White Bird, Idaho

We left Stanley, Idaho the morning of July the 1st and traveled over some of the prettiest country we have seen yet.  At least that is my opinion.  We took Highway 21 down to Lowman (this is part of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway) and then took the Banks-Lowman road across to Banks, Idaho.  This is called the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway.  It is 33 miles from Highway 21 to Highway 55.  It is definitely easier to travel in an RV the way we went than coming from Banks to Lowman.  We were going down in elevation most of the way.  We then went North on Highway 55 till it ran into US 95 going North.  Highway 55 is known as the Payette River Scenic Byway.  I think you are getting the picture, they don’t call them Scenic Byways for nothing.  Since I was driving I didn’t get any pictures except for one when we stopped along the side of the road to eat a sandwich.

 

All the creeks and rivers are really full.  We saw white water next to the road that would have had to be rated class V or higher if there is a higher rating.  We arrived at the Swift Water RV Park South of White Bird, Idaho early in the afternoon and will be staying here through the 4th.  We are parked right on the edge of the Salmon River next to what used to be Highway 95.  It is now called Old Highway 95.  We have water and electric but no sewer hookup.  They do have a dump station however.  It was only $25 for 50 Amp and $23 for 30 Amp.

This is a picture of what was called the White Bird Grade when the old highway was in use.  Some of the switchbacks are so sharp that truckers had to back up to make them.  There were frequently long backups going up and down.  The new highway was built in the 1970’s.  This picture was taken from the new highway.