The decision to push south out of Challis was a good one. Just as we crest over Corral Creek Summit, there is an overlook I want to show the guys. From this vantage point you can fully see the valley from the North from where we came and the thunderstorms we have conveniently avoided. Across the valley we are looking at the Pasimeroi Mountains of the Lemhi Range.
North
South
The welcome blue skies to the south. We load up and point our bikes towards the blue like it’s our north star.
The run into the basin via Burma Road is a fun one … the road is smooth with lots of flow where you can simply stand on the pegs and guide the bike with minor weight shifts. Once off the Burma Road you’ll run up to the Copper Basin Guard Station. From there will be the start of the Copper Basin Loop Rd, a fast-riding strip across high desert with six bikes leaving behind dusty con trails.
Copper Basin
Once in the basin we have a few choices on where we want to end up. Being Sunday, most of the weekend traffic has already cleared out.
We circumnavigate the basin ultimately landing at the developed campground located at the apex of the loop. We roll through the campground to find it completely empty. Tables to spread out our gear, bathrooms and a stream for the guys to fish …. sold.
We setup camp and settle in for night three.
I’ve been using a new water filter this trip … it’s a water bottle style from a company called Grayl. This filter is a unique concept where the bottle separates into two parts. You pull out the filter assembly from the top and fill the bottom by simply dipping into the water source. To filter you press the upper section back on and press it down like a coffee press. I’ve found this system to be very convenient, and I’ve always got a full water bottle in camp.
Everyone spreads out selecting their own camp spot, completing camp chores and hitting the creek for some fishing. Our pace thus far has been great. We haven’t been forced to early rise due to having to log miles. We’ve been able to keep our riding to about 5 hrs a day putting us in camp between 3-5pm. This pace has allowed us to enjoy other aspects of our trip and surroundings, more so than just riding motorcycles, a great balance making the trip much more relaxed and enjoyable.
We conclude the evening with more stories and drink around the campfire.
Our night 2 camp was along Yankee Fork Creek smack in between the Yankee Fork Dredge and the Custer Ghost Town. Part of what had caught my eye as we were riding by this spot was the possible fishing water behind camp. This ended up being a great little spot as Jeremy was the first to land a nice Idaho Trout.
Thunderstorms had rolled through earlier in the day leaving a damp layer over the camp. This provided a safe setting to get a campfire going. Nothing much better than preparing dinner at the end of the day next to a warm campfire! Chit chat and banter proceeded for the next few hours until the pull of the sleeping bag was simply too strong.
My shelter of choice on this trip is a 2 person REI Quarter Dome. The Quarter Dome is a lightweight Sil-Nylon tent and fly designed specifically for the backpacking space. After all that is basically what we do … backpack from adventure motorcycles. Our performance needs are similar in that we need lightweight and compactable gear that will still perform in adverse conditions. As a changing and entry mat I use my OBR Flat Mat. While the Flat Mat is intended for making a trail side repair workspace, I find it also doubles nicely for a changing pad or entry mat for your tent.
Made in the USA
The humidity was a bit higher the second night due to the previous day’s intermittent rain showers. This made for a slightly cooler night’s sleep with all of us waking up to dew-soaked tents and gear. Luckily, we awoke to clear skies and a rising sun. We all promptly started to layout our damp gear for the sun to start the drying process.
With coffee again consumed, our gear finally dry and bikes packed we all started to individually depart camp minutes apart of one another with the plan to meet at the Custer Ghost Town. However, when I went to start my bike to warm up, I was greeted with that familiar click-click sound. Our modern motorcycles are sensitive to voltage, and my battery has just given me a sign of weakness. My level of concern is at a zero other than I’m annoyed that I need to now remove my dry duffel to access my battery with a starter pack I always carry. Connecting my starter pack I again press the start button…click-click … After inspecting I soon realize that the starter pack is inconveniently malfunctioning … concern meter is now slightly elevated. Maybe to a 3.
Luckily Brent was still in camp and shortly thereafter Toby rolls back in with his starter pack. A quick swap of the starter pack and my bike started right up. Crisis adverted and we all re-group down the road in Custer.
Custer
Bike warmed up
Sean, Jeremy and Brent … at the Empire Saloon. Toby and Todd were taking the tour.
I’ve been through Custer a few times already, so we allow time for those in the group who want to mill around. 30-40 minutes later we have the bikes fired and we are now heading down the Custer Motorway towards Challis.
