St. Joe River Scenic Byway follows the course of the beautiful St. Joe River, the world’s highest navigable river. Enjoy picturesque mountain landscapes and watch for bald eagles and osprey overhead, and deer, moose, elk and bear along the river’s edge.

The byway follows 47 miles of paved Forest Highway 50 from its junction with Idaho 3 in St. Maries to Avery. Between May and November (depending on snow) the byway extends another 42 miles of gravel road to the Idaho-Montana border. East along the St. Joe River, watch for bald eagles and osprey. At first deep and still, at St. Joe City, the river becomes shallower with more rapids. You’ll see (lr catch) Dolly Vardins, rainbow, cutthroat and other species of trout.

Allow 2 1/2 to 3 hours, one way, for this drive along a two-lane road with numerous pullouts and points of interest. Full services available in St. Maries and Avery; partial services in Calder. Enjoy the many recreation opportunities along the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River and in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

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