As you follow the Lewis and Clark Back Country Byway into the rugged Rockies, you'll find it easy to visualize the intrepid explorers for which the byway was named. Among the many interpreted sites along the byway, you’ll see the place where the Lewis and Clark expedition unfurled the United States flag for the first time west of the Rocky Mountains. Just as these men explored the Pacific Northwest for young, expanding America, you’ll want to explore the historic sites and scenic wonders that make the Lewis and Clark Back Country byway truly one-of-a-kind.
From where the byway begins near Tendoy, ID, the road grade can be steep, climbing more than 3,000 feet, but you’ll find driving the byway’s highest and easternmost point, near Lemhi Pass, worth the elevation increase. Take in gorgeous views of pristine mountain slopes and gouged-out river valleys. At the Sacajawea Memorial, pay your respects to and learn more about this remarkable woman, who served as a guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark. While you observe the memorial, notice the headwaters of the Missouri River as they gush out from the Continental Divide.
As you continue your journey, you’ll notice the abundance of fascinating scenic and historical features that stand out all along the byway. Wildflowers, including lupine and arrowleaf balsamroot, grace the roadsides, while byway kiosks mark historical moments such as the first unfurling of the US flag in Idaho. If you decide to stretch your legs on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which is accessible from the byway, watch for wildlife elk, deer, antelope, birds and rattlesnakes.
Like Lewis and Clark, you too can become an explorer. Stock up on water and fuel, grab a camera, check your car tires, and head east of Tendoy to explore all 39 unforgettable miles of the Lewis and Clark Back Country Byway.
