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Biking

There are many areas and trails on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests that provide good access for mountain biking.

Explore Idaho's official adventure travel site, IOGA, with listings for over 250 outfitters and related services - something for everyone.

Bikers should always keep in mind the following information:

  • Practice low impact to the soil by limiting riding shortly after the rain, keeping skidding to a minimum, packing out litter and staying on designated trails.
  • Control your bicycle, anticipate other trail users including runners, hikers, bicyclists or horses around blind corners and slow down accordingly.
  • Always yield the trail. Bicycles are fast and can scare people or livestock. Always make your approach known well in advance; a friendly greeting or bell works well.
  • When approaching oncoming traffic on narrow trails, slow down and move off the trail to the downhill side. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you, all mountain bikers are judged by your actions. Make contacts friendly no matter how brief.
  • Leave gates as you found them, respect private property and route closures.
  • Know the area, your equipment and plan accordingly, dressing for the weather. Riders should be self-sufficient at all times, wear a helmet and carry necessary supplies for changes in equipment or weather conditions.
  • During fall rides, wear a hunter orange mesh vest or bright colors and attach a bear bell to your bike bag to warn hunters of your presence. Do the same for any dog companion joining the ride.

E-Biking

Electric bikes (or E-bikes) are considered motorized vehicles and are ONLY allowed on motorized routes. Please visit the Forest Service website for information about electronic bicycle (e-bike) use on National Forest System lands.

Mountain Biking

Meadow Creek Trail #726 is one area to check out if you are interested in mountain biking on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Mountain bikes are allowed on the first three miles through this beautiful area. As you travel through an area similar to a rainforest, you can expect to see ferns, mosses and cedar trees in abundance. Be alert -- you could be sharing the trail with motorbike or horse riders.

Road Cycling

There are several opportunities for Road Cycling on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, including near various Campground areas, Trailhead and River Access points, or Ranger Stations.

Search for Biking Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 25 results

Apgar Campground

Site Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking
Located along the Lochsa River and accessed by U.S. Highway 12, Apgar lies between the highway and on a river terrace filled with giant western red cedar and fir trees. Apgar is a quiet, rustic…

Bald Mountain Lookout

Site Closed
Scenic Drives Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Biking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Constructed in 1964 on one of the highest peaks in the Hoodoo Mountain Range and used as a Forest Service fire lookout until 1984, the Bald Mountain Lookout allows its visitors to enjoy spectacular…

Boyd Creek Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Biking Picnicking
Situated along the stunning Selway River, the Boyd Creek Campground contains five camp/RV sites, picnic areas and a restroom.  Hikers will enjoy taking a trek up the East Boyd Glover Roundtop…

Castle Butte Lookout

Site Closed
Scenic Drives Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Biking
Originally built in 1916, replaced in 1928 and rebuilt as a lookout in 1950, the Castle Butte Lookout is perched on a rocky point 6659' above sea level in north central Idaho. Thrilling panoramic…

Clark Mountain/Orogrande Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Biking
A primitive single lane road situated atop the ridgeline with spectacular panoramic views to the south of Orogrande drainage and to the north towards Chateau Rock. Some dispersed camping is available…

Colt Creek Trailhead

Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives Winter Sports Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Hiking Picnicking
Although this trailhead requires some patience in order to get to it due to narrow and bumpy roads, the pay off is well worth it.  Approximately 2 hours southwest of Lolo, MT or 2 hours and 45…

Elk Creek Campground

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Horse Riding and Camping Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking
Less than a mile from the quiet town of Elk River in the mountains of north central Idaho, the Elk Creek Campground is found in a picturesque setting of mature pine forests and next to the tinkling…

Glade Creek Group Campground

Site Closed
Biking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives Hiking
A popular spot with the locals, the quaint Glade Creek Group Campground has five sites and is peacefully tucked away on about four acres, alongside a rolling river and under a canopy of mixed-age…

Glover Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking Hiking
Glover Campground has picnic areas, toilets, a stock ramp and access to two trails: Roundtop Trail #705 and Glover Trail #704. This site is off the main road.

Isabella Landing Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Biking Outdoor Science and Learning
This trailhead, located at the junction of Isabella Landing and FS Road 700, offers access to trail 297, the North Fork Downriver Trail.  The 7 mile mainline trail takes visitors into one of our…

Last updated March 28th, 2025