Tag: Challis Hot Springs

East to West – Part 4

Challis at an elevation of still around 5000 ft had the evening cool off nicely compared to the heat lower in the valley. The previous days ride had us turn in at a respectable hour and awakening the next morning before most. We dropped our tents and packed our gear with breakfast firmly on our minds back in town.

Bikes and bodies fueled we headed north on hwy 93 the 8 or 10 miles until Morgan Creek Road (FR 055). Morgan Creek Rd was another of my favorites with its consistent surface and open views. You would find yourself twisting through trees and then the road would open up in front of you with your obvious direction pointed towards the confluence of distant ridges.

The road at some point after cresting a summit turns into Panther Creek Rd. Panther Creek continues to drop elevation as it continues until the convergence of FR30 and the Salmon river. This elevation drop passes us by previous burn areas and into a more arid sub level with temperatures consistent with the topography. We all regroup at the FR30 intersect and then proceed along the Main Salmon and back onto pavement through Shoup and North Fork. I admit that this section of road into North Fork was quite fun while letting the KTM breath a bit.

It had become obvious to us that we needed to burn a few miles as we still needed to make it over the Magruder Corridor still today. Back on hwy 93 we continued north scrubbing the tires. We crossed into Montana and over Lost Trail Pass finally reaching Connor Cutoff.

With 100 miles still to cover over the Magruder we wasted no time and pressed forward. Red River Hot Springs would be our final destination … hopefully at a reasonable hour.

Pressing on …

The first part of the Magruder has us transitioning off pavement and then back on. This being common until we reach the 6500 ft Nez Perce Pass. From there the Magruder starts to take its own back into a primitive dirt track.

Back in Idaho…

…. to be continued

East to West – Part 3

Dropping down into Loon Creek the Pinyon Peak Loop Road connects into FR 007, Loon Creek Road. Loon Creek Road passes by the Diamond D Ranch and the Loon Creek Guard Station before continuing as a scenic stretch up towards Loon Creek Summit. I enjoy this particular stretch as the colors of the area are a mix of Reddish Orange of the rocks and the Green of the forest …. very contrasting and spectacular!

Our timing was perfect as we worked our way up to Loon Creek Summit. Rain showers had just moved through the area and it was very much like a water truck having just passed through to cut down the dust….. the road was hero!

8686 Ft

We switched backed down the south side as the road ventured down towards Custer and the Custer Motorway. Before turning towards Custer the old Yankee Fork Dredge comes into view.

The Yankee Fork dredge is a restored relic of the mining past that is most prevalent in this area. The dredge is staffed and open for daily tours. We skip the tour and head through Custer via the Custer Motorway.

Custer is a ghost town that has also been preserved and is managed by the USFS. The town is set up with self guided tours and really paints a picture of the life styles and hard ships of another time.

Now on the Custer Motorway we point our bikes east. The previous rain showers are now in front of us and have again showered down just enough to mitigate the dust.

The Custer Motorway was a 35 mile stage route used as primary access to the Custer/Bonanza area mines. It was ultimately broken up into sections with layover points to allow travelers and horse teams to rest.

The motorway flows quickly through the firs and pines as it descends towards the more open country of Challis.

Challis finally comes into view as we drop out from the mountains onto the main drag as weary motorcycle travelers look for a place to throw down a tent and end our first day.

Reconnecting with Jack and Carol who were successful in getting their 790 back on the road and beat us to the Challis Hot Springs. With the group now back together dinner and warm pools would prepare us for day two.

… to be continued