The Custer Motorway is a fun single lane track that stretches about 35 miles between Custer and Challis. The road runs through meadows, along creeks, past old stage stops and over a summit.
The Old Mill and Cemetary
The Motorway
Intermittently along the Motorway there are marked locations of old stage stops. The stage stops would have allow stop over points for distant past travelers. Ironic that what now takes us only a few hours, was previously travelled in a couple of days. The Motorway was also one of the early toll roads exacting their fee for the passage of labor and supplies.
Eleven Mile Barn
Keeping it tight
Once reaching the eastern terminus we cross Corkscrew Grade … then make a decent into Challis where we will fuel the bikes, grab some lunch and buy some refreshments for when we find camp.
During lunch I suggest an alternate to our original plan. Originally, we were going to head north into Montana and take the Magruder across to Elk City. Review of the weather radar is showing the possibility of moderate to heavy thunderstorms … not to mention there is little opportunity for fishing.
So, we head south … along Hwy 93 skirting the Lost River Range. We’ll connect with the Burma Road and ride that up over into Copper Basin where it is typically dryer and has a couple of creek options to wet a line.
Burma Road, climbing out of the valley
Viewpoint, North from where we came and then South
I believe this decision to be a good one … we were able to stay just to the south of the pending thunderstorms and Copper Basin did prove to be a few degrees warmer and much dryer.
My OBR ADV Gear Explorer Saddlebag System so far has performed flawlessly. The Holster keeps the systems 30l Dry Bags pulled in and tight. I’m currently running pannier racks from Tusk and using the Tusk Mounting Brackets. The Dry Bags have kept ALL dust and water at bay and so far, have proven to be very quick and easy to unpack and repack. The Explorer Dry Bags are designed to simply pull away from the Holster. This is a very convenient feature should you want to toss one of your dry bags into your tent or vestibule without detaching the entire system from the bike… I however chose to leave the Dry Bag on the bike and just tucked down the top lip before turning in to protect from any nighttime rain.
With the overlook being at the summit we push on over the other side and into the basin.
After a good night’s rest, we awoke to the crisp morning air that signifies the start of a fresh new day. With coffee on the mind, we all started to emerge from our tents and hammocks.
The previous days route up over James Creek was a bit dusty and busier than expected with the weekend traffic rolling in, and at the end of the day it just wasn’t that enjoyable. With coffee in hand, we discussed options for day 2. Originally, we were routed to stick to the IDBDR and run up over Clear Creek Summit out of Lowman, but I offered an alternate to run out Edna Creek to Hwy 21 and ride some fun twists and curves to Lowman, possibly bypassing Clear Creek all together and head straight for Stanley. This would put us closer to the Custer Motorway, which was our planned overnight for our second nights camp.
Coffee readily consumed and the bikes packed we headed down the Middle Fork Road. This section actually was quite enjoyable. The air was crisp and renewed, the bikes were running well and the excitement of what lay ahead was setting in. First objective is a gravel run out to Edna Crk/Hwy 21 where we will regroup.
28 miles
The group spaces out in order to let the dust clear which is a reality of most backroads mid-summer. We utilize a process where the first rider at an intersection stops and waits for the next. This process proceeds through the group until the final sweep rider. This process also enables everyone to confirm the rider behind them and to ride at their own pace so to also enjoy clean air.
Edna Creek/Hwy 21
As we all re-group the day temps are starting increase. We finalize our plan at this point to go ahead and take Hwy 21 into Stanley. Stanley is a “boujee” little mountain town nestled along the base of the Sawtooth Mountain’s. Fire has drastically impacted the valley the last couple of years, but its beauty is relatively untarnished as confirmed by the busy summer crowds. Stanley will be our next fuel and lunch stop.
Before we head out I jump down to the creek in order to get my jersey wetted down. Right about that time I hear Jeremy say “Crap, my bike just fell over” … well, it wasn’t just his bike. As the story goes our sweep rider and buddy Toby moved his 950 over into the shade. As he walked away his 950 decided to play bike domino’s by falling into mine, which then mine took out Jeremy’s.
Bike domino’s
Toby was banned from parking anywhere near the group for the remainder of the trip! … J/K. However, this did seem to start a chain of events where Brents helmet decided to roll from his bike, down the embankment and into the creek before starting to float away. Brent quick on his feet retrieved his fully soaked helmet. We decided to promptly hit the road before any more calamities could occur.
