls.
121.5 Lochsa Historic Ranger Station
This historic ranger station has been preserved as a museum as is a must-see for history buffs. The station was used as a backcountry ranger station by the Forest Service from 1925 until the late 1950s. There are eight buildings constructed between the late 1920s and early 1930s. The visitor center is open 7 days a week from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
122.6 Wilderness Gateway Campground
Located adjacent to the Lochsa River, the Wilderness Gateway Campground is a camping oasis. The sprawling campground contains 91 sites scattered among four different loops. Amenities including a picnic area, amphitheater, and a playground. Several trails depart from the campground and lead into the 1.3 million acre Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, including a lengthy 5-mile hike (one-way) to Stanley Hot Springs.
142.1 Weir Creek Hot Springs
Weir Creek Hot Springs is situated in a lush, forest setting set high above Weir Creek. There is a large pool built into a outcropping and a smaller pool sits a few yards above the main pool. From the small parking area it is a delightful half-mile hike with 200 feet of gain to the hot spring. Pack out what you pack in and remember to travel with care while enjoying these natural wonders.
148.0 Colgate Licks National Recreation Trail
This 0.8 mile interpretive loop hike ascends 150 feet through open forest and leads to Colgate Licks, a natural mineral lick in a small meadow. The mineral lick attracts deer, elk, and moose who “lick” the tasty minerals that become trapped in the soil near here. There are wooden benches along the trail. Look to hike in early morning or late evening for the best opportunity to see wildlife.
151.4 Warm Spring Creek Pack Bridge and Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Park on the north side of the road and walk across the road to the pack bridge, one of four along the Lochsa drainage. The Warm Springs Trail leads to the popular Jerry Johnson Hot Spring in 1.2 miles (one-way). The trail is relatively level, only ascending 150 feet to the springs. There are several sets of pools spaced comfortably apart. The trail continues beyond the hot springs and intersects with several other trails that lead into the Selway–Bitterroot Wilderness.
161.8 Powell Junction and Powell Campground
At this junction, directly south of U.S. 12 are the Powell Campground and Lochsa Lodge. Both are nestled close to the Lochsa River. The charming Powell Campground has 34 campsites along 3 paved loops. The campground is within walking distance to the quaint lodge where there is a restaurant, rental cabins, convenience store, and fuel.
165.0 DeVoto Memorial Grove
Make sure to walk through this old-growth, western red cedar grove dedicated to the historian Bernard DeVoto, who camped near here while editing the journals of Lewis and Clark. There are trails on either side of the road that meander below huge cedars, some nearly 2,000 years old!
174.0 Lolo Pass Visitor Center
Just before reaching the Montana/Idaho border, come to the superlative Lolo Pass Visitor Center housed in the historic Mud Creek Cabin, built in 1923. The visitor center has informative exhibits about Lewis and Clark, the Nez Perce, and the ecology of the local forest. Behind the cabin is a easy interpretive trail that leads to Glade Creek Camp where Lewis and Clark camped on the night of September 13, 1805.
Look to visit in during spring run-off for the waterfalls and wildflowers. Summer brings warmer temperatures and drier weather. Fall is less crowded, although expect rain as the season progresses. The Lochsa Lodge is open year-round, providing access to a winter wonderland. Although the drive can be easily done in a day, ideally plan on a minimum of two to three days to immerse yourself in this captivating area. It’s gorgeous!
Feature image credited to Scott Marchant.
Scott Marchant lives in Boise and when not exploring the rugged diversity of Idaho, he strives to keep up with his active family. After exploring thousands of miles of trails Scott published several hiking guidebooks and hopes that others will see these remarkable places and then help to preserve and protect our public lands. Find more hiking trail details from Scott here.
Published on September 15, 2026