It is 117.68 miles (189.4 km) in length and runs north–south,[1] east of and generally parallel to Idaho's primary north–south highway, U.S. Route 95.

It then heads generally northeast into eastern Latah County, where it leaves the reservation, and continues through Juliaetta and Kendrick, where it intersects SH-99.

It then continues generally northwest and north past a historical marker for Saint Joseph Indian Mission into Kootenai County.

[1][3] The towns along the highway, such as Kendrick and Juliaetta, were historically linked by railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These rail lines were essential for transporting timber, agricultural products, and goods to and from the region.