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US-95: Riggins to White Bird, Salmon River Canyon, Idaho
Photo: David Wilson · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Idaho Boise and Central Idaho

US-95: Riggins to White Bird

US 95, Whitebird Road · Riggins → White Bird

Leisurely28 mi30 min3,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,900 ftOne way
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The drive

US 95 follows the Salmon River from Riggins north through a deep canyon to White Bird. This drive is 28.2 miles and takes about 32 minutes. Just past Riggins the highway crosses the main Salmon River on the Goff Bridge, a tied-arch span finished in 1999.

The road runs between rock walls and river views with steady bends. The canyon can be hot in summer, and it is popular with rafters, since the Riggins to White Bird run is a well-known whitewater stretch.

The drive ends below White Bird Hill. North of here the highway climbs about 2,700 feet in seven miles to the top of the hill on a grade that opened in 1975.

Along the way

  1. Riggins
  2. White Bird
Elevation
3,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,900 ft
RigginsWhite Bird
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
RigginsWhite Bird
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Trucks and rafting traffic share the road, so passing room is limited.
  • Rockfall protection work has been done along the canyon, so check Idaho 511 for delays.
  • The canyon is hot in summer.
  • Services are in Riggins and White Bird.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Idaho 511.

Questions about this drive

How long does US 95 from Riggins to White Bird take?

US 95 from Riggins to White Bird is 28.2 miles and takes about 32 minutes.

Is US 95 along the Salmon River busy with trucks?

Yes. It is a major US highway, so expect trucks and rafting traffic.

What is White Bird Hill?

It is the climb north of White Bird, rising about 2,700 feet in seven miles. This drive ends below it.

Is the Salmon River canyon hot in summer?

Yes. The canyon can reach high temperatures in summer.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of US-95: Riggins to White Bird, from Riggins to White Bird