SOUTHWEST IDAHO ‹ COMPLIMENTARY GOOSEBUMPS INCLUDED CJ Strike Reservoir
| OFFICIAL IDAHO STATE TRAVEL GUIDE
VALLEY & ADAMS COUNTY When one of the main roads through an entire region is a national scenic byway, you know you’re somewhere special. That’s the case here, where Idaho 55 doubles as the Payette River Scenic Byway, a route that takes you past dramatic whitewater, farmland, and meadows, and through high-walled, forested canyons. Its northern tip begins in New Meadows, where—just two miles north along Route 95—you can stand on the 45th parallel halfway between the North Pole and the equator. While you’re here, tee off at MeadowCreek Golf Resort, where the course winds through meadows and towering pines and delivers a view of Granite Mountain to the northeast. Zims Hot Springs is a favorite destination for locals—so pre- or post-touring, relax in the 104° soaking tub and let the kids splash away in the slightly cooler Olympic-size pool. At New Meadows, you’ll hit a fork in the road, and each way leads to awesome adventures. (We recommend trying both!) If you take US 95 south, you’ll
roll into the small town of Cambridge, the southern gateway to Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge. From Cambridge, go west on Idaho 71 and connect with the 22-mile Hells Canyon Scenic Byway for one of the most stunning drives around. You’ll curve along the Snake River, below picturesque cliffs, atop high desert ridges, and past Oxbow and Hells Canyon reservoirs before arriving at Hells Canyon Dam. If you’re up for action, book a rafting or jet boat trip with any of the area’s experienced outfitters.
Payette River
Should you choose Idaho 55 from New Meadows, you’ll be welcomed by the mountain resort town of McCall. McCall sits quietly on the shores of Payette Lake, and it’s one of those casual places you love to visit all year round. In summer, you can water and jet ski, canoe, kayak, and sail the lake, or just hang out and play on one of the city’s sandy beaches. Keep an eye out for resident lake monster Sharlie when you take a scenic jaunt with McCall Lake Cruises; the sunset cruise is a pretty spectacular way to spend an evening. Since you’re on vacation, treat yourself to a sunny afternoon on the greens—you’ve got
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