Bear River Trail - This trail is located in the eastern portion of the Boise National Forest.
The trail follows the narrow glacial valley of the headwaters of Bear River. Vegetation varies greatly, from dry ponderosa pine to sub-alpine fir and white bark pine.
The lower portion of the trail was severely impacted by the 1994 Boise River wildfires.
The scenery becomes increasingly more interesting as one goes up the trail; Bear River runs between 8,800 foot ridgelines with 8,870 foot Wolf Mountain on north side and 8,900 foot Shephard Peak at its headwaters.
Use is currently light; expect to have the whole valley to yourself, except in the fall when hunting parties ride horses in to set up camps and pack out big game.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Trail conditions vary. The lower 3 miles are in good condition. Most mountain bikers will stop at or before the first crossing on Bear River. As the trail passes through the steep canyon area, conditions are at times poor due to water outwashes from side drainages; the trail is frequently damaged in the depositional (flat) areas of these outwashes. You may have to look ahead to determine where the trail is likely to exit these outwashes. One particularly difficult section occurs about 1 mile from the upper end, where the trail follows a steep finger ridge leading away from the valley floor. (a reroute is scheduled). Horse riders should exercise caution on this steep section. The last mile to the Graham Road is in good condition. |
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Operational Hours: | Weather - Summer days are normally quite warm, but temperatures drop into 40s or cooler. Be prepared for the infrequent summer thunderstorms. Serious threats of snowstorms can be expected any time after September. |
Rentals & Guides: | MAPS AND GUIDEBOOKS- A variety of guidebooks are available at the Idaho City Ranger District Office. A US Forest Service Visitor Map is also available for a small fee. |
Usage: | Light |
Best Season: | Normally, this trail is free of snow from early July to mid-October. Expect high water crossings ea |
Restrictions: | EQUIPMENT- Good boots are essential. This trail crosses creeks that flow actively during some parts of the year, so water resistant boots are important. Raingear and warm clothes are recommended. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and mosquito repellant are advisable. |
Closest Towns: | Idaho City, Idaho |
Water: | WATER- You will find lots of water along this trail, but none can be counted on as safe to drink unt |
Information Center: | For more information contact: Idaho City Ranger District P.O. Box 129 Idaho City, ID 83637 (208) 392-6681 |
General Information
General Notes:
SUGGESTED INTERESTS- This country is as close to wilderness without actually being in one (the area is being considered for addition to the Sawtooth Wilderness). Enjoy the scenery.
-Intermediate level mountain bikers will find the first 3 miles rideable.
-The secluded, scenic area offers a great getaway area with unlimited camping spots (undeveloped).
-Fish for pan-sized rainbow trout in pristine Bear River. This is bull trout country; you must release all bull trout.
-This is mountain goat country and with binoculars and a little luck, you may see them on the steep, rocky faces. Also expect to see mule deer and elk on the valley floor.
-See the rebirth of the ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine forests in the burn area
Directions:
From Boise, Idaho, travel State Highway 21 northeast to Idaho City, Idaho.
From Idaho City continue north 18 miles to the turn off of Forest Service Road 384, also called Edna Creek Road.
Follow FS Road 384 for 13.5 miles to North Fork Boise River and FS Road 327.
Turn upriver on FS Road 327 to Deer Park (6 miles) and turn left onto FS Road 348.
Follow FS Road 348 to Bear River (6 miles).
Cross the bridge and travel 200 yards beyond bridge and turn right onto side road.
Approximately 100 feet up this road, turn right again onto jeep road (OK for 2-wheel drive pickups) and follow jeep road about 0.25 mile back to the trailhead. A dispersed campsite is located at trailhead.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Bear River Trail -Additional Mountain Biking Information: This is Forest Service Trail #171 and is a single-track trail for non-motorized use only. The scenic 10-mile long route starts flat but ascends steeply in the middle and at the end. The scenery becomes increasingly more interesting as one goes up the trail. Bear River runs between 8,800 foot ridgelines with 8,870 foot Wolf Mountain on north side and 8,900 foot Shephard Peak at its headwaters. Intermediate level mountain bikers will find the first 3 miles to be the most rideable. To get there, follow Highway 21 northeast from Boise through Idaho City. Turn off Highway 21 onto Forest Road 384 at Edna Creek (18 miles past Idaho City). Follow Forest Road 384 for 13.5 miles to North Fork Boise River and Forest Road 327. Turn upriver on 327 to Deer Park (6 miles) and turn left onto Forest Road 348. Follow 348 to Bear River (6 miles). Cross bridge and travel 200 yards beyond bridge and turn right onto side road. Approximately 100 feet up this road, turn right again onto jeep road (OK for 2-wheel drive pickups) and follow jeep road about 0.25 miles back to trailhead.
Bear Run - Mostly flat with views of open meadows and ponderosa pines. Variety of roads and trails, some for single-track motorcycle use.
Day Hiking
Take a day hike along the Bear River. Rugged valley walls make for spectacular scenery, and views from the top of the trail are panoramic.
Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Horse Riding
Horseback ride along the rugged valley walls and enjoy the spectacular scenery, and views from the top of the trail are panoramic.
Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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