We made good time up Hwy 21 … the section from Edna Creek to Lowman is about as much fun that you can have on pavement and in my opinion, everyone riding the IDBDR should hit this section. From Lowman we hit cruise control riding up the South Fork of the Payette, over Banner Summit and into Stanley.
Burgers fuel us for the final days stretch into the Custer Motorway. We jump on Hwy 75 connecting Stanley to Sunbeam, another great twisty section. From there we peel off, find ourselves back on dirt and head up the Yankee Fork.
Notice Toby parking away from the pack … yep, banned!
Yankee Fork Dredge
Dredges, while leaving a large impact on the landscape were engineering marvels of their day. How something so large could be constructed in place and to move so much material is amazing. The fact that this one has been preserved for those to tour is a testament to the dedicated volunteers who keep it intact and from mother nature (and/or vandals) from dissembling it. It also leaves as a reminder that it was in fact these operations and the miners from back in history that again created the routes that we are able to ride and explorer today.
After spending about an hour at the dredge we jump back on the road with the intent to hit the Custer ghost town, but no less than a half mile down the road a great camp spot pops into view … and vacant. We consider this a lucky omen for a Saturday and grab the spot.
The evening winds down with friendly neighbors, fishing and a spot of Whiskey!
“Travel is not really about leaving
our homes, but leaving our habits.”
– Pico Iyer
As every Summer starts to take hold, longer days start offering up extended hrs to ride whilst teasing us with seasonally pleasant weather…. or at least my mind starts to wander on potential directions that I can point my front tire. In this particular case my minds wandering was made easy by a text received by my friend Sean. Sean and a group were planning a loop around the central portion of our state (Idaho) in a few short weeks, to depart the first weekend of August. Sean and the group graciously made room for one more and extended me an invite, which I graciously excepted. The Summer heat would most likely be settling in by that time, but our route was planned to take us over some elevation and hopefully offer a reprieve to the expected valley temps.
The planned group would consist of Sean and his wife Kris riding two up on their KTM 1190, Jack and his wife Carol riding two up on their KTM 790, Steve on his KTM 1190, Larry on his KTM 1090, Brian on his 1k V-Strom (to keep the KTM’s in line), and myself also on a 1090. (Circumstances at the final hour would unfortunately have Sean and Kris have to step back from the trip, but I’m equally sure they are motivated to complete the planned loop at the next opportunity)
With the group now minus two, the rest of us maintained the original plan to meet bright and early on a cool Friday morning at a fuel stop just outside of Boise heading north. With expected daytime highs to be creeping close to triple digits we were excited to get the air flowing and town distant in our rear view mirrors. We would warm up the tires on a few miles of Hwy 55 into Horseshoe Bend where we would meet up with Larry, who was riding down from the McCall/Donnelly area on his 1090.
Friday morning … the 1090 and OBR ADV Gear bags loaded and ready!
Our first planned exit off the pavement would be onto FR 307 (Harris Creek Road). Each of us spacing out appropriately to avoid each others dust as we proceeded east over Harris Creek Summit meeting up at the junction of Placerville Road and then proceeding to New Centerville. Placerville Road is a 6-8 mile paved section that is connected by dirt on either end and is always a nice reprieve from the dust as it runs parallel alongside Granite Creek.
Arriving in New Centerville we turn the bikes north on FR 382 (Grimes Pass Rd). This portion of road is a multi layer of loose rock and sections of sand requiring us to kick up the pace through Placerville only stopping at the base of Grimes Pass. Our spacing being well maintained and controlled by the residual dust that lingers in the air as a signal to throttle back slightly. This “ying and yang” proves effective in guaranteeing each an appreciable level of clean air as we ride through soil that is otherwise devoid of moisture.
A quick trail break at the intersection of Grimes Pass Rd and Summit Road (FR 397) reveals the Jack and Carrol are experiencing a rear brake gremlin on their 790. The brake seemed to to have pressure at the pedal, but no reaction at the caliper. Tool kits came out and wrenches put into action, but with no resolve. It was decided that Jack and Carrol would loop back into Boise to see if they can get the issue resolved whereas they can meet back up with us at Challis Hot Springs, our intended destination for night one.
