Idaho scenic drives, rugged and untamed, feature incredible views of rivers and mountains. The links at the bottom of this page will take you to articles about three such scenic drives -- Northwest Passage, Payette River, and Pend Oreille -- that contain photos, highlights, and detailed maps.

As visitors travel through Idaho's Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, they experience the meaning of discovery.
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As visitors travel through Idaho's Northwest Passage Scenic Byway,
they experience the meaning of discovery.

Explore Lewis and Clark's routes, chase a whitewater river, or follow a meandering drive through undeveloped land. Idaho's natural beauty shines in the spring, and summer attracts winter visitors who arrive at the state's resorts to ski.

Plan a route through the state by taking one or more of the following Idaho scenic drives:

Northwest Passage Scenic Byway
Sacagawea showed Lewis and Clark how to cross the Rocky Mountains through this passage. Now, visitors fish in trout-stocked rivers or hike through the woods.

Payette River Scenic Byway
The whitewater of the Payette River is sought after by world-class whitewater rafters, while those in search of a less-addling vacation check into the nearby resorts.

Pend Oreille Scenic Byway
Follow the shoreline of Idaho's largest inland lake to the Montana border, where opportunities for water enthusiasts and skiers abound.

For more useful travel information about Idaho and beyond, see:
  • Idaho State Guide: Discover all of the things to do in Idaho, and learn about Mobil Travel Guide-rated hotels and restaurants in the state.
  • Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives in states other than Idaho? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.
  • How to Drive Economically: Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Learn how to get better gas mileage.