IDBDR: 2023 Riding Season Route Updates
Updated September 19th, 2023
September 19th, 2023
Urgent Update: Section 7: Temporary Bypass Required for Forest Service work
The Forest Service is closing a large portion of Section 7 between Wallace and Clark Fork for major logging operations.
- A large portion of the IDBDR Section 7 will be affected with major closures, heavy logging and truck activity.
- The US Forest Service has issued to us a bypass alternative to this section which will avoid the closures and help ensure the safety of riders and logging personnel.
- Please adhere to this bypass, which is expected to last through the rest of the 2023 riding season.
- See attached screenshots for reference.
- Download a temporary bypass track for this section to add to your tracks by clicking HERE
August 8th, 2023
Section 5: Portions of Lolo Motorway CLOSED due to wildfire and road construction
The West Fork Fire has closed a section of Lolo Motorway FS500, and additionally, road construction is taking place from now through September.
The noted portion of Lolo Motorway will only be open during construction from 12pm-12:30pm and again after 4:30pm each day, so if you ride outside of this time you may experience significant delays.
Given the wildfire closure, you can still access the Lolo from Saddle Camp Rd (107), however expect heavy machinery and trucks in the area, and you may be subject to these above delays.
- These events cause the need for a substantial bypass to the route and the suggestion to avoid the Lolo Motorway at this time. Fortunately, this is a fantastic stretch of pavement!
- While heading south to north on the route:
- at Lochsa Lodge, remain on Highway 12 for 88 miles to the town of Kooskia
- Continue north on Hwy 12 for 22 miles
- Turn right on State Hwy 11 for 29 miles and rejoin the tracks at Pierce
- Total bypass length: 139 miles (approximate travel time is 3 hrs from Lochsa Lodge to Pierce)
- Download a .gpx file for the bypass track HERE
- See attached screenshots for reference
Expect Delays on the Lolo Motorway Starting August 14th
Forest visitors planning to traverse the scenic Lolo Motorway (FSR 500) should plan for delays of up to four hours as crews maintain the road segment between Castle Butte Lookout and Liz Butte. Work will begin Monday, August 14, and is expected to last through September. Civil Engineer Brandon Anderson explained the delays are necessary for public safety as crews haul gravel and improve drainage on the narrow, winding historic route. The gravel will be placed on soft road surfaces that are prone to erosion and rutting.
According to Anderson, the delays will begin at the Saddle Camp pit on Saddle Camp Road (FSR 107) up to the Motorway and progress from east to west. The road will be open for travel from4:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. The road will be closed intermittently from 8:00 a.m. to noon and again from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lochsa-Powell District Ranger Brandon Knapton urged patience as crews work on this section of the Motorway. “This project is a direct response to local and regional leaders and national partners who expressed concerns the road was in serious disrepair,” he explained. “We are utilizing Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) funds to continue maintenance of this important historic route.”
This year’s work is a continuation of maintenance initiated on the Motorway last year when protruding boulders were pulverized so extremely rocky sections of the road could be smoothed out. It also follows the installation of digital kiosks and improved signage.
Knapton said work in the area demonstrates the Forests’ commitment to the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forests’ Historic Routes initiative that highlights the significant history and
recreational opportunities on the Forest. The initiative is focused around three historic routes: the Lolo Motorway, Elk City Wagon Road and Magruder Corridor.
August 11th, 2023 – UPDATED September 5th
Section 2: Road Repairs and Closures north of Lowman
There are two notable issues in this section:
1: Heavy rains have caused a major washout on Section 2:
- The washout is at the waypoint called “Creek Crossing” in the gps tracks
- This washout has been partially repaired but has been described as Expert Only even after repairs. Further repairs are scheduled soon.
- To Bypass:
- While heading north on the route, after turning off Hwy 21 on Bear Valley Road, remain on Bear Valley Road (FR 582).
- The tracks diverge 4.6 miles from the highway, but you will remain on 582 for 7.6 miles to bypass the closure and rejoin the tracks just past the creek crossing.
- See attached screenshots for reference
- an amended version of the tracks titled IDBDR-July2021-1 is now available which includes this bypass track HERE
2: Road Repairs are taking place on FR510 immediately north of the creek crossing waypoint.
- UPDATE: This road work has been completed, however riders should expect a stretch of deep, loose gravel in the work area.
July 11th, 2023
Section 6: The Blue Heaven Cabin – Private Property
As a reminder to all riders, the Blue Heaven Cabin is privately owned and is not open for public use.
There have been a reported issues with visitors taking personal food and belongings from the cabin, and people staying there illegally.
We ask all riders to please respect the privacy, resources, and personal belongings of this private property. You are welcome to stop and sign the guestbook, but please move along after doing so.
Take only pictures, leave only footprints, Ride Respectfully.
July 10th, 2023
*Update* Section 3: Fuel now available in Elk City
We have been informed that there is once again fuel available in Elk City (end Section 3, start Section 4) at the Elk Creek Station & Cafe
- The station is open 7 days a week from 6am-4pm, plan accordingly.
- Always carry extra fuel on this route if you are unsure of your range.
February 11, 2021
NO LONGER GAS AT BURGDORF HOT SPRINGS
We have been informed that Burgdorf Hot Springs does not have gas at this time.
An alternate for fuel is Secesh Stage stop only 4 miles down the road.
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