Lost Trail Pass to North Fork
Highway 93 winds 25 beautiful miles along the Salmon River between Lost Trail Pass and North Fork. Lewis and Clark were bound this way in 1805 when their Indian guide lost the trail. Here, Idaho meets Montana at 6,995 feet, and the views from several spots along the route are spectacular. Look for deer, elk, and moose grazing along the hills or in meadows nearby. Follow the historical markers noting the journey of Lewis and Clark. There's not a nicer place on earth in which to get lost.Salmon
To the west, the Salmon Mountains. To the east, the Lemhi Range. The Bitterroots jut up to the north. And in a small valley smack dab in the middle of all this majesty, sits scenic Salmon. Lodging and restaurants are available. And the folks at the Chamber of Commerce on Main Street will be happy to tell you all about their spectacular area.Challis
For miners working the Yankee Fork, Bayhorse, or Clayton mines in 1876, Challis was the place to stock up on groceries, pick axes, and another month's supply of stories. You'll still see a lot of that mining past in the buildings and the town of Challis, though cattle ranching is the livelihood of choice today.Land of the Yankee Fork/Sunbeam
Where Highways 75 and 93 converge, you'll find the Land of the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center, a terrific introduction to the region's mining legacy. (The Center itself is even modeled after the old mining buildings). Forty-six miles further west is Sunbeam Dam, the power plant built in 1909 for the mine and mill just up Yankee Fork Road, to the north. It's a 10-mile drive up the gravel road to ghost towns with names like Bonanza and Custer. And, of course, to the celebrated Yankee Fork Gold Dredge. From 1940 to 1952, miners watched 6 million cubic yards of stream gravel turn into 1 million dollars worth of gold and silver, thanks to the dredge.Sumbeam Hot Springs
Sunbeam Hot Springs is located just past the Yankee Fork turnoff and makes a nice place for a relaxing dip.The Town of Stanley
Just 12 miles further up the Salmon River is the Town of Stanley. Don't miss the spectacular view and photo opportunity when the river canyon finally opens up to a view of the Sawtooths. Stanley is situated where rambling Valley Creek meets the raging Main Salmon River, and is surrounded by three mountain ranges; the Salmon River range on the north, the White Cloud range on the east and the unsurpassed Sawtooth Mountains on the west and south. Groceries, fishing tackle including the right flies, restaurants, river rafting outfitters, fishing and mountain guides are all available in Stanley. We recommend that you stay a few days at Valley Creek Lodge & RV Park and enjoy what the area has to offer.
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