The group now minus another two (temporarily), we turn east and head up Summit Rd towards Pilot Peak. I didn’t know what to expect in this section as the 200k acre Pioneer Fire of 2016 had extensively burned this area. However I was pleasantly surprised to find this section of road otherwise unaffected by the fire. The road narrowed and the surface cleaned up making the next few files a complete pleasure. The elevation increased and the dust seemed to decrease as we carved our way up through the trees and towards Pilot Peak.
A few in our group had not visited Pilot Peak in the dry months (Pilot Peak is a popular Winter destination by Snowmobile and back country skiers), so we diverted the 1 mile extension to the top.
Pilot Peak is an old decommissioned fire lookout that sits at approx 8128 ft and has long since been reassigned as a communications platform. Views still note worthy on reasonably clear days.
A few hrs on the clock and our second stop for the day we remount and head down the hill towards Moores Creek Summit where we will again reconnect with the pavement and ride the twisty Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, a notable section as referred by Butler Maps, to our next stop at the Sourdough Lodge along Hwy 21 for food and fuel. This section of pavement is always a treat as it allows us to scrub the tires and blow some of the dust off the bikes.
Turning North onto Rd 563 starts by quickly passing through a thick sweeping corridor of trees before opening up for a spirited run to the Landmark/Stanley Rd. You need to keep on your toes as the line of sight through this section is obscured to any oncoming traffic. 563 is typically in good condition other than the typical Summer dust.
The 579 Landmark/Stanley Rd is a fast dirt freeway that runs East/West spanning Hwy 21 to just north of Deadwood Reservoir. From there the road veers north passing by the old Deadwood City Mine and eventually over 6800′ Deadwood Summit.
Cresting Deadwood Summit the road will finally deliver you into Landmark, consisting of not much more than an air strip and USFS work station. The IBDR will continue north along Johnson Creek into Yellow Pine, but for this unsavory bunch we will head west past Warm Lake and into Cascade.
However, what is a trip without a little drama. Stopping at the pass this side of Warm Lake we discover that John E has graciously picked up a construction screw in the 690. Luckily between the three of us we had all of the required implements to make speedy work of changing his tube. In these situations this is where I do prefer a tubeless system as we would have been on our way in a fraction of the time by using a plug. but today tubes ruled the day and we prevailed.
Once over the pass the road starts to wind it’s way down into Warm Lake. With the day running long we speed past with Cascade in our sights some 26 miles further down the road. Fuel and snacks will greet us before we start our final run home south down Hwy 55 back into Boise.
Today was a fitting send off to the DRZ. After 13 trouble free years of ownership it’s hard to let her go, but sticking with the mantra of always wanting to see whats around the next corner our adventures will continue on the new 1090. Farewell trusty DRZ …
-Pre-flight, Prior trip over Elk Summit
For more info on the luggage I use visit www.obradvgear.com
After the acquisition of the new 1090 I felt it was due to get the DRZ out for one final ride before sending off to a fresh new owner …. and timing would have it that an email was received from John E and his might 690 putting together a loop also with Mike S on his 500.
A meet up time was decided for us to connect on the east side of Boise for a run up Hwy 21, along the Ponderosa Scenic Byway through the historic Idaho city to Lowman.
Hwy 21 runs North East out of Boise following the Moores Creek drainage, over Moores Summit, and Beaver Summit before dropping into Lowman. This particular stretch rates high in my book due to the “high curve count” per mile. Super fun and rated a G2 and G3 on the Butler Motorcycle Map.
A twisty two lane path of pavement wraps around the geographic curves of the Boise Mountains and in some sections through the impact of the 2016 Pioneer Fire. The Pioneer Fire today still resides under speculation of arm chair criticism that early decisions allowing the fire to burn as being beneficial to the landscape until it ultimately burned out of control and over 200,000 acres. Still scenic non the less.
Cresting Beaver Creek Summit we then drop into Lowman. Out of Lowman we follow Bear Valley Road (582) north over Clear Creek Summit. This section being part of the IBDR. We will follow the IBDR to Landmark where we will peel off and head into Cascade Idaho for fuel.
Bear Valley Road is well maintained with a semi loose gravel surface. The road flows nicely along Clear Creek before veering off and climbing over Clear Creek Summit. Once dropping into Bear Valley the views open up with the road now skirting along the meadows edge. We only pass through the first portion of the meadow before we turn off and head north on 563 towards the Landmark/Stanley Rd and ultimately Warm Lake and Cascade.
