Salmon River Road Trip Itinerary
Welcome to the Salmon River Road Trip! This scenic route starts in the city of Stanley, United States, and ends in Missoula, United States, covering a distance of 411 km. With moderate budget, this road trip can be managed in 3 days. The best time to drive this route is during the summer months, when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are lush.
The first stop is Clayton, where you can explore its historic buildings and monuments. Next stop is the Salmon, the “Heart of the River of No Return Wilderness”, where you can take in the stunning views and experience the great outdoors. Finally, you’ll arrive in Victor, a small town with plenty of outdoor activities and attractions.
The roads along this route are generally in good condition, making it suitable for every driver. So, grab your bags and get ready for a memorable road trip!
3
number of days
411 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Stanley
Distance 411 km
Driving time 5.3 h
Pace: fast
123.2 kWh
Airports
BOI
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Stanley, Idaho is the perfect starting point for the "Salmon River Road Trip". Located in central Idaho, Stanley is a small town surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, and lush green meadows. From Stanley, you can explore and marvel at the beauty of the nearby Sawtooth Mountains and the Salmon River.
For those flying into Idaho, the closest international airport is Boise Airport (BOI). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it a convenient starting point for your road trip.
Once in Stanley, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. For those looking for something a bit more low-key, Stanley also offers a variety of art galleries and shops to explore. You can also take a drive along the Salmon River and marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
No matter what you choose to do in Stanley, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable experience. So grab your car and head off on an adventure in Stanley, Idaho – the perfect starting point for your "Salmon River Road Trip".
1
Stanley
- Clayton
Distance 53 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
16.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your tour starts in Stanley, United States and takes you on a 33 mile journey to Clayton. It's a journey that can be completed in less than an hour, but it's full of interesting places to explore.
In Stanley, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the historic Stanley Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts and memorabilia from the area's past. You can also take a hike around the Stanley Lake Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
When you reach Clayton, make sure to visit the Clayton Historical Museum. The museum is full of artifacts and stories from the area's past, and it's a great place to learn more about the history of the area. You can also visit the Clayton State Park, where you can take a leisurely stroll through the woods and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
At the end of your journey, you'll have seen some of the most interesting places in Stanley and Clayton. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Clayton - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Clayton
- Salmon
Distance 133 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: fast
39.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a road trip between Clayton and Salmon? This stage of your journey is only 83 miles long and will take you less than two hours to complete.
Start your journey in Clayton, where you can visit the beautiful White Mountain National Forest, offering stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Here, you can also explore the quaint streets of the town, and visit the local shops and restaurants.
Next, make your way to Salmon, a small city known for its historical and cultural attractions. Here, you can take a stroll down the Salmon River, visit the Salmon River Museum, or explore the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
This stage of your journey is just a part of a larger tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty and culture of Clayton and Salmon!
Salmon - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Salmon
- Victor
Distance 168 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
50.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Salmon, United States to Victor. This is one of the stages of an incredible tour, and you'll be able to explore some of the most interesting places in the area.
Start your trip in Salmon, where you can visit the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center, which has an amazing collection of artifacts related to the Native American culture. You can also visit the Lemhi County Historical Museum, which exhibits a variety of historical items, including clothing and tools.
The next stop is Victor, a city of breathtaking beauty. Here you can visit the Bannock County Historical Museum, with its impressive collection of artifacts and photographs, or you can go to the Victor City Park, which has a playground and picnic areas.
The journey from Salmon to Victor is a short one, with a distance of 105 miles and a driving time of fewer than two hours.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Victor - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Victor
- Missoula
Distance 56 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
16.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the road trip stage between Victor and Missoula! This beautiful stage of the tour is only 35mi long and can be completed in fewer than 1 hour. Get ready to explore the best of both cities!
In Victor, you can visit the Victor Park, a great place for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. You can also take a tour of the Victor School Museum to learn about the history of the area.
Your next stop is Missoula, where you can explore the spectacular views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Don't miss the chance to visit the Missoula Art Museum and the Historical Museum of Montana.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Missoula - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Missoula
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Missoula is the perfect ending point for the Salmon River Road Trip. This vibrant city in the heart of western Montana offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors.
Start by exploring the outdoors - there's no shortage of hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as excellent fishing and kayaking in the nearby rivers. The nearby Lolo National Forest is also home to an array of wildlife, making it a great spot for wildlife spotting.
If you're more of a culture vulture, there's plenty to explore in Missoula. Take a stroll around the historic downtown area, where you can find plenty of independent shops, eateries, and galleries. There are also plenty of art galleries, museums, and live music venues to explore.
For visitors arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Missoula International Airport (MSO), located just seven miles from the city center.
No matter what your interests, Missoula is the perfect place to end your Salmon River Road Trip. With its abundance of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and great eateries, you'll never be short of things to do in this vibrant Montana city.
Salmon River Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Stanley
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End:
Missoula
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Distance:
411 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the captivating Salmon River Road Trip, a Scenic Drive that stretches 411 kilometers from the rustic town of Stanley to the vibrant city of Missoula in the United States. Ideal for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, this 3-day excursion is perfectly suited for those seeking a moderate budget journey filled with stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Stanley: Begin your adventure in Stanley, Idaho, nestled within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which offers a majestic backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains and access to the serene Redfish Lake.
- Clayton: A step back in time awaits in Clayton, where you can explore remnants of the area's mining past and visit the local museum for a glimpse into the region's history.
- Salmon: Often referred to as the “Heart of the River of No Return Wilderness,” Salmon provides travelers with awe-inspiring views. It's the birthplace of Sacagawea and a gateway to outdoor pursuits on the Salmon River, known for its world-class whitewater rafting and rich wildlife.
- Victor: This delightful small town sits near the Teton Range and offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to fishing, in a picturesque setting. It's also close to the Grand Teton Brewing Company, known for its handcrafted beers.
Best Time to Go:
The summer months are ideal for this Road Trip, with June through September offering warm weather, clear skies, and full access to all the natural wonders along the route. This is when the Salmon River is most inviting for water-based activities, and the mountain trails are open for exploration.
Potential Risks:
Travelers should be aware of the potential for rapidly changing mountain weather and the presence of wildlife, such as deer and elk, which can be hazards on the Road, especially during twilight hours.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing.
- Ensure your vehicle is well-prepared for the Trip, including a full tank of gas, and carry emergency supplies due to the remote nature of the route.
- Due to the rugged terrain, cell service can be unreliable in certain stretches; carrying physical maps and a detailed itinerary is recommended.
A good choice for:
The Salmon River Road Trip offers an unparalleled blend of natural splendor, historical intrigue, and adventure. Whether you're soaking in the hot springs near Stanley, admiring the historic sites in Clayton, or experiencing the thrill of the rapids in Salmon, this journey promises to leave you with lasting memories and stories to share for years to come.
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