Directions: From Salmon, 1 mi SE on ID 28 to mp 135; L (E) on Lemhi Backroad; zero odometer; at mi 7 turn L at T intersection; at mi 10.3 go straight at 4 way intersection (do not cross river); at mi 22.8 (Tendoy) go L (E) onto Agency Ck Rd 0.6 mi; L (N) onto steep, rough rd 3.2 mi to Pattee Ck (do not attempt in wet conditions); hiking available along ck here; backtrack to the Lemhi Backroad; turn L (S) and follow for 1.8 mi to the Lemhi Backroad junction with ID 28; L (S) onto ID 28 and go 7.6 mi; at mp 108.1, turn L (E) at the Lemhi Mercantile and go S toward Leadore on Lemhi Backroad; at junction of Lemhi Backroad/ID 29, L (E) on ID 29; go ~14 mi through Railroad Canyon to Bannock Pass (7,681 ft); backtrack on ID 29 to Leadore to access ID 28.

Description: Respect private land; bird from roads only. One of the more rare species is Gambel’s Quail, introduced to the Lemhi Valley in 1921 and the only place in Idaho where the species occurs. Watch and listen for this bird between mile 7 and Tendoy. In the riparian corridors look for Willow Flycatcher, American Dipper, Veery, Gray Catbird, Yellow, MacGillivray’s and Wilson’s Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting. Red-tailed Hawk, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Western Wood-Pewee, Bullock’s Oriole, and Western Tanager may be spotted near cottonwoods. Near marshes, look for Cinnamon Teal, Virginia Rail, Sora, Wilson’s Phalarope, and Brewer’s Blackbird. Common Nighthawk and all 6 species of swallow found in Idaho may be present. Near Pattee Creek Road, look for Greater Sage-Grouse, Gray Partridge, Chukar, Golden Eagle, Horned Lark, Rock Wren, Sage Thrasher, and Brewer’s and Vesper Sparrows.

More Information:
USFS BLM (208) 768-2500
Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce 1-800-727-2540