This 5300-acre ridgeline park is dedicated to pioneer women. McCroskey State Park's highlight is an 18-mile skyline drive through the park on unimproved roads provides spectacular views of the rolling Palouse country and access to 32 miles of multi-purpose trails. Facilities include a group day use shelter, primitive camping areas and picnic areas along the road. The road is not recommended for RVs and may be too rough for your family car.
The Park Today
Five developed campsites available at the fireplace area and four at Iron Mountain, suitable for tents and pickup campers. Large motor homes and trailers would have a difficult time on the road.
Area Chamber of Commerce
This 5,300-acre park was given to the state of Idaho in 1955 and is dedicated to the memory of frontier women and the hardships they endured. The ridgeline park offers spectacular views of the Palouse prairie which reflects the ever-changing agricultural patchwork of the valleys bordered by surrounding forested foothills.
Skyline Drive is an 18-mile-long gravel road that traverses the park, providing access to 32 miles of multipurpose trails. A series of interpretive signs on the historical and land-management aspects of the area are located throughout the park. Facilities include a group day use shelter, three primitive camping areas and four roadside picnic areas. No water or trash facilities are available.
The park may be entered at DeSmet by taking DeSmet Road to King Valley Road, or by using Skyline Drive from US 95. If your vehicle is longer than 28 feet, we recommend you avoid this drive.
FAQ's
- Where is the closest drinking water?
- The closest potable water source is located at approximately mile 8.25 on Skyline Drive within the park.
- Can I gather firewood without a permit?
- Personal use firewood gathering is allowed in the park by permit only. The $20 permit application may be obtained by contacting the park office or any field staff member. Adjacent Forest Service areas do require a permit which is available at the Potlatch Ranger Station.
- Can I camp along the roadside?
- Roadside camping is permitted.
- Are there any fees?
- The only fees charged within the park are for shelter reservation and personal use firewood permits.