Cambridge: Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and local history

Cambridge: Routes and Local History

Cambridge is a small community in a sheltered valley; agriculture, ranching, and logging shape the town. For your trip planning, you can choose from local history, the Weiser River Trail that runs through Cambridge, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway heading west, and recreational opportunities at nearby reservoirs. If you’re looking for hotels in Cambridge, you can start by considering the main focus of your stay.

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and Weiser River Trail

The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway heads west from Cambridge along Highway 71 to Oxbow Bridge near Copperfield, Oregon. This differs in a specific way from the Weiser River Trail, which also runs through Cambridge: the byway’s defining features are its westward route along Highway 71 and its endpoint near Copperfield, while the trail is associated with the town because it runs through it. This allows you to consider a westbound drive and a trail route through Cambridge as distinct planning options.

Reservoirs and Activities on the Snake River

Near Cambridge, Oxbow Reservoir is accessible via State Highway 71. Oxbow Reservoir and Brownlee Reservoir on the Snake River offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The two reservoirs therefore stand alongside the road route as separate destinations for water-based activities, while the highway access applies to Oxbow Reservoir. If you’d like to include these recreational opportunities, you can consider the reservoirs as a separate focus for your trip planning.

Historic Buildings and Local History

The Jewell Building was built in 1905 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It opened as a museum in August 1984; the building’s address is 15 North Superior Street. The construction date and museum opening are just under eight decades apart and mark different periods in the building’s history. Cambridge was affected by several fires between 1900 and 1926; the 1905 construction date falls within that period. After the last major fire, the Jewell Building was the only surviving wood-frame building in the downtown business district.

As of December 30, 2024, a directory maintained by the Idaho State Historical Society lists three other buildings in Cambridge on the National Register of Historic Places: the Cambridge News Office at 155 N. Superior St., Salubria Lodge at 85 W. Central St./1st St., and the Edwards/Gillette Barn at 3059 Rush Creek Rd. Together with the Jewell Building, these give you four specific names and addresses for exploring Cambridge’s history.

Washington County Fair

The Washington County Fair is also held in Cambridge.

Discover more destinations: Weiser.

For the broader travel overview: Washington.