Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway – Idaho
 Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway |
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2006
The Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway connects Highway 55 with Highway 21 in southwestern Idaho. The byway is 33 miles long and parallels the South Fork of the Payette River. The town of Crouch has several cafes and businesses to cater to the outdoor adventurer. Overall, the drive was very enjoyable. There are many campgrounds, river access points, historical points of interest, and forest access roads to explore. Traffic on the road is very light. If you are continuing on Highway 21, you are in for an adventure in either direction. South 21 takes you on one of the windiest roads in the West as it spirals seemingly forever down to Boise. North 21 takes you up to the Sawtooth mountains and the town of Stanley and is one of my favorite drives.
I will conclude by adding the map and contents of the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway sign that greets you on the start of the trip:
1. Staircase Rapids
Spectacular river scenery features one of the most famous rapids along the South Fork of the Payette River.
2. Area Information and Map
Large area wide map and a scenic vista of the confluence of the South Fork and Middle Forks of the Payette River.
3. Historic City of Crouch
The historic city of Crouch lies less than one mile north of the roadway.
4. Pioneer Cemetery
Cemetery brings reminders of days long past of the rich heritage of this area.
5. Alder Creek Bridge
Location of historic toll bridge and home site of artist Charles Ostner whose 1869 George Washington woodcarving stands in Idaho’s State Capitol Rotunda.
6. Grimes Pass Dam
Interpretive panels depict the historic dams along the South Fork of the Payette River that powered mining dredges in the Boise Basin.
7. Danskin Station and Rest Areas
Big game viewing, white water access, river safety information, and public restrooms. Named for Peter Danskin who maintained a stagecoach relay station here.
8. Gallagher Flat Wildlife Viewpoint.
Magnificent vistas for winter wildlife viewing. Also visible are the original foundations of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp at Gallagher Flat.
9. Big Falls Viewpoint
Big Falls drops 40 feet requiring users to portage past this point. No hiking access from road.
10. Pine Flats Campground and Hot Springs
Public use area developed by the CCC in the 1930’s. These hot springs provide unique habitat for plants and animals as well as natural spas for people.
11. Deadwood Campground
Rest area, Julie Creek trailhead, and white water access. Archeological excavations revealed this campsite was occupied between AD 534-731 and again from AD 1019-1221.
- Aaron Walton