18-Mile Skyline Drive Through the Palouse Prairie Highlands of Northern Idaho — 5,300-Acre State Park Along a Mountain Ridge Between the Palouse Prairie and the St. Joe River Valley, 18-Mile Skyline Drive Along the Ridge With Spectacular Views of the Palouse Farmland, Donated by Conservationist Virgil McCroskey and Named for His Mother Mary Minerva, Primitive Camping Along the Ridge Road, Hiking Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding on Forest Trails, Scenic Overlooks of the Rolling Palouse Hills and Distant Mountain Ranges, One of Idaho’s Largest and Most Remote State Parks, Near Moscow Latah County Northern Idaho Palouse Region
Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park is a 5,300-acre state park along a mountain ridge between the Palouse prairie and the St. Joe River Valley in Latah and Benewah counties, northern Idaho, managed by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The park features an 18-mile Skyline Drive along the ridge with spectacular panoramic views of the Palouse farmland, primitive camping along the ridge road, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on forest trails, scenic overlooks of the rolling Palouse hills and distant mountain ranges, and one of the largest and most remote state parks in Idaho.
The origin story is remarkable — local conservationist Virgil T. McCroskey spent decades acquiring ridge land and building the road himself before donating the entire property to the state in 1955. He named it for his mother, Mary Minerva McCroskey. His one-man conservation legacy preserved one of the finest viewpoints in the Inland Northwest.
Driving Skyline Drive on a clear day reveals the Palouse at its most iconic — endless rolling hills of wheat and lentils stretch to the horizon in every shade of gold and green, intersected by gentle swales and lone farmsteads. It is one of the most photographed agricultural landscapes in America.
Things to Do
- Skyline Drive — 18-mile ridge
- Palouse views — panoramic
- Primitive camping — ridge sites
- Horseback — forest trails
- Mountain biking — ridgeline
- Photography — Palouse farmland
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Moscow, Latah/Benewah Co., ID |
| Size | 5,300 acres |
| Skyline Drive | 18 miles — unimproved |
| Camping | Primitive only |
| Donated By | Virgil T. McCroskey, 1955 |
| Managed By | Idaho Parks & Recreation |
| Coordinates | 47.0500° N, 116.8500° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
McCroskey SP — 5,300 acres of forested ridgeline in the Palouse region. The park’s conifer forest, mountain meadows, and views of the Palouse support elk, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
Nearby Attractions
Moscow — nearby — home of the University of Idaho. Palouse region — surrounding — rolling hills of wheat.
Where can I see the Palouse from above?
Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park near Moscow, Idaho offers an 18-mile Skyline Drive along a mountain ridge with spectacular panoramic views of the Palouse farmland below. The 5,300-acre park — donated by conservationist Virgil McCroskey and named for his mother — features primitive camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, and some of the best Palouse photography viewpoints in the region. One of Idaho’s largest and most remote state parks.
The road conditions keep McCroskey genuinely remote. Skyline Drive is unimproved — dirt and gravel that becomes muddy and potentially impassable after rain. This means most visitors never come here, leaving 5,300 acres of ridgeline to those willing to accept the rough road. Check conditions before visiting, especially in spring and fall.
Last updated: May 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Heyburn State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at McCroskey State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most Idaho state parks and on trails, but only if confined or controlled on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required, or pet must be confined (e.g. in a camper)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from all swim areas and beaches statewide (service animals excepted)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at most parks but some parks prohibit them in some cabins and yurts
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park managers may designate off-leash exercise areas (e.g. Eagle Island off-leash trails); pets may not be left unattended
Are dogs allowed at McCroskey State Park?
Pets are welcome in most Idaho state parks and on trails, but only if confined or controlled on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. More: Idaho state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for McCroskey State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
