Contemplate rich scenery, wildlife, historic landmarks, and enjoy seven campgrounds, a breathtaking view of the Elkhorn Mountains, hiking, and boating.
The Elkhorn Mountains are the backdrop for this diverse and beautiful 106-mile loop through rich scenery with historic landmarks, wildlife, and recreation abounding. Starting at Route Seven in Baker City, where pioneers on the Oregon Trail once stopped, this entirely paved path traces the history of eastern Oregon from the gold mining towns of the mid-1800s to the trails, lakes, and wildlife areas of today. Read more . . .
This 101-mile, 2-hour drive is only accessible spring through fall, and bends through forested mountains in Idaho’s panhandle, skirting the shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene and over the hills to Potlatch. East of Coeur d’Alene, get off I-90 at the Route 97 Exit and go south. The path hugs Wolf Lodge Bay, an arm of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Here, fall salmon runs draw about 60 Bald Eagles to the Bay daily.
While Northern Wisconsin is full of wonderful scenery, Route 70 is the best choice, as it takes you across the Nicolet National Forest for unbroken majestic vistas of the Northwoods. Take U.S. 2 west several miles out of Iron Mountain, Michigan, and pick up Route Seventy toward Eagle River. The rolling hills of this route provide vista after vista of this forest primeval.
El Camino del Rio, the River Road, leads through canyons and mountains as it follows the Rio Grande. The 1.5-hour, 51-mile travel goes from Lajitas to Presidio on Route 170. If you make the trip in the summer, be warned that it is extremely hot. The highway is steep and has poor shoulders. Begin the journey east of Lajitas at the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center. Here, you can get information on the 420 sq. mile Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area that surrounds the River Road.
This route is a mountain-lovers ultimate dream. It features beautiful scenic overlooks, an abundance of deep blue streams, and densely forested hills. It will take you through the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Make sure to pack plenty of film, perhaps a fishing pole or two, and your hiking boots.