Lemhi Pass is an important historic site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The Lewis and Clark Backcountry Byway and Adventure Road offers a different perspective on this trail: the 36-mile loop follows the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Along the byway, there are opportunities for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and exploring the surroundings. As a loop, the byway emphasizes a route with multiple activities, while Lemhi Pass marks a specific historic site.
Trails and Landscapes
At Discovery Hill, outdoor activity comes with a strong connection to the landscape. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, dirt biking, and disc golf; visitors can also explore sections of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail on foot. The trails wind through gently rolling sagebrush hills, with views of the Continental Divide and the Salmon River valley.
At the Morgan Bar Recreation Site, water and the riverbank shape the route. The site is on the Salmon River and offers an eastern view of the Beaverhead Mountains. A trail loops around a wetland pond and runs for almost a mile along the west bank of the Salmon River. Compared with Discovery Hill, the landscape shifts from sagebrush hills and valley views to a trail by a pond and riverbank, with mountain views.
The Upper Salmon River: Orientation, Recreation, and Habitat
The Upper Salmon River can also be viewed from several perspectives. Highways 75 and 93 run parallel to it through towns such as Salmon and North Fork. From Stanley to North Fork, the river offers opportunities for boating and other recreational activities on and along the water. At the same time, dozens of wildlife and bird species depend on the Upper Salmon River’s clean water and distinctive riparian zones. Together, these features make the river a route marker, a place for water-based recreation, and a habitat.
Stories and Cultural Perspectives
The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center is dedicated to honoring Sacajawea, her role in the Corps of Discovery, and her affiliation with the Agai’dika Shoshone-Bannock. The center also has walking trails with interpretive signs and exhibits. The trails and exhibits offer two different ways to share information.
The River of History exhibit covers the people who lived in the Main Salmon River Canyon and the Middle Fork, river expeditions by Countess Eleanor Gizycka and Caroline Lockhart, and questions related to fish and wildlife along Lemhi County’s river corridors. The two cultural perspectives have different focuses: the center is dedicated to one person and her affiliation, while River of History covers people, expeditions, and ecological topics along the river corridors.
Practical Information
Visitors to Sharkey Hot Springs can obtain the RUP at the on-site self-service fee station. Confirm payment arrangements before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Salmon, Idaho County, Gem County, Bannock County, Cassia County, Jerome, Fremont, Payette County.
For the broader travel overview: Idaho.
