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Payette River Scenic Byway: Highway 55, Payette River, Idaho
Photo: David Wilson · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Idaho Boise and Central Idaho

Payette River Scenic Byway: Highway 55

ID 55 · Horseshoe Bend → Cascade

Leisurely50 mi1 hr3,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,900 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 55 follows the Payette River north from Horseshoe Bend. Visit Southwest Idaho's driver's guide describes the road running through Boise National Forest past campgrounds and pull-outs, with narrow gorges, tall pines and good fishing spots. Banks, at the meeting of the river's north and south forks, is a main access point for whitewater rafting and kayaking.

North of Banks the road follows the North Fork through Smiths Ferry, crosses the river on the Rainbow Bridge (built in 1933), and climbs Round Valley Creek to Round Valley and the long Long Valley. It ends at Cascade, which has Lake Cascade nearby. The drive is 50.4 miles and takes about 1 hr.

Along the way

  1. Horseshoe Bend
  2. Banks
  3. Smiths Ferry
  4. Cascade
Elevation
3,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,900 ft
Horseshoe BendCascade
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Horseshoe BendCascade
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The road is mostly two lanes with few passing lanes, and you often share it with RVs, motorcyclists and deer.
  • Expect delays near Smiths Ferry, year-round and on holiday weekends, because of work to replace the historic Rainbow Bridge.
  • Cascade has gas, food and lodging; Horseshoe Bend has partial services.

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 Highway 55 from Horseshoe Bend to Cascade take?

The Payette River Scenic Byway drive from Horseshoe Bend to Cascade is 50.4 miles and takes about 1 hr.

Is there construction on Highway 55 near Smiths Ferry?

Visit Southwest Idaho says to expect delays near Smiths Ferry because of work to replace the historic Rainbow Bridge. Check Idaho 511 for current conditions.

Where can you get gas on Highway 55 between Horseshoe Bend and Cascade?

Visit Southwest Idaho lists Cascade with gas, food and lodging and Horseshoe Bend with partial services.

What you get in the app

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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 Payette River Scenic Byway: Highway 55, from Horseshoe Bend to Cascade