There’s nothing more All-American than hitting the open road with the windows down, the music up, and a mountain of snacks in the backseat – okay, maybe that last part is just me! For many, the means have changed: dog-eared maps and outdated guidebooks have given way to smartphones and Google Maps. But with beautiful destinations in Idaho to enjoy year-round, it never hurts to have a road trip planned. Today, we’d like to introduce a truly iconic road trip in Idaho.

We all know that Idaho’s filled to the brim with gloriously winding scenic byways and back-country roads, but few have gained the iconic road trip status of Idaho’s Highway 12. Traversing the state from west to east, meandering alongside the Clearwater and Lochsa rivers and into some of the state’s wildest off-road country, this iconic road trip in Idaho is one seriously beautiful under-the-radar journey that every Idahoan needs to take in their lifetime.

Stretching from Lewiston to Lolo Pass on the Idaho-Montana border, the Lewis and Clark Highway isn't just for history buffs.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
dunadan
The 202-mile journey takes 3-4 hours by car, but it originally took the Corps of Discovery well over a month to cross Idaho.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Forest Service Northern Region/Flickr
You'll primarily follow the course of the beautiful "Wild and Scenic" Lochsa River, following in the same footsteps as Lewis and Clark... albeit backwards!
Once you reach the Idaho border, you'll find yourself crossing time zones... and crossing the very same point where Lewis and Clark first stepped into Idaho.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Lee/Flickr
While Highway 12 doesn't follow the exact route of the Lewis and Clark expedition, you can take a slight northerly detour to the gorgeous Lolo Motorway, which traverses the exact country that the original explorers passed through. It'll add a few hours to your trip though! This is rugged terrain.
(Check out our Interactive Google Map for this detour).
Most of the road along this Iconic road trip in Idaho meanders alongside the spectacular Wild and Scenic Lochsa River.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
Rivers designated wild and scenic possess remarkable scenic, geologic, and historic and are left free-flowing - making them far more intense and unpredictable than other waterways… and undeniably beautiful. Don't you agree?
Starting in Lewiston, this historic journey passes through the charming reservation towns of Orofino, Kamiah, and Kooskia. At Lowell, the Lochsa River joins the Selway River, and the two become one, gradually widening the canyon.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Idaho Fish and Game/Flickr
Not too far past Syringa, the landscape transforms from a rugged blend of small-town charm and lush panoramas to a sea of woodsy beauty as you enter the heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
NOAA Photo Library/Flickr
You'll also see a sign warning you of the winding, undeveloped journey you're about to take - with no service stations or development for almost 100 miles.
While the landscape of Idaho has changed drastically over the years, this rich wilderness is much the same as it was 200 years ago... thankfully, you'll also find a hot spring or two.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Aaron/Fllickr
The Lolo Trail was by far one of the most difficult passages for the Corps of Discovery. The party had to hack through thick timber and haul their canoes and rations over steep mountain ridges; Fortunately, you'll have a much smoother passage to follow! And more time to appreciate the breathtaking scenery that amazed the early explorers. After an hour or so in the car, we definitely recommend a hot soak and a quick walk through the trees to stretch your muscles.

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Navigating this beautiful Idaho road trip, you'll discover countless things to do along the way.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Aaron/Flickr
For starters, you can check out the Heart of the Monster, a volcanic rock formation east of Kamiah from which, according to Nez Perce legend, the tribe originated. Pay a visit to the Fenn, Lochsa, and Kooskia historic ranger stations for a trip back in time. Or, camp and fish just about anywhere!
At the end of the Idaho route, there's a visitor center waiting to share nuggets of knowledge with curious travelers.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
PJ Johnson/Flickr
Need to stretch your legs? After touring the exhibits in the visitor center, check out the 1/4 mile trail loop on site.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Lolo Pass - Discover Visitor Center/Facebook
Lush wildflower meadows and thick, woodsy forests are a reminder of the pristine beauty that Lewis and Clark encountered as they crossed into our beautiful state.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Discover your Northewst Visitor Center - Lolo Pass/Facebook
While this perfect family road trip can be done year-round (albeit more treacherous in winter!), fall is a truly unique experience.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Discover your Northwest Visitor Center - Lolo Pass/Facebook
Just look at that breathtaking scenery!
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
Forest Service Northern Region/Flickr
Ready to follow in history's footsteps? This iconic road trip in Idaho is bound to bring out your inner adventurer.
Idaho's Best Road Trips: U.S. Highway 12: the Lewis and Clark Highway
David/Flickr

While Idaho’s Lewis and Clark Highway may not have the fame of America’s treasured Route 66, you can still embrace striking scenery and classic attractions on this delightfully winding open road. What are your thoughts on this iconic road trip in Idaho? Is this an adventure you would enjoy? Check out the original Google Map here, without the Lolo Motorway side trip.

Have you driven the entire or part of Highway 12 before? Share your photos and stories with us! And, if you’re craving more adventures, don’t forget to check out this list of the best road trips in Idaho.

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More to Explore

Iconic Road Trip In Idaho

Beth C. | February 10, 2021

What are the best road trips to take in Idaho?

The Lewis and Clark Highway is certainly an iconic road trip in Idaho; however, it's by no means the only scenic drive out there. If you're someone who loves exploring new places via the open road, the Gem State will not disappoint. Some of the best road trips to take in Idaho include a stunning fall foliage road trip, the International Selkirk Loop, a road trip outlining the best hidden wonders in Idaho, the Road to Nowhere, a haunted road trip to some of the state's most abandoned places, and even a top-rated National Geographic road trip. Who knew so many spectacular places awaited? Learn more about each of these incredible road trips in Idaho.

What are the most beautiful trails in Idaho?

Aside from driving, hiking Idaho's meandering trails might just be the best way to experience the beautiful landscape. In fact, there are trails suited for every taste, from gentle trails perfect for young hikers to extreme trails that are best left to the experts, there's simply no shortage of adventure to be had here. If you're curious to take the most beautiful trails in Idaho, we've got the perfect itinerary. You might consider hiking any of the following trails: Big Elk Creek in Swan Valley, Table Mountain in Driggs, Saddleback Lanes, Stack Rock Loop, Table Rock in Boise, Loon Lake in McCall, Boulder City in Sun Valley, Scotchman Peaks Trail in Clark Fork, and the Snake River Trail in Hells Canyon. Learn more about these bucket-list hikes in Idaho.

Does Idaho have any hidden gems?

Let's just say they don't call it the Gem State for nothin'! Idaho is brimming with natural wonders and hidden gems to discover at every turn. Some of the best hidden gems in Idaho include Sportsman Park, the underwater ghost town of Roosevelt, Winchester Lake State Park, Owyhee Canyonlands, Weiser, Lilly Lake, Salmon River Lodge Resort, Black Magic Canyon, Box Canyon Springs, Trail Creek Cabin, and Independence Point. Have you been to any of these places in Idaho that only the locals know about?

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Lewis and Clark Hwy, Idaho, USA