explore – Obrianmcc Adventures

Cinnabar – Part 7 (Cinnabar down Johnson Creek)

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!

Stibnite – Part 6 (Road to Johnson Creek)

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.

Stibnite

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.

… then connecting with Rd 413, Johnson Creek Rd

Luggage by OBR ADV Gear

Cinnabar – Part 5 (Meadow Creek Lookout)

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.

Cinnabar – Part 4 (Monumental Summit)

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.

A bit of history here …

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.

Next stop … Meadow Creek Lookout

Cinnabar Proper – Part 3 (Ghost Towns)

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.

Cinnabar – Part 2 (Yellow Pine)

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.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Pine,_Idaho

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.

Next up Cinnabar ….

Cinnabar or Bust – Part 1 (South Fork of the Salmon)

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

Vanity Summit – Seafoam Lakes Part 6

-Josephus Lake-

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.

…..Until the next adventure!

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 5

After soaking in the splendor of what still is and of what once was … I continue forward to explore still a couple of tracks extending past the lake. The first left stops approx. 100 yds in to an old landing…. evidence of a mine or activity of is present above. Curiosity dictates further investigation!

Just above the landing I do find a couple of excavated areas that were once covered. I’m not sure if these areas were actual mines or maybe exploratory holes as they do not extend in very far?

Relics of mining past ….

View down to Seafoam Lake …

After concluding my investigation of this spot I continue up the road which climbs and winds a short distance concluding at a once was trailhead…

The views of the surrounding ridgelines are clearly visible through the burned trees …. although dense forest would still be my preference.

Idaho wilderness ….

I hike around a bit and then start my retreat back down the mountain ….

Seafoam Creek (I think)

Once back down in the valley I continue back up Rd 008 …. the reported washout had been repaired, but without a drain culvert, so the next storm of significance will probably wash out the road once again ….

Junction to Josephus Lake (my next stop) and Grayhound Mine …..

Why run soft luggage vs a hard box… one reason is safety when running remote roads such as these. Should you go down and extend your leg backwards … hard boxes have been reported to cause knee injury or even worse broken lower legs. Soft luggage systems will provide give and even a level of padding. The OBR ADV Gear Saddlebag system also utilizes Acetal Ladderlock Buckles that break at approx 100-125 lbs. It’s better to have a strap that will release allowing the bag to swing backwards and hopefully preventing any injury. Other products from OBR ADV Gear such as the Sherpa Tail bag will also provide another option to secure gear out of the way.

To be continued ….

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 4

After touring around the Seafoam Guard Station, I direct my attention to the road ahead. The road splits into three options at this point… East, to Sheep Mountain, North towards Josephus Lake, and Up to Seafoam Lakes. There also happens to be a sign posted with a notification that the road has been washed out a few miles ahead. Since Seafoam Lakes is one of my intended destinations the choice will be up … then maybe North depending on actual road conditions ….

Pic repost out of the guard station …

Road 010 to Seafoam Lakes starts off gradual following a beautiful valley that has impressive steep slopes on either side. The lower road is in great shape with lots of flow lending to a fast pace.

Mid point meadow

After the mid point meadow the effects of past fire become evident and the road begins to increase its accent towards the rocky ridges ahead.

As I ascend the road starts to narrow and road bed slowly becomes a bit rockier and loose … still not a challenge for the capable DRZ!

I continue to climb reaching the edge of the once was tree line …

Seafoam Lakes sit on a bench at approx. 7800ft. A pretty good climb up from the 6200 ft Seafoam Guard Station and a bit below the ominous 9400ft Langer Peak.

As I near the top the effects of the past Halstead Fire become very evident … the fire ran through this basin fast and hot leaving not much more than charred tree trunks in it’s wake ….. a sad reality that we’ll never see this basin back to its previous splendor within our lifetime.

A tree across the road is a sign that I’m the first to ride past this point this season. Quick work is made of the single tree with my saw conveniently packed in my OBR ADV Gear Tool Pouch.

I finally arrive at Seafoam Lake ….

