Scenic Byways
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Idaho Scenic Byways
Payette River Scenic Byway
Total Segments Traveled
9/24/2023 We finally worked our way out of that just as we got on the Payette River Scenic Byway, forming the east and top part of our
big loop. This was probably the best part of the day, due to the beautiful views it afforded along the whole length, following the Payette. Parts were in
narrow cuts in the mountains, with the road crossing back and forth over the road, following the rail line often visible. Other areas were on and around
more gentle hills, and also in high plains. Still plenty of our sights along the Byway:
Marker – Horse Shoe Bend (Horseshoe Bend). “Gold was struck in Boise Basin (over the ridge to the east) in 1862, and the rush to these new mines came through here.”
Marker - Splash Dams. “Prior to the arrival of the railroad in 1912, the North Fork of the Payette River provided an avenue for logs destined to downstream mills in Horseshoe Bend and Emmett.”
Marker - Long Valley Ambush (Cascade). “While hunting stolen horses on Aug. 20, 1878, Wm. Monday, Jake Groseclose, Tom Healy, & "Three Finger" Smith were
ambushed in a rocky basin 9/10 mile by road from here.”
Rotary Park (McCall) This was just a spot to take credit for McCall but is very picturesque, looking over Payette Lake (created by the Payette River before
heading south to the Byway area), with a swimming area and docks. We noted some artistic railings (“The Waves Of Payette Lake - Stylized steel railings of
waves arriving on the shore”) heading down to the shore, and a viewing platform on the Laredo Bridge over the river.
Marker – Packer John’s Cabin “John Welch -- Always known as Packer John – hauled supplies from Lewiston to Idaho City during a major Boise Basin gold rush of 1863-1864.”
Monument - Packer John’s Cabin. “Packer John’s Cabin one fourth mile north built 1862, first democratic territorial convention held in cabin fall of 1863,
erected by Sons and Daughters of Idaho Pioneers 1936”. These last two are at the entrance to Packer John’s Cabin SP. We drove around the park camping area but
didn’t spot the replica cabin; apparently it is further down a trail than we could see.
Monument - J. I. Morgan, Inc. (New Meadows) “In 1946 Jack Morgan and his brother Ed purchased the logging division at New Meadows, Idaho, from
Boise Payette Lumber Company. The new company was called J. I. Morgan, Inc. In the years that followed, the company was instrumental in the development
of the community and contributed in many ways to make New Meadows and the surrounding area a viable and productive place to live.” Here in New Meadows
we also hit the end of the Payette River Scenic Byway, having traversed the entire length
.
Me photoing ...
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... the byway start ...
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... and the sign
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Pretty views ...
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.. as we move along
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Getting to some higher terrain
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A view of the river ...
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... with me by ...
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... Splash Dams marker ...
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... with Byway logo
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A narrower area ...
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... with great views ...
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... and us
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In Cascade, interpretive sign ...
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... about an ambush ...
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... and the Byway
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McCall's Rotary Park
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Decorative railings ...
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... lead to Payette Lake
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Info about ...
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... a Laredo Bridge
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Me by signage ...
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... about Packer John's Cabin
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ID Convention Monument
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