Elk City Wagon Road

Before Highway 14 was built, the only route to Elk City, Idaho, was the Elk City Wagon Road, built in 1895 and 1896. The Road begins in the small town of Harpster, Idaho, as a short section of pavement and gravel that leads to Clearwater, Idaho. The Road, as depicted, runs from Clearwater to Newsom, Idaho. The Elk City Wagon Road continues on a combination of other roads to Elk City, Idaho. At most intersections, and occasionally between, there are signs identifying the route as the Elk City WR.

This section of the Elk City Wagon Road ranges from a well-maintained two-lane gravel road to a minimally maintained single-lane natural surface road. It can be driven in any vehicle with reasonable ground clearance. There are some potholes, washboarding, and minor washouts. The most significant hazard is the almost continuous blind curves. Most of the Road is closely bordered by thick forest, which limits the big views. It is, however, a very scenic drive through the forest.

There are no campgrounds along the Road, but dispersed camping is allowed. For much of the Road, the terrain does not lend itself to campsites, but there are a few established sites along the higher section of the road. There is some private land, particularly on the ends of the Road, that must be respected when selecting a campsite.