White Bird Grade

Paved in 1938, the old road left the Salmon at White Bird Creek and climbed the hill in about twice the distance of today's highway, curve after curve; laid end to end, the turns would close thirty-seven full circles. The present multi-lane grade took ten years to build and opened in June 1975. Some log truckers kept using the spiral, since its gentler climb was easier on a heavy load, and a charity bicycle ride still climbs it each year. The old grade is on the National Register.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• White Bird Battlefield — 1.5 mi
  Six Nimiipuu men rode out under a white flag. A shot came from the soldiers' side, and the Nez Perce War began.

More markers nearby

• Nez Perce War — steps away
• Salmon River — 3.6 mi
• Camas Prairie — 5.8 mi
• Mount Idaho — 12 mi