An aerial shot of the town of Orofino on the Clearwater River. — City of Orofino. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Upper Elk Creek Falls waterfall with forested greenery surrounding. — Upper Elk Creek Falls, near Elk River. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

An aerial shot of the Dent Bridge across the Dworksak Reservoir, near Dworksak State Park. near — The Dent Bridge, across the Dworshak Reservoir, near Dworshak State Park. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

A wooden sign sharing facts and a map of the Elk River Backcountry Byway. — Elk River Backcountry Byway signage, near Dworshak State Park. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Wooden signage for the Elk Creek Lower Falls sharing history facts. — Elk Creek Lower Falls signage, near Elk River. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

An overhead shot of Lower Elk Creek Falls with forested area around. — Lower Elk Creek Falls, near Elk River. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Signage at the entrance of Dworshak State Park. — Dworshak State Park entrance, near Lenore. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Dworshak Dam signage, overlooking the Dworshak Dam. — The Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, near Ahsahka. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

An overhead shot of the Three Meadows Group Campground cabin surrounded by forest. — The Three Meadows Group Campground, in Dworshak State Park. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho

A cluster of yellow wildflowers with green stems. — Wildflowers, on the Elk River Backcountry Byway. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho.

Elk River Backcountry Byway

Elk River Backcountry Byway is an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The route crosses Idaho’s tallest bridge–the Dent Bridge, spanning the Dworshak Reservoir–and winds its way through the vast evergreen forests of the Clearwater Mountains. Along the way, stop at Dworshak State Park for fishing, hiking, biking and camping. Keep an eye out for elk, bears and small woodland creatures as you continue on to the quaint community of Elk River.

Length

54 miles
87 km

Time

2 hours one way

Region

North Central

When to Visit

Year-round

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Direction: The byway begins in Orofino at Idaho 7 and the junction of Wells Bench Road, crosses the North Fork of the Clearwater at Dent Bridge, then to Elk River where it joins Idaho 8 to Bovill.

Road Conditions: Icy in the winter

Full Services in: Orofino and Elk River

Partial services in: Bovill

Full services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Partial services: When gas and a few other facilities are available