A few green trees still stand on the opposing lake edge …

Along the accessible side, a single stand of trees survived, before the fire this was probably a prime camp spot right along the waters edge, but the danger of falling snags eliminates any reasonable potential to ever future camp IMO.

On the plus side the water appears clear and the fish were rising …. maybe next time a fishing pole will need to occupy my kit!

to be continued …..

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes Part 3

Once finished exploring around Vanity Summit it is time to continue north into the immediate valley and areas to me currently unknown …

Rd 008

Rd 008 continues approx. another 4-5 miles past the summit before arriving at the Seafoam Guard Station.

Entrance sign

Main buildings

Corral and flag pole

While the buildings here at the guard station appear to be some what kept, the grounds are pretty over grown. It’s evident that this station has not been occupied for some time. It seems as if these remote outposts are not so much utilized for personnel anymore, but for possible equipment storage. I hope they will continue to maintain these structures at least for no other reason to preserve the stories that they all can tell.

Immediately past the guard station the road forks … East to Sheep Mountain (012), North to Rapid River and Josephus Lake (008), and West/Up to Seafoam Lakes (010). My intended route for today is to make the climb up to Seafoam Lakes and then possibly Josephus Lake… Sheep Mountain will need to wait until another ride. My OBR ADV Gear designed soft luggage rides making little to no interference with me … the rider. This allows me to tackle more sections of trail while keeping my focus where it needs to be … on the trail.

Challenge accepted…

To be continued ….

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes part 2

After making my stop at the Wagon Town historical marker …. the road begins to climb in elevation towards the 7700′ Vanity Summit …. as I climb up this section of road it is hard to not imagine the fully loaded wagons crossing this pass in support of the mines …

Vanity Summit does not disappoint as it presents breathtaking ridgeline views all around … what is amazing is the evidence of how hot the previous fire was by the presence of the black stumps, but then to have a totally healthy tree right next to it.

South

North

East

West

I notice a two track running off the west side of the summit …. I know that the wilderness boundary exists some distance from the main road, but this track has recent ATV tracks and is not signed to be closed. I check my map and it does exist as a dotted line …. the map indicates that this track runs up towards Langer Peak passing some small lakes. The decision is made to explore!

First lake about a 1/4 mile from the summit ….

The track starts off smooth and easy, then starts to get a bit rockier ….

The track continues for what seems like 3-4 miles and concludes at an old mine… the mine has obviously been blasted closed, but the tailing pile is still evident.

View off the tailing pile …. maybe Ruffneck Peak?

Passing by a higher lake on my way back down ….

I descend back down towards Vanity Summit … I stop at a view point just above the summit that provides a nice perspective up the valley I’m going to travel next …

Time to get going …. lots more country to still see ……

(Luggage by OBR ADV Gear)

Vanity Summit-Seafoam Lakes part 1

For years I have driven past Seafoam Rd as I made my way around Cape Horn to Stanley….every time making a mental note that I needed to put this road on my “to ride” list. I have made my way up and around Beaver Creek/Pinyon Peak, which offers nothing short of amazing views as you ride along 8000ft ridge roads… I expect the country over Vanity Summit to offer much of the same!

(Note – somewhere along my ride I inadvertently switched the setting dial on my camera so that most of my days pics seem slightly over exposed …. so being that these are my only pics of the ride they will have to do)

This being one of those day rides a few hrs from home … I’ve chosen to trailer the bike to the Bear Valley Rd cutoff as my staging point. Arriving at approx. 10:00 am, the air is still crisp and refreshing, but starting to warm, so the bike is unloaded and gear adorned for the days adventure! All required items to survive the day are tucked away nicely in my OBR ADV Gear luggage.

As I’m prepping for my ride … a USFS truck pulls up with an older gentleman and his dog stepping out. We chatted for a bit and regrettably I do not recall his name, but this guy and his dog were outstanding representatives for the USFS, Challis RD. He drives shuttle for the River Rangers who patrol the many tributaries of the Salmon.

After saying a goodbye … the first few miles will be on hardtop.

