Highway 95 Practically Runs Through All Of Idaho And It's A Beautiful Drive
By Courtnie Erickson|Published September 07, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
If you’re looking for a scenic road to travel, you won’t have any trouble finding it in Idaho. But one of the longest – and the most beautiful – roads in Idaho is U.S. Route 95. This highway takes you from the Idaho and Oregon state line to the United States and Canada border. If you want a beautiful road trip with lots of attractions, stops, and views, Highway 95 is it.
The majority of Highway 95 is an undivided two-lane road. It’s a great road to take your time and just enjoy Idaho’s natural beauty.
If you are traveling north, you’ll begin your journey through the Owyhee wilderness. You’ll feel tucked away from the rest of the world in this peaceful spot.
If you want a side tour, check out Jump Creek Falls, located approximately 15 minutes from Highway 95. This is a 60-foot waterfall and natural swimming hole that is absolutely stunning in the summer months.
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You’ll also drive through many charming small towns as you make your way into Idaho's capital city.
While there are hundreds of stops you could take in this area of the drive, we recommend exploring the small town of Homedale. Here, you can check out the unique bowling alley and even grab lunch from Street Dogs, a tiny shop that sells incredible hot dogs.
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There are all types of incredible landscapes you’ll pass on the drive but one that will instantly inspire you is the small town of Riggins. This town is located along the banks of the Salmon River and is nestled in a canyon.
If you have the time, get out and explore this area of the state. Riggins is a historic town that is known as the Whitewater Capital of Idaho. If you are brave enough and love a heart-racing adventure, head to the water. If you want an activity that is a little more relaxing, consider fishing, hiking, or browsing the delightful local shops around town.
Located right along U.S. Highway 95 and just north of Lewiston, this Idaho overlook will give you views of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Hells Canyon, and the Wallowa and Bitterroot Mountains.
You’ll also drive through the Palouse. This is one of the most unique landscapes in Idaho and one that will take your breath away.
No matter when you visit the Palouse, be prepared for the most beautiful views. The harvest is one of our favorite times to drive through this region as the entire area turns into rolling hills of gold.
As you continue north, U.S. Route 95 is the road that will take you to some of the biggest and best lakes in Idaho. It will take you right along the edge of Lake Coeur d’Alene ….
And as you end your drive, get your camera ready as you'll travel through some of Idaho’s pure beauty. You won’t even need to leave the road for these incredible scenes!
Have you ever driven Highway 95 in its entirety in Idaho? What are your favorite stretches of this incredible road in the Gem State? Let us know in the comments! And, if you love a scenic drive, check out these picturesque backroads in Idaho that you need to explore.
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