So we found the Bear Pete Trail and rode it. Here’s proof.
Watch for the new page with links to posts with current-ish conditions of these routes. The page link will be in the right column.
Bear Pete Trail from Aileen Frey on Vimeo.
Recent Comments
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Pete Neisen September 8, 2014, 2:49 pm
A small group of us “rode” the Bear Pete Trail this past weekend. I say rode in quotes because once on the single track, we had to hike a lot. Pretty much every portion of the trail that has any grade is torn up and severely rutted by motorcycle traffic making it unrideable. It was really a workout with a loaded Pugsley. While the scenery was awesome and the place we camped along the trail was really nice, I’m not sure the few patches of smooth single track will warrant a return trip.
We did it counter-clockwise, as suggested by the video, but I am not sure that makes much of a difference. We still had to walk large portions of downhill because of the rutting and damage to the trail.
If you are planning a trip on this trail, here are some notes:
* The scenery throughout is awesome with great views.
* Even in early September, we found plenty of water along the trail. There are lots of wet creek crossings.
* We found pretty good camping with water nearby between where trail 145 branches off to the West and trail 143 branches off to the East.
* Be prepared for a hike-a-bike slog.
* Check out the nearby Burgdorf hot springs. We stayed in the rustic cabins one night and it was a great time.
Scott October 15, 2014, 7:05 pm
Rainfall severely above normal has created lots of damage to the Idaho trail systems in 2014. The fact that a trail exists alone allows for severe erotion when the soil is dry and we get to much rain. Your assumption that dirt bikes create the ruts is in incorrect. Fortunately there is a system put in place to clear and repair Idaho trails. You can thank the Idaho state parks and recreation for those repairs on many of the trails throughout Idaho. You probably don’t realize this but, the funds for the repairs are generated from ORV GAS TAX and ORV STICKERS that must be stuck on my dirt bike before riding on our public lands. Most trails in Idaho would be unridable by mountain bikers if it weren’t for dirtbikers who pay to ride them. Unless you want to carry a chainsaw and shovel on your bike. There are also dirtbikers that volenteer time and resources to clear and maintain trails all on their own. I’ve never seen a chainsaw carried by hiker or a mountain biker while enjoying Idaho trails.
Share the trails.
Bike Hermit™ October 16, 2014, 10:48 am
Scott, I found this page about the Idaho Trail Rangers Program which is coordinated by IDPR and funded by Idaho OHV user registration fees. When we were planning this ride the Forest Service was unable to tell us the condition of the trails or even where they had crews working. I think they are overwhelmed. We did however meet the moto riders in the video, one of whom had a chainsaw mounted on his bike. It was then that I realized it was only due to the moto riders that we could ride the trail without climbing over any downed trees. I do appreciate the efforts made by dirtbikers to maintain these trails.
Jack Steiner October 20, 2014, 2:32 pm
I am a hiker-motorcycle rider-horse packer. I feel these are good points as I always carry a crosscut, or a chainsaw when riding either a bike or a horse, as you could not get home sometimes without them. I also try to help on the trails I am using, even when Hiking, although I can’t carry as much equiment to clear!