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Local Mountain Bike Rides

Cocollala Butler

Loop
Length: 10.5 miles
Time: 2½ - 3 ½ hrs
Elv Gain: 1,400'
Aerobic: Moderate+
Technical: 90% Intermediate, 10% Advanced
Description: This ride consists of over 2 miles of varied (some smooth, some quite steep/rocky with tight turns) single track sandwiched between portions of rough and rolling forest roads where you may encounter vehicle / ATV traffic. Also possible side trip on more single track to the lake.
Trailhead: Drive south on Hwy 95 11.5 miles to Blacktail Rd. Turn left. Stay left at the road split; continue another mile to the intersection of Butler Creek Rd 230 and Cocollala Creek Rd where you can park.
The Ride: Ride south on Cocollala Creek Rd approx. ½ mile; then turn left onto Forest Road 630. It's a steady climb up the Cocollala Creek drainage. Recent logging has added spurs, but the main road is obvious. At 4 miles, the road splits you want to go left toward Trail 231. Another ¾ mile brings you to a gate. 300 yds beyond the gate look for small sign pointing to Trail 231. (This is the single track you want). There is also a 2nd sign 20 yds further. First portion of the trail is moderate grade with awesome views of Maiden Creek Canyon. The single track may also be rutted from motorcycle use. Then over a mile of steep, twisting descent brings you to a small parking area / trailhead for 3 trails. If you're up for more riding, tackle Trail 321 1.5 miles down to Maiden Rock on Lake Pend Oreille. Otherwise, bear left out of the parking area and you'll be headed west on Butler Creek Rd 230 a fun, 3 mile cruise back to your vehicle.

Bernard Peak

Out and Back
Length: 5 miles (one way)
Time: 3 - 5 hrs
Elv Gain: 2,600'
Aerobic: Moderate - Strenuous
Technical: Intermediate
Description: This is some of the better single track riding in the area accessed by a 2+ mile moderate climb up a dirt road. The single track is mostly dirt; laced with enough roots, switchbacks and other obstacles to keep it challenging. Add in the distance and the slope and you have a great ride. The trail is mostly shady on a hot day, and you can finish with a swim at Farragut State Park.
Trailhead: Drive 23 miles south on Hwy 95 to the traffic light (Hwy 54). Turn left and go 4 miles to the traffic circle and Good Hope Rd. Turn right and go 1/2 mile to Twete Rd. Turn left and go 1.5 miles to the end of the road.
The Ride: Start the ride by ducking the metal gate just to the north of the Westwind Ranch drive, and riding east on the dirt road paralleling the fence. At ¾ mile you encounter another gate to go around or under. Continue climbing the dirt road past a logging landing & 3 side roads. At about 2 miles you will encounter a 2nd landing where the road forks and becomes rougher and narrower. Go to the right, up a short, steep hill. At the top, the single track will be straight ahead. About 15 yds up the single track you will pass another trail on your left markedSCOUT TRAIL”. Continue climbing – the trail is easy to follow 2.6 miles of sweet riding to the top.
Notes: Don't expect a view from the top! But there is an awesome vista spot accessed by riding straight through the first log landing. It's only 1/3 mile out of your way and well worth it. Also, the single track portion of this ride can be reached via the “SCOUT TRAIL” from Farragut State Park. It has some more steep and technical sections; maybe short hike-a-bikes. Maps available at the Farragut Visitors Center 8:30 to– 4:30.

Gold Hill

Out and Back with Loop
Length: 11.5 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hrs
Elv Gain: 1,500'
Aerobic: Strenuous
Technical: Confident Intermediate
Description: Start with a 3.7 mile steady single track climb made more interesting by 20+ switchbacks of varying difficulty and numerous other roots and rocky areas. Then a 2- mile breather of rolling Forest Service Road and smooth fast single track brings you to a 300' climb on F.S. road, and finally a descent on the same single track you climbed to start. Throw in some awesome vistas of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille, and the fact that it's also a do-able scenic ride from town if you are looking for more miles.
Trailhead: Drive south on Hwy 95 4.5 miles to Bottle Bay Rd. Turn left, cross RR tracks, and continue 4 miles to trailhead parking on the right.
The Ride: The 3.7 mile climb up Gold Hill Trail #3 is easy to follow. You'll need your full concentration on the riding! Be on the watch for hikers, and the view spots where you can take a breather. The trail tops out at Forest Service Road #2642; where you will turn right, and go ½ mile to road's end. Pick up the single track here. It's over a mile, mostly smooth and fast, with some fun rollers – ending at Rd #2642, where you will turn left and begin the road climb back to the top of Gold Hill trail #3. (1/2 mile before you reach the intersection of Rd #2642 and Gold Hill Trail #3 – look for the short spur on the right to check out another awesome view spot.) The 1,500' descent back down Gold Hill Trail #3 is your reward; but remember it has some tricky sections, and there may be hikers or bikers ascending.

