Bunco Road / High Drive

Main arterial access into the Coeur d'Alene National Forest. Wide gravel road accessing countless side trails and lakes. Great for basecamp setup.

When to go: Summer and Fall typically offer the best window.

Status: Seasonal. Seasonal routes change with snowpack and storms — confirm with the managing ranger district before driving out.

Vehicles: All Vehicles. Standard maintenance and a spare tire cover the basics here.

Panhandle context

The Panhandle is greener and wetter than southern Idaho — a maritime-influenced climate that fills the Selkirks and the St. Joe with dense timber. Priest Lake, the Lolo Motorway, and the Silver Valley above Wallace anchor most trips. Coeur d'Alene, Sandpoint, and St. Maries are the bases.

Suitable for family adventures with reasonable preparation.