“Plunge boldly into the thick of life, and seize it where you will, it is always interesting.”
– Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
My Suzuki DRZ 400E, purchased new in 2006, has by far been the best bike I’ve ever owned. It has taken me far and wide, always getting me home. In 13 yrs I have not had a single mechanical breakdown. The motor runs just as strong today as they day it was purchased with the motor only opened up for routine valve checks, which again have remained consistent.
Some will criticize the spec of the DRZ stating lack of power or excessive weight, but I’ll counter that criticism by stating that the DRZ “E” is a trail bike pushing out HP in the high 40’s and dry weight within the range of most bikes in it’s class (I will admit it carries the weight a bit high).
The DRZ suspension in stock trim is valved a bit soft, but nothing that can’t be tailored to your needs. I’ve ridden the DRZ in the desert, in the woods, on tight single track, on forest roads, and highways. The only area I would say the DRZ struggled was in the desert sand whoops. However, the weight balance of the DRZ always inspired confidence in the sense of stability. The DRZ is a very predictable bike in its straight line tracking making it a very easy bike to ride.
At the end of the day I would agree that the DRZ is not a master in any one specific area, but a jack of all trades. Either way the DRZ has proven to be a staple of reliability, which always rings high in my order of importance.
Even with all the prior praises the day has finally come that I start to consider a replacement for the trusted DRZ. Two years ago I sold a Yamaha Super Tenere’. My relationship with the Yamaha was five years long and the S10 always scratched my ADV itch when extended road mileage was in the plan. Selling the S10 created a void … I was again getting the urge for a bike that would still carve up the forest roads, but would also be well suited for extended mileage riding two up with luggage. My mind started to wander considering the available mid -point platforms spec’d with a 21/18 wheel set up. Three bikes populated my list as the Honda AT, BMW 850, and KTM’s 1090.
At the end of some long deliberation I decided to replace the Z with a KTM 1090. Best choice … IDK? … time will tell. Off the show room floor I was impressed with the fit and finish of the mid sized KTM. On the road the “Katoom” screams. Handling is a bit dirt bike’ish with the 21/18, however it handles well off the pavement, and equally as well when two up and/or with luggage. So far it checks the boxes. If it proves to be reliable we’ll have a long and wondrous relationship.
Johnson Creek Rd (413) runs north/south connecting Yellow Pine and Landmark while also following the scenic Johnson Creek.
Landmark 25 miles ….
The scenic Johnson Creek …
The road parts impressive ridgelines from either side …. where’s my fly rod?
The road continues past the Johnson Creek Airstrip, a popular fly in destination amongst pilots … the Johnson Creek Guard Station … and a few summer cabins. There was not much in terms of traffic, but I did pass a car or two … this effects how often I can stop to take pics as the dust is a deterrent to me in regards to letting those cars back by.
U turn …
Looking back north through the burn …
Pushing on …
Arrival – Landmark Ranger Station …
From here I reconnect with the pavement for a quick 10ish miles back into Warm Lake. Some don’t like hardtop … I on the other hand actually enjoy a few miles of smooth running to conclude a ride.
Hmmm … which way shall I go. This point is actually a junction that will take you to the Landmark/Stanley Rd, Deadwood Reservoir, Scott Mtn, Cascade, or back up to Yellow Pine …. all part of the current IBDR.
All and all a good day …. 130ish miles … the bike and the OBR ADV Gear luggage performed flawlessly …. and reason to return with some still unexplored country!
The run back along the ridge was quick …. you know how the exit of an area always seems to take less time than the run in… this was the case today.
I reconnected to road 375 right below Monumental Summit. from there I started my way west, dropping in elevation towards the Stibnite drainage. RD 375 from this point is in really good shape… an easy ride.
As I enter the Stibnite Mine area I notice a few sign boards along the road side. The boards tell the story of the Stibnite Mine from it’s early days and through the proceeding decades.
There are a few remnants within the trees, but nothing of any significance. I continue on ….
Modern day activity is present at the mine … I can hear the faint sound of running equipment and the company operating the current exploratory and reclamation project has areas of concern gated off. The main road through the site however is open for public travel.
I continue about a 1/4 mile down the road and on my right a large pit opens up into view. There is an observation platform built along with additional information on the pit. Evidently this is the pit from the old Stibnite Mine along with some of the old remaining buildings.
With the pit in my rear view … .I continue my backtrack towards Yellow Pine.
