Gem State scenic route

[Rose Pink]

Google tells me that it is about 8 hours drive time if I take the scenic route along western Idaho from Boise through Grangeville, Lewiston, Moscow, etc up to Coeur d'Alene. We are thinking of taking this detour next September. Thoughts? Things to consider? Is eight hours long enough? We don't plan to stop and hike, etc. Just wanted something different than interstate boredom. TIA.


"And here we have Idaho, winning her way to fame. Silver and gold in the sunlight blaze, and romance lies in her name. Singing, singing of you . . . . "

 

[Elan]

Definitely a pretty drive. Right out of Boise, assuming you take highway 55, you'll pick up the Payette River. Then you'll hit the resort areas of Cascade and McCall. Then the Salmon River up near Riggins towards Grangeville. As you go further north, you'll hit the rolling hills and grain fields and then into the gorgeous area near Coeur d'Alene. I'd definitely recommend highway 55 as compared to highway 95 in route to New Meadows.

If you're alternative route is to take I84 thru eastern Oregon into the tri-cities area of WA, then I'd highly suggest taking the western ID route. The other way isn't bad, it's just that there's some pretty desolate parts just outside of Boise and then again around Hermiston, OR.

I'd say 8 hours is probably pretty accurate if you include some short stops (catching vistas, potty breaks, etc), meaning you can do it in less if you are in a hurry.

 

[Rose Pink]

Thanks, Elan.