Shoup, Idaho

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.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnf/recarea/?recid=78599