On my way up to Monumental Summit, I passed a small primitive two track cutting off to the west. Given the opportunity to visit decommissioned lookout towers, Meadow Creek Lookout has been on my radar for awhile. Meadow Creek sits along the upper reaches of Antimony Ridge, and this two track is the route in.
Quick shot off the road towards the SW
A quick reference to my full sized USFS map in the map pocket of the High Basin Tank Bag showed the run in towards the lookout is approx. 10 miles. The road being in fairly good condition allowed for a pretty decent pace.
Arrival at the lookout was welcomed … the road in seemed to have the character of “it must be over the next rise” …. “and the next rise” …. it seemed to go on and on …. a long 10 miles.
This lookout tower like the many decommissioned sites is starting to show it’s wear and tear from the elements.
Meadow Creek Lookout is an old L4 Cabin, built in 1933… old images here.
Riordan USGS Marker
A walk around the observation deck is required …
North/Northwest
West
South
East
As usual, the typical views are amazing. However, the remoteness of this site has been on my mind since Monumental Summit … I’m not concerned so much of mishap, but a break down up here could pose a challenge for recovery, and being a Sunday, I would not expect much traffic past today. I do carry a SPOT to maintain a positive link with civilization, which does offer some peace of mind, but I decide it’s time to backtrack to more traveled roads. I do carry a full cache of tools in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Roll and Tool Pouch.
A single track trail diverts off the road about a mile back from the lookout. This trail I believe passes Riordan Lake and reconnects with Johnson Creek Road. This will be a nice route to take on a future visit, with a partner.
After exploring the extensive site of Cinnabar, my next objective is the proceeding ridge above and behind the old ghost town. An ATV track exits the site to the rear and continues the climb to the top via a number of switchbacks.
The switchbacks are not overly difficult or the track all that steep, but loose rock is a factor in some sections. This is again where I appreciate the design considerations of my OBR ADV Gear 38l Saddlebags. The bags follow the transition of the side panels in such an angle that it aids in centralizing weight, but at the same time does not interfere with me … the rider. I don’t even know they are there.
Overlooking the Cinnabar Drainage
Reaching the top
Looking back down on Cinnabar
The final stretch
The track crests the top of the ridge before dropping down the backside then reconnecting with Rd 375. Rd 375 is the main road through Stibnite … this offers two options for one visiting Cinnabar who wants to venture further… ride the switchbacks up, or backtrack to the main road through Stibnite … they do reconnect.
Monumental Summit is a short run once back on Rd 375 …. Rd 375 continues past the summit into an easement of the Frank Church. A few more sites of interest exist past the summit… Thunder Mountain, as the once was site of Roosevelt Lake.
Evidently the thriving boom town was the victim of a substantial mud slide that in effect dammed up nearby Monumental Creek … the town slowly disappeared to the depths of the newly formed lake with building remnants still visible today below the lakes surface.
I intend to make a return soon find the end of this road, but today I’m more focused on Meadow Creek Lookout.
Upon reaching the entrance to Stibnite …. I note a primitive two track turning to the left up Sugar Creek. I make my turn off and proceed. This scenic two track is a pleasant relief from the wider forest service roads I’ve been on thus far.
The track runs for maybe a mile or so before crossing the creek and starting the climb up towards Cinnabar Peak.
This crossing could have some splash to it on a normal run off year. This years light snow pack keeps the creek to an easy level.
The road continues it’s climb with the surface becoming busy in spots with loose rock, but plenty manageable.
I continue my climb up until the first buildings come into view ….
Cinnabar has been classified by the Forest Service as a contaminated site …. largely due to the fact that they actually mined mercury here from the local minerals. It’s been proving difficult to find information regarding the activity of this mine, but I believe that it was active into the 1960’s.
Just past the first set of buildings I find my parking spot at city center.
The many buildings indicate a thriving past operation with a numerous work force …. and my guess being construction as the second largest contributor to this once was economy.
I leave the bike parked … City Center …. and hike up an access road towards the mill.
Looking down from the access road
View back down the access road …. my bike is parked on the mound just left of the aligned buildings.
I hike past the old mill reconnecting to the main road. I head back down with the road passing some even larger buildings.
If these buildings could talk I’m sure there would be some stories to tell!
Back on the lower landing I decide it’s time to move forward … nails are my primary concern given the amount of wood/building debris scattered around the area.