Wylie Knob

Loop
Length: 14.5 miles
Time: 2½ - 3½ hrs
Elv Gain: 800'
Aerobic: Moderate
Technical: Intermediate
Description: The elevation gain comes in the first 2 miles as you climb an old roadbed and single track to the saddle near Wylie Knob. A few rough spots but nothing too technical. From here remainder of the described ride is mostly rolling downhill on Forest Service roads. (There is more technical single track above the saddle if you wish to explore.) This beautifully timbered area is little used and offers a real possibility of seeing wildlife, especially mid-week. Weekends you may encounter horses.
Trailhead: Drive 7.5 miles north on Hwy 95 to Colburn-Culver Rd. Turn right and go 4.5 miles to Samuels Rd. Turn left on Samuels, then right on Grouse Creek Rd (Rd. #280). Drive 7 miles to trailhead and parking on the left.
The Ride: Look for the trailhead sign (#483) near the southeast corner of the parking area. The climb to the saddle is 2.1 miles. At the saddle, cross the clearing and head left on the double track (Rd #215). Do not cross creek. You now have over 5 miles of cruising down this double track. Just stay on the main road, always going down. Immediately after the metal gate take a left onto Rd #2656 another 5+ miles of cruising this more improved road will bring you down to Grouse Creek Rd #280. Turn left and ride the 2 miles back to your vehicle. Whew! That last little climb is a grunt!

Mineral Point (F.S. Trail #82)

Out and Back
Length: 2.1 miles (one-way)
Time: 1 - 2 hrs
Elv Gain: 400'
Aerobic: Moderate
Technical: Intermediate
Description: Sweet single track with a few technical switchbacks and short sections of exposed rock that all but advanced riders will probably walk. Frequent obstacles are very ride-able. The trail rolls up and down through varied terrain of Ponderosa pine and cedar forest, offering many nice views of the lake. Usually dry and rideable early season.
Trailhead: Drive south on Hwy 95 5 miles to Sagle Rd. (also marked Garfield Bay - Glengary Bay). Turn left; continue 7 miles, where you will take the right fork to Garfield Bay. Passing by the lake and day-use area on the right, follow the sign to Mineral Point. Turn right on Rd #532, drive 3 miles to Rd #532A. ½ mile on 532A will bring you to the trailhead & parking.
The Ride: The trail begins as a wide, wheelchair accessible interpretive trail, please be on the lookout for pedestrians. The single track is easy to follow, no route finding to distract you from the fun ride. The turn-around point is beautiful Green Bay campground; offering a perfect opportunity for a swim or lunch on the beach before returning to Mineral Point on the trail.
Notes: To extend this ride, park at Garfield Bay day-use area and ride to the trailhead. Road #532 is dirt/gravel and sees only light use.

Schweitzer Lower Basin

Loop
Length: 11 miles
Time: 2 - 2½ hrs
Elv Gain: 1,800'
Aerobic: Strenuous
Technical: Intermediate
Description: Great aerobic workout on a paved road climb; followed by nearly 3 miles of twisting, downhill single track through deep woods. The tread is mostly dirt, lots of roots and punji stumps, a couple creek crossings and numerous ditches and Kelly-humps for fun. Not overly technical, but the twists and turns will keep you on your toes.
Trailhead: Drive 1.5 miles north on Hwy 95 to Schweitzer Cut-Off Rd. Turn left and follow Schweitzer Mt. Resort signs. Park in the lot on your left just before the RR tracks.
The Ride: Start by crossing the RR tracks and riding up Schweitzer Mt. Rd 6.5 miles to the Schweitzer roundabout. Exit the roundabout to the right (north) where the dumpsters are located. The single track starts between the metal shed and the steep bank on the right. Now your reward! The trail starts a bit steep and rocky, but soon mellows. Staying left at all forks will bring you back to the paved Schweitzer Rd in approx. 2.75 miles. Turn left and cruise back downhill to the parking lot.
Notes: Add 6 miles (mostly gravel) to the loop by riding from town via Boyer Ave, Baldy Rd and Great Northern Rd (see McKinnick Trail directions). Or, for a more technical ride, do the single track as an “up & back.”

