Moyie River Canyon

Moyie River Canyon. . , [front side] , Constructed in 1964, the 1223 ft. long steel truss bridge spans the Moyie River Canyon at a height of 464 ft. It replaces the old bridge built in 1923 and 1¼ miles of narrow, winding highway. It is the second highest bridge in Idaho, exceeded only by the 476 ft. high Perinne Memorial Bridge across the snake River near Twin Falls., The power dam, constructed by the City of Bonners Ferry, supplies electricity to the surrounding area. The original dam built in 1921 was razed in 1949 on completion of the new dam. The spillway is 83 ft. high and the drop is 212 ft. from top of dam to lower pool. Niagara Falls has a drop of 168 ft., The 100 mile long Moyie River has its headwaters in British Columbia and flows to the Pacific Ocean by way of the Kootenai and Columbia Rivers., This Viewpoint and Rest Area is maintained by the Idaho Department of Highways., [back side] , Below is the Moyie River, passing through this canyon and flowing toward its confluence with the Kootenai River, approximately 1.5 miles downstream. The river flows south from Canada and at this location is flanked by narrow terraces and steep rocky slopes. Also visible is the Moyie River Hydroelectric Project, owned and operated by the City of Bonners Ferry for the benefit of its citizens. A diversion dam that spans the river and a powerhouse were the first concrete structures on the site and were built in 1921-22. Two additional powerhouses were completed in 1941 and 1982, and the 92-foot high concrete dam was completed in 1949. Moyie Falls, just upstream from the powerhouses, can be seen from a viewpoint on the entry road. Best viewing times are during the spring and early summer months, when natural river flows bypass the project and flow over the falls. When river flows are low, good viewing is also provided during daylight hours on weekends in June, July, and August, when the City bypasses flow around the project to enhance the visual experience. See above map for directions to a parking area located near the falls. A short walk to the viewpoint is required. NOTE: ROAD ACCESS NOT SUITABLE FOR LARGE RVs OR TRAILERS