How to Explore the Gold Rush Historic Byway in Idaho
This article will show the best way to travel along the the Gold Rush Historical scenic route.The Gold Rush Historic Byway route begins along Idaho 11 at the Greer Grade of the U.S. Highway 12 which is in Shoshone County, Idaho. It gives a breathtaking view of the Clearwater Valley. The byway continues through Weippe, and ends 12 miles north of Pierce, Idaho where early pioneers discovered the first trace of gold in Idaho. Other attractions which can be visited as you travel along the route is a logging museum, also known as the Bradbury Logging Museum; Pierce County Library, which displays old Chinese artifacts; a Chinese Cemetery, and Clearwater National Forest. The total length of this byway is 42.5 miles, and takes about 2.5 hours for a round trip discovery.
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Things You'll Need
- A Car or Recreational Vehicle full of fuel
- Camping Equipment (at your option)
- First Aid Kit
Instructions
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How to Explore the Gold Rush Historical Byway in Idaho
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Travel to the U.S. 12--Idaho 11 junction in Greer, Idaho. Go East to the town of Weippe.
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Travel through the town of Weippe, Idaho and visit the spot where the 1805 Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery Party met the Nez Perce Indian Tribe who fed them and kept them from starving.
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After leaving Weippe, travel Northeast to the town of Pierce where the scenery displays the Clearwater National Forest and the pioneers discovered Gold in Idaho for the first time.
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Pierce also is the end marker point for the Gold Rush Historic Byway. The town of Pierce has a logging museum, Pierce City Library which is famous for the display of artifact collections of the Old Chinese Miners. There is also a Chinese Cemetery.
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Head for home or stay in a Clearwater National Forest campground.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are not familiar with Idaho at all, it would be best if you used a map of Idaho in your discoveries.
