Guides/Overland routes/Idaho
Overland route88 midifficulty: moderate

St. Joe River Scenic Byway

RegionIdahoAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
St. Joe River Scenic Byway — overland route near St. Maries, Idaho, Idaho
USDA Forest Service, Northern Region
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
88mi
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
Any high-clearance vehicle in summer. The eastern half is gravel and graded dirt; the western half along the St. Joe is paved.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Drops out fast east of Avery; service returns near St. Maries.
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The St. Joe River Scenic Byway runs 88 miles between St. Maries on the west and the FS road network east of Avery, Idaho, paralleling the St. Joe River for most of its length. The route is paved as ID-3 and ID-50 to Avery, then continues as gravel and dirt forest road through the Idaho Panhandle National Forests' St. Joe Ranger District. The river itself is one of the highest navigable rivers in the world, federally Wild & Scenic from Spruce Tree on east.

The paved western half is open year-round; the gravel eastern half closes from late November through May with snow. Most drivers run the full route in five to six hours, longer with stops at the Avery Ranger Station, the Marble Creek interpretive site, or for a fishing break on the river. There are no technical obstacles.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal closures. The gravel eastern section closes from late November through May with snow.
  • Single-lane gravel. Pullouts are limited near the river. Yield to descending traffic.
  • Slippery when wet. The dirt sections turn slick after rain.
  • Wildlife. Elk, moose, and black bears are common. Mountain lions in the corridor.
  • No services east of Avery. Carry water, fuel, and a spare tire.

Location

88 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 47.294, -116.213

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townSt. Maries, Idaho
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r01/ipnf
ClosedDec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location47.294, -116.213

Getting there

Directions

From St. Maries (west entrance). From St. Maries, take ID-3 south to ID-50, then east along the river through Avery.

From the east end / Lookout Pass area. Forest Roads connect from Lookout Pass on I-90 down through the Bitterroots to the upper St. Joe via the Heller Creek and Conrad Crossing road network.

Photos

5 photos

Photos · 5

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The byway runs east from St. Maries on the south end of Lake Coeur d'Alene through Avery and on toward the FS road system that connects to Lookout Pass and the Montana line. Idaho Panhandle National Forests' St. Joe Ranger District manages the FS portions. The byway is the main access road to the upper St. Joe River corridor and the Bitterroot Divide trailheads on the Idaho side.

Trail Overview

Eighty-eight miles, point-to-point. Pavement runs from St. Maries to Avery on ID-3 and ID-50. The eastern fifty-plus miles are graded gravel and dirt forest road through cedar and Douglas-fir forest, paralleling the river. There are no technical obstacles, but the gravel narrows to single-lane in places, with limited pullouts near the river edge.

Points of Interest

  • Avery Ranger Station. Historic FS guard station and unincorporated village. The eastern terminus of pavement.
  • St. Joe River. Wild & Scenic from Spruce Tree east. Fishing for native cutthroat is the main draw.
  • Marble Creek Interpretive Site. Historic logging operation site with interpretive signs.
  • Heller Creek Campground. Developed FS campground on the upper river.
  • Spruce Tree Campground. Far east end of the gravel section, near the Wilderness boundary.
  • Hobo Cedar Grove. Old-growth cedar grove on a side road off the byway, with interpretive trails.

Where to Camp

The St. Joe corridor has a string of developed FS campgrounds: Conrad Crossing, Heller Creek, Spruce Tree, and Tin Can Flat. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the corridor with the standard 16-day stay limit. St. Maries has a city campground; Avery has limited private camping.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Check road status before driving. The St. Joe Ranger District in St. Maries (208-245-2531) holds current condition info, and the eastern gravel section closes in winter.
  • Top off in St. Maries. Avery has minimal services and limited fuel.
  • The river is catch-and-release for native cutthroat above Prospector Creek. Carry a current Idaho fishing license.
  • The single-lane gravel sections require yielding. Watch for descending traffic.
  • Combine with the route to Lookout Pass and Lolo Pass for a multi-day Bitterroot Divide tour.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is St. Joe River Scenic Byway?
St. Joe River Scenic Byway is rated moderate. The route runs 88 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for St. Joe River Scenic Byway?
Any high-clearance vehicle in summer. The eastern half is gravel and graded dirt; the western half along the St. Joe is paved.
When is the best time to visit St. Joe River Scenic Byway?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at St. Joe River Scenic Byway?
Drops out fast east of Avery; service returns near St. Maries.