Guides/Overland routes/Idaho
Overland route71 midifficulty: moderate

Elk River Backcountry Byway

RegionIdahoAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Elk River Backcountry Byway — overland route near Elk River, Idaho, Idaho
Terri Rorke, via Wikimedia Commons
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
71mi
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle in dry conditions. AWD or 4WD recommended after rain. The route is graded gravel and dirt, with several single-lane segments.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
None on the byway interior; service returns near Elk River and Bovill.
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Elk River Backcountry Byway is a 71-mile loop on Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests that runs north and east of Elk River, Idaho, through the cedar and Douglas-fir country between the Palouse and the Clearwater River. The route is gravel and dirt forest road throughout, with a paved stretch through the town of Elk River itself. Elk Creek Falls, Morris Creek Cedar Grove, and a series of small lakes are the principal stops.

Most drivers run the loop in four to six hours. The byway is best between June and October; snow closes most of it from late November to May, and spring melt softens the dirt sections. There are no technical obstacles, but the surface is high-clearance dirt that gets sticky in rain.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal closures. Snow closes most of the byway from late November to May.
  • Slick dirt after rain. The unpaved sections turn slick. Postpone after storms.
  • Single-lane wooden bridges. Several creek crossings are single-lane; yield to oncoming traffic.
  • Wildlife. Elk, deer, and black bears are common.
  • No services on the byway. Carry water, fuel, and a spare tire.

Location

71 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 46.783, -116.183

Current conditions

Live weather

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townElk River, Idaho
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r01/nezperce-clearwater
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location46.783, -116.183

Getting there

Directions

From Bovill (west entrance). Take ID-8 east from Bovill thirty miles to Elk River. The byway begins at the north edge of town on Forest Road 1452.

From Pierce (east entrance). Take ID-11 north from Pierce to its end, then continue on Forest Road 1452 west to Elk River. This direction is rougher; check road conditions first.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Elk River is a small town on ID-8 about thirty miles east of Bovill in north-central Idaho, between Moscow and Pierce. The byway loops north into Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and tags Elk Creek Falls before swinging east toward the Dworshak Reservoir's upper tributaries and back. The Palouse Ranger District manages the corridor.

Trail Overview

Seventy-one miles, loop. The route is graded gravel and dirt forest road through second-growth cedar and Douglas-fir, with the Elk Creek Falls trailhead about five miles north of town. The byway crosses several creeks and includes a few single-lane wooden bridges. There are no technical obstacles, but the surface is sensitive to weather.

Points of Interest

  • Elk Creek Falls. A trio of waterfalls on Elk Creek with developed trails and overlooks. The lower falls drops about ninety feet.
  • Morris Creek Cedar Grove. Old-growth western red cedar grove with a short interpretive walk.
  • Dworshak Reservoir. The byway brushes the upper tributaries of the reservoir; full reservoir access is at Cavanaugh Bay or further south.
  • Elk Butte Lookout. A spur road climbs to a fire lookout above the corridor.
  • Town of Elk River. Community of about 130 with a general store, lodge, and the Elk River Lodge restaurant.

Where to Camp

Elk Creek Falls Recreation Area has developed camping near the falls. Dispersed camping on Nez Perce-Clearwater NF land is allowed throughout the corridor with the standard 16-day stay limit. Town of Elk River has a city campground for hard-sided rigs. The Bovill area on the western approach has private campgrounds.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Check road status before driving. The Palouse Ranger District (208-875-1131) holds current condition info.
  • The dirt sections turn slick after rain. Postpone driving after storms.
  • Top off fuel and water in Bovill or Pierce before driving the byway. Elk River has a small store but limited fuel.
  • The Elk Creek Falls trail loop adds an hour and is the route's signature stop.
  • Pair with the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (US-12) if continuing south.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Elk River Backcountry Byway?
Elk River Backcountry Byway is rated moderate. The route runs 71 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Elk River Backcountry Byway?
High-clearance vehicle in dry conditions. AWD or 4WD recommended after rain. The route is graded gravel and dirt, with several single-lane segments.
When is the best time to visit Elk River Backcountry Byway?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at Elk River Backcountry Byway?
None on the byway interior; service returns near Elk River and Bovill.