June 20, 2013

Goodby Spring

Layover day. 
We read in the AAA tour book about a back country road scenic drive.  Since we were there to see things we decided this would be fun and something the average tourist doesnt do.  The Custer Moterway starts about five miles west of Challis.  It follows the route of a former wagon tollroad that serviced the mining areas of Custer and Bonanza located deep in the backcountry.  The road is one lane with wide spots.  Nicely groomed gravel and dirt mix to roadbed.  Smooth and level.  Easy driving.  Used 4WD mostly to exercise 4WD and for a bit more control but 2WD cars could do road easily.

 Shortly after starting the motorway we headed up something called Corkscrew Grade. 

Twists and climbs up and around the side of a mountain then follows a river and climbs following the river up and then after about 8 miles, over the summit or the road.  8794 feet elevation.  Had a few light snow fluries over the summit.  Neat.

White on trees is very light dusting of snow

 

 From the summit the road follows the route of another creek/river for eight or ten miles to Custer City.  Many back country camp spots along the way.  Very pretty spots to spend some time. 

Pretty country

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These guys were setting up a fish counting fence

One of two we saw all day

Custer City Cemetary.  Used when weather and other conditions prevented getting to Bonanza cemetary.  Seven graves.

 

Custer City is/was where the people who worked in the Custer Mine lived.  It is now a museum.  Many open buildings and many trails with interpretive signs.

Ore collection bin @ Custer Mine

 

  Another three miles and the road passes the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge.

  A little smaller than the one we toured in Dawson City but the same idea.  It was built 5 1/2 miles downstream and worked its way up the canyon filling the canyon floor with tailings. 

Over the years the dredge produced $1.1 million at a cost of production of $1.4 million.  :(    The dredge has docents who give tours. 

Several miles further the road passes the site of the former mining town of Bonanza.  Just a few buildings remain. 

Bonanza Cemetary

Bonanza

 

Another ten miles to Sunbeam Hot Springs and the Salmon River Scenic Byway (ID 75).

Portion of dam placed across Salmon River to provide hydroelectric power for mines.  Half of it was removed to restore natural flow to river.

 

 We headed downstream back to Challis and the carbus.

 

Salmon River

Rafting the Salmon.  Wish we had the time to do it.

 Great tour.

View from the carbus this evening.  Hard to make out but it is a full rainbow.