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Old White Bird Grade, Salmon River Canyon, Idaho
Photo: Scott Thompson · CC BY 3.0 · cropped

Drives Idaho North Idaho

Old White Bird Grade

Old Highway 95, River Road · White Bird → White Bird Summit

Intense9.5 mi25 min2,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,800 ftOne way
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The drive

The Old White Bird Grade is the original US 95 climb out of the Salmon River canyon, and it begins in the town of White Bird. Idaho built it between 1918 and 1921, when cars rarely topped 25 miles an hour, and first paved it in 1938. The National Register of Historic Places listed it in 1974 as an early example of good roads engineering, and the nomination calls it one of the marvels of highway engineering.

Driven uphill from White Bird, it works its way up a treeless slope in switchbacks, with the canyon opening up behind you as you climb. Before the road was bypassed, farmers kept water troughs at some of the switchbacks for livestock, and the turns were a popular stop for overheated cars. The newer US 95 grade opened in June 1975 and took nearly all the traffic, which is why the old road is quiet.

This drive runs 9.5 miles and ends at White Bird Summit, where the old road meets US 95.

Along the way

  1. White Bird
  2. Old Highway 95 (lower grade)
  3. Old Highway 95 (switchbacks)
  4. White Bird Summit (US-95)
Elevation
2,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,800 ft
White BirdWhite Bird Summit
Curves
Twisty most of the way
White BirdWhite Bird Summit
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The old road is narrow, and the climb is a series of switchbacks.
  • Some log trucks have used the old road because its longer, gentler grade is easier on heavy loads, so expect the occasional truck.
  • The newer US 95 grade, which opened in 1975, is the faster way over the hill.
  • Conditions on the old road are not reported separately; Idaho 511 covers the state highways nearby.

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

Questions about this drive

How long does the Old White Bird Grade take to drive?

The Old White Bird Grade from White Bird to White Bird Summit is 9.5 miles and takes about 25 minutes.

Is the Old White Bird Grade the same as US 95?

No. The Old White Bird Grade was part of US 95 until the newer grade opened in June 1975, and the old road now runs separately from the highway.

When was the Old White Bird Grade built?

The contract was awarded in late 1918, the road was completed in 1921, and it was first paved in 1938.

How twisty is the Old White Bird Grade?

It is rated Intense: the climb is twisty most of the way, with switchbacks up an open slope and about 2,300 feet of climb to a high point of 3,800 feet.

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.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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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 Old White Bird Grade, from White Bird to White Bird Summit