The view from top is equally as spectacular …
My next objective is to make the climb up towards the ridge above and the 8500′ Monumental Summit.
Extra gear I have stored in my OBR ADV Gear Extras Pouch. This pouch can either be thrown into a saddlebag or attached externally to my kit.
The intersection of 674 and 412 was a welcome arrival…. trajectory will point east now towards the city center of Yellow Pine. Combat fisherman now in my mirror … the pace picks up as I travel the 15 miles along the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon …. how many forks was that?
Rd 412
East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon
Yellow Pine
Yellow Pine was established as a trading and supply point for the many area mines …. today, it acts more as a stopping point for recreationists and adventure travelers with an open restaurant, bar, lodging, etc.
One claim to fame each August for Yellow Pine is their annual Harmonica Festival that has gain national recognition.
Moving through the rush hour masses …. I continue North/Northeast along 412 to the Big Creek/Stibnite intersection.
This part of the route is currently part of the IDBDR. Turning north on 340 through Big Creek then will connect you over Elk Summit, Warren, Burgdorf then either into McCall of down French Creek into Riggins.
Today I continue East on 412 …
412 from this point is a surprisingly narrow two track given the mine traffic of the past ….
Fast with flow ….
9 miles pass and I arrive at the entrance of Stibnite. Cinnabar being my destination … I will make a left onto an ATV/Jeep track.
Stibnite Mine is not currently being worked other than reclamation and continued exploration. I’ve been told that they have been drilling old tailing piles from the past finding decent amounts of gold …. I carry my spare tube in an OBR ADV Gear Fender Bag. With this bags optional secondary snap system … I have never had it come loose.
Part of my ride objectives for this season is to make it to destinations not yet visited … the old mining ghost town of Cinnabar meets that criteria.
Located approx. 20 miles east of Yellow Pine Idaho, Cinnabar sits within the shadow of the 8600′ Cinnabar Peak. Rustic buildings of a mining past that have withstood many harsh winters, still stand with authority within the local landscape.
My ride today will actually start about 2 hrs from home …. trailering my bike to a location just north of Warm Lake along the South Fork of the Salmon. The days essentials stowed away in my OBR ADV Gear 38l Saddlebags and my OBR ADV Gear High Basin Tank Bag.
Rd 674 winds north as a single lane paved road … such a road would be great fun other than the hoards of combat fisherman essentially squatting along the entire 30 mile section of road. Evidently the intoxicating lure of Salmon will cloud ones mind enough to believe that setting your tent in the road way is a good idea?
Squatting fisherman aside …. the view along this stretch, even though burned, has a perplexing and rugged beauty.
Idaho Wilderness
The road winds continuously along the river sometimes drifting away, but always making it’s way back alongside.
…. next stop, if I survive the blind corners, the intersection of 674 and 412
Josephus Lake is a small lake that sits at the end of Rd 010, two lakes actually that reside right next to each other… I have seen pictures and read other reports of these lakes, but never seen them in person, so I proceed to the roads end to check them out.
The lakes were just barely touched by fire, but still left with an abundance of green trees. They also appear to be somewhat shallow with reports of good fishing ….
Log footbridge spanning between the lakes …
My visit to Josephus Lake is quick … I snap a few pics and load back up to backtrack a few miles to check out Seafoam Mine. Seafoam Mine is still supposed to have an old ghost town of the past. I find my road connection, cross the creek, and head up the hill only to encounter a locked gate halting my progress? … No ghost town today!
My next option is to head up towards the Greyhound Mine … I have no expectations of what might or what might not be there, so we’ll see.
A few miles up the road I find a rather larger tree fallen across the road. I do pack a capable hand saw in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Pouch, but not significant enough to tackle a project of this magnitude and I’m in no mood to drag the bike underneath.
I once again reverse my track … back a ways there was a road that ran along the rapid river. Worth checking out anyway since it is along the way …. I make it about a 100 yds down the rapid river road only to find more trees fallen across it’s path.
I at this point conclude this to be my days end … I’ve seen some new country and are back in here a ways … and alone. Probably best to head back over Vanity.
Looking back up Rapid River towards Vanity Summit
Stopping right before Seafoam Guard Station
South over Vanity
I’ve logged under 100 miles on todays ride, which to some might seem unusual, but with the varied terrain and primary objective of Seafoam Lakes achieved I’m ready to wrap up the day.