Hwy 21

Within minutes I arrive at Seafoam Rd, turning north …. I’ve noticed over the years that the USFS needs to spend a few $$ on sign replacement. Most are weathered and peeling … some even falling over.

Lower Seafoam Rd runs fast through open meadows …. most of the area is heavily scarred from the Halstead Burn a few years back.

The uniqueness of the area I’m riding today is that it is surrounded by the Frank Church Wilderness via an easement for the many historical mines in the area, some with still open claims, although probably not much actual activity.

I pass the Beaver Creek cutoff that will take you up and over Pinyon Peak and head north towards Vanity Summit. Along the way I notice a board sign along the road explaining the area as a stop over point for supply wagons carrying supplies up to the mines.

Same sign pre-burn … evidently there was still some structure left, which is now all but burned leaving only a charred spot to reference it’s once existence!

Pre-burn photo from www.usdirtbiker.com

To be continued …..

Mayfield-Danskin Peak-Anderson Ranch Conclusion

My route up through Fall Creek and onto #159 provided constant reminders of what once was. Still standing are large sections of green healthy timber only to be shadowed by the charred remains of a previously thriving landscape…. I remind myself that fire is a natural cycle and vibrant trees will return … some day.

Eastern view

West view (Prairie)

Cresting the summit, I am shocked to see the landscape as it is today … I believe that last time I passed through this section the view was much different.

It is obvious that the State Dept of Lands has been clearing out the burned timber. While the area looks like it has been subject to a nuclear blast, I’m glad to see that there is some proactive management of the area…. hopefully we will see tree growth within this area a bit sooner…. although it appears to have burned hot and might take some time for the soil to recover enough to actually support new tree growth.

House Mountain in the background

Passing through the burn and through Prairie I notice a dark mass of clouds heading my way from the Owyhee’s … luck has been with me today in avoiding any weather, but this dark front has me concerned since I am riding directly towards it’s path … rain is ok, but lightning …. no thanks!

I decide to double time the next 10 miles back to the truck … afterburners on!

South Fork Boise River Canyon

Even with a dark sky I felt obligated to stop at this view point … I always stop and snap a pic …usually traveling the opposite direction as the scene is always different pending sky, light, season, fires, etc …

Parting shot

Great day of riding … made it through a few areas I had not visited in years. My timing back to the truck was perfect. Right about the time the bike was loaded the sky darkened and thunder started to roll …. rain gear still securely stowed in my OBR ADV Gear 38l ADV Saddlebags.

Days mileage – 150 miles

Mayfield-Danskin Peak-Anderson Ranch #7

The day is still young making my choice clear …. right, along Anderson Ranch towards Fall Creek. This will extend my ride a few miles with fuel reserves looking satisfactory ….

Being that this is Memorial Day weekend …. the South Fork Boise has just opened up to fly fishing. Traffic on the road is moderate with cars parked along its edge every 1/4 mile (+/-) …. I blast through straight to the dam.

Anderson Ranch Reservoir

The water release is from the bottom portion of the reservoir making the water below very cold …. glacial Oregon Coast type cold!

I make my way past the spillway and then start my traverse along the northern shore of Anderson Ranch Reservoir towards Fall Creek.

I reach Fall Creek to find it fairly quiet for a holiday weekend, but with the cool temps most of the masses must have remained at home or are recreating elsewhere …

I turn north along Fall Creek Road … Rd 129. The fires of the last few years have left a resounding impact on this area. Most of the drainages are all but scorched, but it is nice to see some new private construction and rehabilitation activities taking place …. a foreign concept to the USFS evidently?

My intention is to connect with Meadow Creek Road, which will steer me towards Prairie, but when I reach Meadow Creek Rd it is closed … option 2 is Rd 159, which is further north towards Trinity.

I reach Rd 159 and to my relief it is open ….

Some falls along Fall Creek …

159 flow ….

Rd 159 takes me over a ridge just south of Lava Mountain before dropping me down the west side into the Prairie valley.

The pass …..

The pass opens up as an old landing. I’m crossing through State Endowment Lands at this point, so this landing might be used once again in the future.

To be continued …. (luggage by OBR ADV Gear)