Over 200 years ago, intrepid explorers Lewis and Clark stood nearly 7,000 feet atop a peak in what is now the Salmon River Valley. Home to the Shoshone and Bannock tribes who habited this area for thousands of years, the jagged mountains that spread before them shimmered in the sunlight and stretched on for miles. Today, this spectacular view remains largely unchanged, is the perfect starting point for a scenic drive alongside the mighty Salmon River. From panoramic vistas of the iconic Sawtooth Mountains to white sand beaches on craggy river bluffs, the Salmon River Scenic Byway winds 161 miles through pristine forests, past sparkling glacial lakes, and beneath towering mountains that turn kaleidoscopic at sunset. Learn the story of Central Idaho as you trace its history from Native Americans and early explorers to the trappers, miners, and pioneer homesteaders. Discover a world where mountain goats and sheep feed on steep hillsides and float trips, fishing, rock climbing, and bird watching are daily activities. And at the end of the day, slip into a bubbling natural hot spring and gaze into an endlessly starry sky. Thrilling nature, epic scenery, and fascinating history are waiting for you to explore the wild side of Idaho on the Salmon River Scenic Byway.