Idaho mountain biking, whitewater rafting combination.

Biking the Great Nez Perce Indian Trail is a little on the "wild" side. The 95 mile Magruder Corridor Road winds through a vast undeveloped area in Idaho and Montana. To the north is the 1.2 million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and to the south, the 2.2 million acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The landscape is much the same as when the Nez Perce used the trail in the late 1700s for their seasonal migrations eastward to hunt buffalo. The combination of rugged natural beauty and mountain biking on largely unimproved roads makes this bike trip a "wild" one.

Because it is remote and rarely used, this historical route is an excellent road for mountain biking. It has particular appeal for the intermediate biker because of the variety of terrain: open meadows, forested ridges of moderate grades and several steep, winding stretches. Elevations range from 4100 feet at Magruder Crossing to 8200 feet near Salmon Mountain.

Sample Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary. The trip is flexibly to accommodate groups interest and weather or road conditions.

Day 1 Drive to the Nez Perce Pass (elevation 6598') where we will begin biking. And what a beginning, a nice downhill stretch for about 16 miles. We’ll spend some time at Deep Creek Bridge along the Selway River for a nice break. Then we bike along the Selway River for several miles before we begin and uphill stretch to Observation Point (elevation 7620'). We’ll camp at this spectacular overlook. Spectacular view of the River of No Return Wilderness. Approx. miles: 30

Day 2–5 We will cycle anywhere from 10-25 miles a day depending on groups ability and interest. There will be some great cycling; some uphill pulls and some great down hill runs (the scenery is awesome but try to keep your eyes on the road). The terrain varies throughout the ride through lush evergreen trees, open mountainsides and forested meadows. If the group is into hiking a little there are some fantastic trails, which access beautiful mountain lakes. There will be a 9-mile stretch of pavement near Red River Ranger Station.

Day 6 This morning we’ll bike up to Lemon Creek Saddle, then a real nice stretch through a thickly timbered mountainside...watch for glimpse of the Salmon River Canyon in the distance. Jersey Mountain and then the ride of your life down to the river. Camp alongside the magnificent Salmon River. Approx. miles: 25. We’ll camp on the banks of the Salmon River. The next morning you can either fly back to Missoula or continue down the Salmon River.

Day 7-9 We will spend rafting the Salmon River... hiking, swimming, funyaking, running rapids, and just relaxing. The last evening of the trip, we will provide transportation back to Missoula.

Quality mountain bikes are provided and a support vehicle carries supplies and offer backup when needed. This tour is recommended for intermediate bikers.

2005 Prices and Schedule
Bike Trip Only 6 days $1200.00
July 31-August 5 August 8-13 August 16-21
Additional fees: 6% Idaho sales tax, 3% Forest Service land use

For even more varied activities, this 6-day bike tour is also offered in conjunction with a 3-day Salmon River Rafting trip.

Bike/Raft combo 9 days $1550.00
July 31-August 8, August 8-16, August 16-24

Additional fees: 6% Idaho sales tax, 3% Forest Service land use, $24 Forest Service in field management fees.

Logistics: This trip begins in Missoula, Montana. The day before the trip you arrive Missoula and the early the next morning we head to the bike trail. On the 6th day we descend into the Salmon River Canyon. This is an exhilarating ride to say the least, and when we get to the bottom a refreshing swim is in order. On the 7th morning we will fly you back to Missoula or you can join our Salmon River trip.