MTBDR Route Updates
Updated August 3, 2026
Join our Facebook Group for more route updates.
Visit the official MTBDR Facebook Group page for ride reports, photos, and discussions with other riders in your area HERE
Before You Ride: Important Reminders
Throughout the riding season, changing conditions are part of every BDR adventure.
Plan ahead, ride respectfully, and follow the BDR Tenets of Responsible Travel to help ensure a safe trip while respecting local communities and protecting access for everyone.
- Download the latest GPS tracks before your trip. Printed maps and older tracks may not reflect recent route changes. The current GPS tracks are always considered the latest version of the route.
- Check Route Updates for seasonal closures and beware of fast-changing road conditions before you go. There may be lingering snow and impassible conditions in the early season and deep sand in the summer.
- Please respect all gates and closures. Never ride around them.
- Expect downed trees early in the season. Carry a folding saw if you have one, know the official bypasses, and be prepared to turn around and create your own bypass if conditions are unsafe.
- Monitor wildfire conditions. Use the BDR Interactive Map HERE to check the wildfire activity layer and tools like the onX Offroad wildfire and smoke layers to monitor changing conditions.
- Join your route’s official BDR Facebook group for current rider reports and local updates.
- Ride Right, Ride Respectfully, Yield to Animals and Know Your Limits
We often receive reports of riders speeding, not riding right, and blocking roadways in residential areas.
Please be courteous, respect local communities, and remember that adventuring in the backcountry is a privilege, not a right. Be an ambassador for our sport and help preserve access for future riders.
Doing a little homework before you leave and making good decisions on the trail helps ensure a safe trip while protecting the future of the BDRs for everyone.
Updated August 3, 2026
New Tracks Available for Download
A new version of the MTBDR has been posted on 8-3-26 labeled MTBDR-August2026
SECTION 1:
- Due to challenging, muddy and rutted conditions and severely deteriorated roads due to the winter season, a portion of Section 1 has been reclassified as optional ALT Harder.
- Many riders have reported nearly impassable conditions and very difficult riding on Metzel Creek road.
- This portion also contains an area that is prone to deep sand during the summer months.
- The main route has been revised and is now 127 miles and contains more suitable roads and incredible views.
- Note: both of these sections and much of the rest of this route are considered impassable when wet.
SECTION 2:
- A temporary bypass track has been added south of Melrose to route around a closed bridge.
SECTION 3:
- A revision has been made to the tracks just south of the Empire Mine to bypass a portion of heavily rutted terrain.
- Additionally, the MT3 ALT Harder – Occidental Plateau track has been reported as very difficult for many riders with some injuries reported. This 37 miles track features several challenging sections, including steep, rutted and loose rocky terrain, difficult climbs, exposed culverts, and off-camber hill climbs.
- Only highly-experienced riders should attempt this section and expect several hours of riding with limited access to emergency services.
- You can watch this portion in the documentary film starting at 25:00 HERE
SECTION 5:
- A minor but important change has been made to the tracks leaving Seeley Lake to bypass a portion of private residential neighborhood.
SECTION 7:
- Vermillion Pass is closed just north of Thompson Falls and a bypass track (26mi) is included in the track file.
- Multiple bridge washouts and closures are in place on Section 7 south of Libby near Howard Lake.
- This new track file includes a bypass track that riders can take, or you can remain on Highway 2.
- Additionally, a passable road washout has been noted at 48.03756, -115.20073 just south of Highway 2. Use caution and lower speeds in this area.
See attached screenshots for reference.
Purchase the official map for the MTBDR HERE
Always download the latest version of the GPS tracks just before you go HERE
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