Selway River Road (Forest Road 223)

The Selway River Road parallels one of America’s original Wild and Scenic Rivers for 47 miles through the heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. This well-maintained gravel road provides access to multiple natural hot springs including Jerry Johnson Hot Springs and Weir Hot Springs, while offering world-class fishing opportunities for native westslope cutthroat trout. The route follows an old pack trail upgraded for vehicle access, winding through old-growth cedar and fir forests alongside crystal-clear river pools and Class IV-V rapids that challenge even expert kayakers.

Easy to moderate difficulty makes this accessible to any vehicle with decent ground clearance, though the final miles to road’s end require high-clearance. Open May through November typically, with peak season July through September bringing crowds to the hot springs. No permits required for day use, but overnight camping needs advance reservations at developed sites. Excellent cell service near the start deteriorates quickly heading upstream. This trail offers the perfect blend of scenic driving, soaking opportunities, and wilderness immersion without technical driving challenges.