Payette River Scenic Byway
Exploring the Payette River

Departure: Historic Eagle, Idaho
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

  • 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.

  • Stop 1: Thunder Mountain Train Ride and Horseshoe Bend

    From previous stop: 30 minutes / 20 mi (32.0 km)
    Directions:

    Turn north on Hwy 55 heading towards McCall. The depot is located on south side of the railroad tracks on Mill Road.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 2: Rainbow Bridge/North Fork Payette River Bridge

    From previous stop: 1 hour / 42 mi (67.2 km)
    Directions:

    Follow the Payette River Scenic Byway north towards Cascade.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • End: Cascade

    From previous stop: 10 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Directions:

    Continue on SR-55 for just a few more miles to Cascade.

    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.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 67 miles / 107.2 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 3 hours

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Lake Cascade

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Directions:

    Follow Main Street in Cascade north to Patterson Avenue. Take Patterson west to a boat ramp facility.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 2: Hembrey Creek Wetlands

    From previous stop: 45 minutes / 23 mi (36.8 km)
    Directions:

    Follow the Byway north towards McCall.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 3: Tamarack Falls Recreation Area

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 6 mi (9.6 km)
    Directions:

    Continue north on the Byway, SR-55.
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • Stop 4: Ponderosa State Park

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 5 mi (8.0 km)
    Directions:

    Take East Lake Drive, just off SR-55 to Miles Standish Rd.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Start your morning with a refreshing hike or snowshoe at Ponderosa State Park near McCall.

  • Stop 5: Payette River

    From previous stop: same location
    Suggested time at this stop: 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.

  • End: Brundage Mountain Recreation Area

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 4 mi (6.4 km)
    Directions:

    Follow Goose Lake Road to the Brundage Mountain Recreation Area.

    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.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 43 miles / 68.8 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 10 hours 30 minutes