Idaho Roads??
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 38
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From: The wrong side of SD
Idaho Roads??
Looking for some info to help plan a trip through Idaho.
We will spend a night in Salmon coming in from the north. ( been to Salmon several times) Then heading south through Challis, Stanley and Lowman.
My question is: do we head west at Lowman on Hwy 17 and hit Hwy 55 at Banks or stay on Hwy 21 to Idaho City then west on 307 to Horseshoe Bend and north on 55?
I'm planning the next night to be at McCall but maybe that wouldn't work if we go all the way to Idaho City? Lowman to Idaho City looks like a great ride but adds enough miles that we might not have time for that day.
Maybe both roads are great rides?
Thanks in advance for any help.
We will spend a night in Salmon coming in from the north. ( been to Salmon several times) Then heading south through Challis, Stanley and Lowman.
My question is: do we head west at Lowman on Hwy 17 and hit Hwy 55 at Banks or stay on Hwy 21 to Idaho City then west on 307 to Horseshoe Bend and north on 55?
I'm planning the next night to be at McCall but maybe that wouldn't work if we go all the way to Idaho City? Lowman to Idaho City looks like a great ride but adds enough miles that we might not have time for that day.
Maybe both roads are great rides?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,895
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From: East Coast, USA
Head west on 17. On the way to McCall make sure to detour and stop in and take a soak at the Gold Fork Hot Springs. Check their hours before you make the trip there. Take a trip to Elk City if you have the time.... it's like a trip back in time. Get the Butler Idaho map. It will tell you all you need to know.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
From: Boise, ID
Centerville Road (307) from Idaho City to Horseshoe Bend is a dirt road so I wouldn't go that route. Take Banks Lowman Road (17) from Lowman to Banks then turn north on 55 up to McCall. Banks Lowman is a fun road.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: Caldwell, Idaho
Cleared that up....had no idea what Hwy 307 is/was!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Boise, ID
You can't go wrong with any of the (paved) roads in that area. 55 to McCall is under some light construction so expect a few delays but nothing too long. I'm not sure when you are going so it might be cleared by the time you go through. 17 is most of the Lowman Loop so you won't be disappointed. Usually do that ride a couple of times a year. Not very long overall so you should have plenty of time.
McCall is a small resort like town, but nice. Idaho City is a historic mining town with some good places to eat.
If you like to stop in at dealerships you would have a good excuse to through Horseshoe Bend and some sweepers there down 55 to the dealer. You get into the "city" that way though. Not that Idaho really has what others call cities...
Wildlife isn't too crazy around the areas you're planning on but do be vigilant. Mostly you'll get to see them grazing off the sides of the roads. Which is one of the best ways to see them.
McCall is a small resort like town, but nice. Idaho City is a historic mining town with some good places to eat.
If you like to stop in at dealerships you would have a good excuse to through Horseshoe Bend and some sweepers there down 55 to the dealer. You get into the "city" that way though. Not that Idaho really has what others call cities...
Wildlife isn't too crazy around the areas you're planning on but do be vigilant. Mostly you'll get to see them grazing off the sides of the roads. Which is one of the best ways to see them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,895
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From: East Coast, USA
McCall is nice, but maybe a little to hoity-toity for me. I camped right nearby in the Payette national forest. I love free! 
The McCall library has been the only library (so far) that has charged me to use their WiFi to get Internet access.
The McCall library has been the only library (so far) that has charged me to use their WiFi to get Internet access.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: The wrong side of SD
Thanks everyone for the great advise. We should be traveling through Idaho mid July. Without a doubt this is my favorite state to bike in. Last year my bike and I were in Idaho 4 times and considering it's nearly 900 miles from home ,you get the idea. Last year 2 of us rode all the way to Tetonia for a customer appreciation party at Dave's Pub then turned around and rode back home.
For anyone who hasn't been to Mesa Falls, that is a must see. And if your in that area your not too far from Earthquake Lake. Another must see. I know it's in Montana but close to Idaho.
Kudos to the people of Idaho. You have a fun, scenic and friendly state.
For anyone who hasn't been to Mesa Falls, that is a must see. And if your in that area your not too far from Earthquake Lake. Another must see. I know it's in Montana but close to Idaho.
Kudos to the people of Idaho. You have a fun, scenic and friendly state.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Boise, ID
You can find free camping at just about all (if not actually all) lakes & forests. You just won't have "improved" campgrounds.
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