Idaho Trail Segment 12

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

This ride is the the 12th segment of the Idaho Trail. The Idaho Trail is a mountain bike friendly trail that extends from the Nevada border to Canada. It is a long distance bike packing or bike supported trail. Each of the segments has been divided into what can be accomplished by an average rider in one day of riding. Since conditions can vary please plan for possible delays. Where possible the Idaho Trail follows the Idaho Centennial Trail (ICT), since the ICT was intended as a hiking trail there are deviations for Wilderness Areas and for more Mountain Bike friendly routes.

There is ample camping all along the route. There are no supplies on this segment. It is recommended to stock up during the previous segments. Also all the mountain segments when done as bike packs should be done with the lightest gear possible that does not bog the bike down in technical sections. So pack light and travel fast.

The 12th segment of the Idaho Trail starts at Upper Payette Lake. From here you'll continue north on Warren Wagon Road then you'll turn left on the second next dirt road and head to the start of the Bear Pete Ridge Trail.

The Bear Pete Ridge Trail will climb towards the summit of Bear Pete Mountain and there will be some steep sections to navigate. Once near the summit, the trail will be rolling up and down along the ridge before making a final brisk descent down to French Creek Rd.

At the end of the trail, you'll merge with French Creek Rd. You'll continue down French Creek Rd to the Salmon River Rd. Turn right and ride upstream to the next bridge. Once you hit the bridge, you'll be back on the ICT.

Now you can again follow the ICT markers. From the river you'll turn onto the Idaho Centennial Trail #88 (South Section) and have a long climb as you begin to work away from the Salmon River. This section is loaded with switchbacks and does not have a lot of shade for a while, so keep this in mind since you have been riding in the trees for so many segments. Settle in for the long climb, the trail goes from singletrack to ATV trail and provides the best way out of the river basin. As you reach the high point on the ATV trail you'll cross a road and continue on an old spur segment following the ICT. Then you'll merge onto the Idaho Centennial Trail #88 (North Section) and follow this to Florence, ID. When you reach the town you are at the end of the segment. This is a very cool old ghost town. Check it out and then find a camp spot.

The Idaho Trail was created to provide mountain bikers with a long distance trail option similar to the Idaho Centennial Trail.