An aerial shot of bikers headed north on Forest Road 185 — Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway, near Tendoy. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

A look from above at Sharkey Hot Springs. — Sharkey Hot Springs, near Tendoy. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three people relax in a hot springs pool — Sharkey Hot Springs, near Tendoy. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

Bikers cycle along the road past the Tendoy Store — Tendoy Store, Tendoy. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

A man rides through a creek near Agency Creek — Agency Creek, near Agency Creek Campground, Lemhi. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

A bronze statue of Sacajawea stands outside the Sacajawea Interpretive Center surrounded by trees. — Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Salmon. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A person looks out over the rolling scenery of the Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway. — Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway, near Tendoy. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

The Continental Divide Trail Marker in front of a Lemhi landscape — Continental Divide Trail, near Lemhi Pass. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.

Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway

Take a drive on the breathtaking Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway. This remote route recognizes the area where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their explorations of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors will find that many of the forests and meadows on this drive look much the same as when these explorers journeyed to the area in 1805.

Length

35.9 miles
58.16 km

Time

1 hour,
33 minutes

Region

Central Idaho

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 Direction: 20 miles southeast of Salmon off of Idaho 28. Turn east from Idaho 28 at the Tendoy store.

Road Conditions: This byway is a single-lane gravel road with pullouts. Buses, RVs, and trailers are not recommended on sections of the byway.

Full Services in: Salmon

Partial services in: Tendoy, Lemhi and Leadore

Full services: When gas, food and lodging are available

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

Nearby Adventures

Enjoy the beauty of the byway on foot via the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, discover historical connections and overlook the Lemhi Pass from your Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway drive.