An aerial view of Cataldo Mission, surrounded by grass and trees. — Cataldo Mission at Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park, Cataldo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A road sign read for White Pine Scenic Byway. — White Pine Scenic Byway, near St. Maries. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A carved canoe displayed in a grassy area. — Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park, Cataldo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

The exterior of the Historic Hughes House Museum. — Historic Hughes House Museum, St. Maries. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A rider points at a sign displaying a map of the Cataldo Trailhead, located at the trailhead. — Cataldo Trailhead, Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, near Cataldo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Sacred Heart Mission Church from the exterior. — Cataldo Mission at Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park, Cataldo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A White Pine Scenic Byway sign with a map and information. — White Pine Scenic Byway signage, near Cataldo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A forest sign showing directions in the Great White Pine Campground. — Giant White Pine Campground and Trailhead, Harvard. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A tree-lined pathway in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. — Giant White Pine Campground and Trailhead, Harvard. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

The empty interior of the Sacred Heart Mission Church. — Mission of the Sacred Heart, Cataldo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An elk standing in a grassy field. — Elk, somewhere between Cataldo & St. Maries White Pine Scenic Byway Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism

Two people hiking along a forested trail. — Idaho Panhandle National Forest, near the Idaho/Montana border. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An aerial view of the Coeur d'Alene River. — Coeur d'Alene River, near Cataldo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A family rides bikes on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. — Cycling on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, near Harrison. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

White Pine Scenic Byway

Passing through the towering forests of Idaho’s historic timber country, the White Pine Scenic Byway takes road trippers through marshland spotted with lakes fed by the lower Coeur d’Alene River before crossing the picturesque St. Maries and St. Joe rivers. Dive into the history of Coeur d’ Alene’s Old Mission State Park, where the 19th-century Cataldo Mission stands, and the town of Potlatch, once home to the world’s largest white pine mill.

Length

80 miles
129 km

Time

1 hour,
38 minutes

Region

Northern Idaho

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 Directions: From the junction of Interstate 90 and Idaho 3, head south on Idaho 3 to Idaho 6, then southwest to U.S. 95 at Potlatch.

Road Conditions: Check conditions before traveling in the winter. Avalanche conditions exist in the Banner Summit area, and road closures may occur.

Full Services in: St. Maries

Partial Services in: Potlatch

Motorcycle Route: Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available

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

Nearby Adventures

The White Pine Scenic Byway fuses history and natural wonder around every bend. Visit historic sites that focus on logging and the area’s rich past. Enjoy camping, hiking and fishing along the route and biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.