Payette River Scenic Byway

Payette River Scenic Byway. . , Historic Meadows Valley , The town of New Meadows is located in a small valley that is filled with memories when logging and ranching was a way of life in the mountains of Central Idaho. , Payette Lake , This glacial lake was created when the Payette River passed through the remains of a volcanic crater. Its shores were first inhabited by Native Americans. Later, miners, loggers, and eventually merchants found their way to this mountain. , Idaho Historical Museum , A four-acre site listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its unique log structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. The museum features local history exhibits and has on display the 32-ton Corliss Steam Engine. , Hembrey Creek Wetlands , View diverse types of migratory birds, raptors, and waterfowl in their natural nesting habitat. , Rainbow Bridge , The Rainbow Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its engineering design. Built in 1933, the open-spandrel concrete bridge arches span 410 feet across the North Fork of the Payette. , Farm-to-Market-Road , Located along this road is the turn-of-the-century town site of Roseberry featuring the Long Valley Museum, and the Finnish Church and Cemetery. , Smith’s Ferry , This historic community dates back to 1887 when a network of roads connected central Idaho communities. The Ferry played an important role in transporting livestock north to summer pastures in Round and Long Valleys. , Payette River , Northbound travelers catch the first glimpse of the Payette River at the north end of Horseshoe Bend. For the next 25 miles the highway curves along the river providing views of white water along the Main and North Fork Payette Rivers.