Payette River Scenic Byway
Exploring the Payette River
| Departure: | Historic Eagle, Idaho |
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| Destination: | Brundage Mountain Recreation Area, Idaho |
| Time to allow: | 3 days |
Sample the recreational and cultural opportunities along the Payette River Scenic Byway by following this suggested itinerary. You'll have plenty of time for water sports, hiking, antiquing, or if you're visiting in the winter, take advantage of skiing opportunities, whether it's downhill or cross-country.
Day 1
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Start: Historic Eagle
This pedestrian-friendly district is home to Heritage Park, the Eagle Historical Museum and Eagle Drug Store, which were established in 1906. Several cafes, gift, and antique shops are all within walking distance of the district.
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Stop 1: Thunder Mountain Train Ride and Horseshoe Bend
Directions from previous place: Turn north on Hwy 55 heading towards McCall. The depot is located on south side of the railroad tracks on Mill Road.
Distance from Previous Site: 20 miles / 32.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 30 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours 30 minutes The Thunder Mountain historic Train Ride between Horseshoe Bend and Banks provides a unique opportunity to "ride the rails." Nestled among rolling hills and the Payette River, the town of Horseshoe Bend was originally settled by miners.
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Stop 2: Rainbow Bridge/North Fork Payette River Bridge
Directions from previous place: Follow the Payette River Scenic Byway north towards Cascade.
Distance from Previous Site: 42 miles / 67.2 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes One of the landmarks of the Payette River Scenic Byway, the Rainbow Bridge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its engineering design. Built in 1933, the open-spandrel concrete arches span 410 feet across the river.
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Overnight Point: Cascade
Directions from previous place: Continue on SR-55 for just a few more miles to Cascade.
Distance from Previous Site: 5 miles / 8.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes With close proximity to mountains and lakes, Cascade offers the outdoorsman (or woman) access to fishing, rafting, skiing, and much more! This might be the perfect place to stop for the night and prepare for another full day.
Total Distance Traveled in Day 1: 67 miles / 107.2 km
Day 2
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Stop 1: Lake Cascade
Directions from previous place: Follow Main Street in Cascade north to Patterson Avenue. Take Patterson west to a boat ramp facility.
Distance from Previous Site: 5 miles / 8.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 15 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 3 hours Lake Cascade provides an opportunity for a wide variety of recreation, including fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Numerous day use and camping facilities are available for all types of camping.
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Stop 2: Hembrey Creek Wetlands
Directions from previous place: Follow the Byway north towards McCall.
Distance from Previous Site: 23 miles / 36.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 45 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour 30 minutes Numerous types of migratory birds and waterfowl can be seen in their natural nesting habitat in these wetlands. Ospreys return year after year to the same nests to raise their families. In this area, nests are visible on transmission towers.
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Stop 3: Tamarack Falls Recreation Area
Directions from previous place: Continue north on the Byway, SR-55.
Distance from Previous Site: 6 miles / 9.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 15 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour If you didn't get enough of Cascade Lake earlier in the day, you can access the north end of the lake here.
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Overnight Point: McCall
Directions from previous place: Continue north on SR-55.
Distance from Previous Site: 5 miles / 8.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Home to the Central Idaho Cultural Center, McCall offers an opportunity to explore some of the history and culture found in Idaho.
Total Distance Traveled in Day 2: 39 miles / 62.4 km
Day 3
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Stop 1: Ponderosa State Park
Directions from previous place: Take East Lake Drive, just off SR-55 to Miles Standish Rd.
Distance from Previous Site: 5 miles / 8.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 15 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours Start your morning with a refreshing hike or snowshoe at Ponderosa State Park near McCall.
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Stop 2: Payette River
Suggested Time at This Site: 3 hours Although there are many places to access the river, you might want to save your last day for the exciting experience of whitewater rafting.
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End: Brundage Mountain Recreation Area
Directions from previous place: Follow Goose Lake Road to the Brundage Mountain Recreation Area.
Distance from Previous Site: 4 miles / 6.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 15 minutes Goose Lake Road takes the winter and summer recreationist to outdoor destination such as: Goose Creek Falls Trailhead, Brundage Mountain, Granite Lake, Granite Mountain, Twin Lakes, and even further into the magnificent Idaho mountains.
