Camas Creek Back Country Byway
Lewis and Clark's starvation trail through sage country
This 36-mile dirt track follows the historic route where Lewis and Clark’s expedition nearly perished from starvation in September 1805, surviving on portable soup and horse meat as they crossed the windswept Camas Prairie. The route climbs from the Centennial Valley floor through rolling sage country to Camas Meadows, where Nez Perce warriors famously scattered Army mules during the 1877 retreat. You’ll cross several creek drainages and navigate loose volcanic scree near Camas Creek Summit at 7,000 feet elevation.
This is a moderate route requiring high-clearance 4WD for rocky creek crossings and muddy sections during spring runoff. Best driven July through September when snow clears the high country. Carry extra fuel and water — services are 60 miles away in West Yellowstone or Island Park. The payoff is massive views across the Centennial Valley, quality dispersed camping near Camas Creek, and genuine solitude in country that still feels like the frontier.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 36 mi / 57.9 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7000 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Island Park, Idaho |
| Land manager | Caribou-Targhee National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Land Cruiser handle Camas Creek Byway without modifications?
Yes — stock 4WD with high clearance is the baseline requirement and most factory rigs in that class will manage fine. Aired-down tires help on the dirt sections, but no lockers or lift are required.
When does the trail actually open, and is snow a real issue outside summer?
July through September is the reliable window — at 7,000 ft max elevation, snow can linger into June and return in October. Don't gamble on late-season runs without checking current road conditions with Caribou-Targhee National Forest directly.
Are there any permits or fees required to drive or camp on this route?
No permit or fee is required to drive the byway. Dispersed camping on Caribou-Targhee National Forest land is free, but standard Leave No Trace rules apply and fire restrictions can be in effect during dry summer months — check current restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
It's rated moderate, so there's no single gnarly obstacle, but the route is remote, unmaintained dirt, and the water crossings can be deeper after snowmelt or heavy rain. The real challenge is the isolation — if something breaks, you're a long way from help.
There's zero cell service on this trail — how far is the nearest gas from the start near Island Park?
Island Park has fuel, so top off there before you head in. The route is 36 miles of remote sage country with no services, so carry extra fuel if your rig drinks it, and plan on being fully self-sufficient for at least a full day.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.