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St. Joe River Road, St. Joe River, Idaho
Photo: Forest Service - Northern Region

Drives Idaho North Idaho

St. Joe River Road

Saint Joe River Road, St. Joe River Road, FS 218 · St. Maries → Avery

Sweeping46 mi1 hr 40 min1,500 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,500 ftOne way
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The drive

The St. Joe River Scenic Byway starts in St. Maries, where Idaho 3 meets Forest Highway 50, and heads east along the St. Joe River. This drive covers the first 45.7 miles of it, up the river to Avery.

The river is lined with cottonwoods, where bald eagles and osprey nest and fish, and deer, elk, moose and bear can be seen at the river's edge. The byway runs through the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, and the upper river is a National Wild and Scenic River. The road follows the river's bends, sweeping rather than tight.

Avery is the end of the drive. East of Avery the byway keeps going toward the Montana border, but the section from Avery to Montana is closed in winter and used as a snowmobile route.

Along the way

  1. St. Maries (Highway 3)
  2. Calder
  3. Avery
Elevation
1,500 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,500 ft
St. MariesAvery
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
St. MariesAvery
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • St. Maries and Avery have full services, and Calder, in between, has partial services such as gas.
  • The byway is a motorcycle route, so expect riders on the bends.
  • Wildlife including deer, elk, moose and bear can be seen at the river's edge.
  • The best seasons to visit are spring, summer and fall.

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 St. Joe River Road from St. Maries to Avery take?

The drive is 45.7 miles and takes about 1 hr 40 min.

Is there gas on the St. Joe River Road?

Gas is available in St. Maries and Avery, with partial services in Calder.

Is the St. Joe River Road open in winter?

The section from Avery to the Montana border is closed in winter. This drive ends at Avery, so check Idaho 511 for conditions on the lower road.

What wildlife can you see on the St. Joe River Road?

Bald eagles and osprey nest in the cottonwoods, and deer, elk, moose and bear can be seen along the river's edge.

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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Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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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 St. Joe River Road, from St. Maries to Avery