4. Yellow Pine to Elk City
YELLOW PINE TO ELK CITY – 205 miles
You are now in the heart of Idaho’s backcountry along the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The roads are much like what you experienced further south but there are a few incredibly interesting places that make this section of the BDR extremely unique.
After crossing Elk Summit at 8670’ and then crossing the South Fork Salmon River, the route passes through the old mining town of Warren that has been around since the mid 1800’s and has plenty of historic relics to remind you of how life was over 150 years ago. Keep an eye out for the abandoned school bus before you wind down the incredible switchbacks of French Creek Grade to the Salmon River.
After crossing the historic Manning Bridge, detour into Riggins for fuel, a meal, or lodging if needed. North of the Salmon River, look for the ghost town buildings and cemetery where Florence once flourished. Beyond there the riding is a mix of meandering dirt roads and pavement leading to the town of Elk CIty, the western portal to the Magruder Corridor.
4. Yellow Pine to Elk City
YELLOW PINE TO ELK CITY – 205 miles
You are now in the heart of Idaho’s backcountry along the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The roads are much like what you experienced further south but there are a few incredibly interesting places that make this section of the BDR extremely unique.
After crossing Elk Summit at 8670’ and then crossing the South Fork Salmon River, the route passes through the old mining town of Warren that has been around since the mid 1800’s and has plenty of historic relics to remind you of how life was over 150 years ago. Keep an eye out for the abandoned school bus before you wind down the incredible switchbacks of French Creek Grade to the Salmon River.
After crossing the historic Manning Bridge, detour into Riggins for fuel, a meal, or lodging if needed. North of the Salmon River, look for the ghost town buildings and cemetery where Florence once flourished. Beyond there the riding is a mix of meandering dirt roads and pavement leading to the town of Elk CIty, the western portal to the Magruder Corridor.
Burgdorf - Lodging & Camping
Burgdorf Hot Springs – Lodging & Camping Don’t ride by Burgdorf without stopping to enjoy its hot springs. If they have space, we highly recommend staying overnight at Burgdorf Hot Springs, a unique year-round resort that’s popular with adventure motorcyclists in the summer and snowmobilers in the winter. Book a charming cabin, walk the historic grounds, then grab a bite to eat in the resort’s restaurant. Of course, most folks enjoy Burgdorf for its natural hot springs. Relax away the time in the resort’s pool while taking in the surrounding scenery. As a bonus for history buffs, the small community of Burgdorf sits on the National Register of Historic Places. Before heading out, be sure to fuel up for the next adventure on the Idaho BDR. Visit Website »
Elk Summit Pass 8670’
Elk Summit Pass Keep an eye out for some big views ahead as the Idaho BDR leads high across Elk Summit Pass, between Yellow Pine and Warren. Come prepared fully stocked up and ready for all kinds of weather on this part of the route, for the surrounding area is largely primitive. Take some time to enjoy the views and the crisp mountain air. While there may be other riders on the pass, it’s mostly a vast wilderness as far as the eye can see. Visit Website »
Florence Cemetery
IDBDR POI
Florence Ghost Town
Florence Ghost Town Tucked away in the remote landscape northwest of Riggins, the route leads next to Florence Ghost Town, a town with a significant and colorful history. Virtually hidden in the mountains north of the Salmon River, riders should explore around in search of several old log buildings on various roads branching off the main route. A thriving gold mining camp in 1861 became the city of Florence by 1862 with 9000 residents. Although the town became the first county seat of Idaho County, it didn’t last long and eventually faded away and went to ruin. Another town, New Florence, sprang up nearby when the old Florence area became a quartz mine and placer gold mining wiped the old site off the map. While there’s not much left of the town today, it’s still a good stop to soak in some local history. Once a haven for gold seekers and outlaws, Florence Ghost Town now marks an interesting turnoff for riders headed up the Idaho BDR. Visit Website »
French Creek Grade
French Creek Grade Continuing on the route past the Old Bus, prepare for five tight switchbacks easing the grade of French Creek Road as it makes its descent through a remote, yet scenic stretch of the Idaho BDR. Keep your eyes on the road as this is a steep hillside and the view is quite distracting. You’ll probably want to stop at least once to take photos of the mountains and the Salmon River valley below. New adventures await as riders continue northbound on the IDBDR. Along the way gain a small taste of what’s to come next on the rest of this backcountry journey through central Idaho, en route to the Canadian border. Visit Website »
Grangeville - Food Gas Lodging
Manning Bridge
Manning Bridge Enjoy the scenery as the route continues over the Salmon River. The new Manning Bridge went up in recent years as a safer solution to the old 1934 suspension bridge that spanned the river for generations. Keep an eye out for river rafters below and views of the surrounding terrain as the bridge links up the route to the other side. Although it’s made to look rustic, the bridge is new and an architectural marvel. The single-tower, asymmetrical suspension bridge is one of the only bridges of its kind in the world, and likely the first in North America. Visit Website »
Old Bus
IDBDR POI
Old Cemetery
Old Cemetery Follow the Idaho BDR as it winds along Elk Creek on the road to Warren. This next stop may not be one of the most scenic of the journey, but it is full of local history. Keep your eyes open for a small old cemetery just to the south of Elk Summit Road. While the historic cemetery isn’t largely marked off, there are some signs that help tell the stories of some of the people who are buried here. This peaceful stop is a good place to gain some history and take a quick break before continuing the ride on the BDR.
Pilot Peak Lookout 8128’
IDBDR POI
Riggins - Food Gas Lodging
Warren - Food Gas Lodging
E Main St and Mill St
Yellow Pine - Food Gas Lodging
IDBDR POI
ID4 - Yellow Pine to Elk City
ID4 ALT Gas - Grangeville
ID4 ALT Gas - Riggins
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