Shoup, Idaho
North Fork Idaho 83469
Not to be confused with the Salmon River Scenic Byway that goes through Salmon and North Fork, the Salmon River Road goes 47 miles from North Fork to the Corn Creek Launch Site—the doorway to the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.
While Lewis and most of the members stayed among their hosts, the Lemhi Shoshone, Clark and a small group went down the Salmon River to determine if they could continue by boat. After several torturous miles, Clark determined it was just as their Shoshone guide Toby said, the river was too wild for dugout canoes. Clark immediately dispatched Sgt. Gass back to Lewis to tell him they would need more horses.
Today, the river is nicknamed the River of No Return, because with all the rapids, travel is in only one direction—downstream. Salmon River Road is paved for the first 18 miles—to Shoup, Idaho—and subject to closures, so check ahead for conditions. There are a handful of lodges along the road.
Wagonhammer RV Park, U.S. 93, North Fork, ID, USA
Distance: 15.31 mi (straight line)
Tower Rock Recreation Site, Carmen, ID, USA
Distance: 18.56 mi (straight line)
The Wild Game Inn, Overwhich Road, Darby, MT, USA
Distance: 20.18 mi (straight line)
Painted Rocks State Park, West Fork Road, Darby, MT, USA
Distance: 21.00 mi (straight line)
Wilderness River Outfitters & Trail Expeditions Inc., Goodman Lane, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 22.60 mi (straight line)
Lemhi County Historical Museum, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 23.10 mi (straight line)
Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 24.77 mi (straight line)
Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, Main Street, Salmon, ID, USA
Distance: 24.77 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers Tribal Experiences LC Features
Lost Trail Ski Area, Sula, MT, USA
Distance: 26.87 mi (straight line)
Gordon Reese Cabin, Wisdom, MT, USA
Distance: 27.48 mi (straight line)
Hogan Cabin, Bitterroot-Big Hole Road, Wisdom, MT, USA
Distance: 30.15 mi (straight line)
Lost Trail Hot Springs, Lost Trail Hotsprings Road, Sula, MT, USA
Distance: 30.48 mi (straight line)
Indian Trees Campground, Sula, MT, USA
Distance: 30.48 mi (straight line)
Indian Trees Campground, Sula, MT, USA
Distance: 30.48 mi (straight line)
Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.