Round Lake

Loop
Length: 3 miles
Time: 45 min - 1½ hrs
Aerobic: Easy
Technical: Beginner
Description: If you're looking to introduce kids (or anyone) to some off-road” mountain biking in a non-threatening situation, this is it. The ride circles Round Lake on mostly smooth, level double track with a few roots and 2 short hills thrown in. Riding across a small dam and some wood boardwalks will up the fun factor.
Trailhead: Take Hwy 95 south 8 miles to Dufort Rd. Turn right 2 miles to Round Lake State Park. The trailhead is straight ahead near the picnic pavilion.
The Ride: Start on the Stewardship Trail and go to the dam. Cross dam and climb hill, turning left at the top onto dirt road. Ignore single tracks to the left at 1.25 miles, staying on dirt road past two Property Boundary” signs. At 2.25 miles, take the marked trail downhill to left. This hill is steep enough to warrant caution for beginners. Follow the trail across boardwalks and back through campground to trailhead.
Notes: There is a day-use fee for the park, but also potential for swimming, fishing, picnic, etc.

Mckinnick Trail #13

Out and Back
Length: 3.7 mile (one-way)
Time: 1 hr
Elv Gain: 2,000
Aerobic: Strenuous
Technical: Advanced
Description: Beautiful hiking trail newly constructed in 2004/2005. Several wonderful view spots, and easy access from town. Generous stretches may be too steep for almost all riders.
Trailhead: Take Boyer Ave north to Baldy Rd. Left on Baldy to Great Northern Rd. Right on Great Northern for 1.25 miles brings you to a sharp left, crossing RR tracks and onto Woodland Drive. ½ mile down Woodland you will see the trailhead parking on the left. Ride your bike! It's mostly gravel.
The Ride: From the parking lot, head left across the flat. The trail becomes obvious. Be prepared for a steady climb with some steep switchbacks thrown in.
Notes: Forest Service has constructed this trail in conjunction with The Friends of the Mickinnick” on land donated by the Pleas family.

Additional Mountain Bike Riding Opportunities

Priest Lake Beautiful setting. Miles of mostly level, intermediate single track along Lakeshore and Navigation trails. Maps at Sandpoint Ranger District 208-263-5111; or Priest Lake Ranger District 208-443-2512

Schweitzer Mt. Resort - 208-263-9555 Single track and service roads. Some smooth, some rocky and technical. Also weekend chairlift service to the top in the summer.

Farragut State Park - 208-683-2425 Mile after mile of mostly level pavement and dirt riding. Beginner to intermediate plus. Great spot for families, also spring/fall riding.

Gamlin Lake- Just a couple miles of rolling single and double track, beginner to intermediate, but it's a beautiful drive getting there.

Boundary County Trail Rides

These are the cream of mountain bike trails on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District. Check local conditions before riding for snow and, especially in the case of Ruby Ridge, to see if they’ve been sawed out (trail crews generally cut out all maintained trails at some point every summer).

Kootenai River Walk

My friend Brandon thinks this is kind of lame (& he may be right), but it’s the only decent singletrack on the District that opens early in the season. Turn right going down the South Hill in BFID (Ash St), bear left at the Y in town and left again a few miles outside town (Cow Creek), staying on the main road (this becomes Katka Road at some point) until it eventually climbs to a scenic overlook about 10 miles out of town. Keep going on this road (it becomes FR 314 at the Forest boundary) for about 5 miles past the overlook and look for signs on the left (the second USFS road on that side – FR 2209). Park here and ride about 2 miles down the gated road to the trail, or (my preference) ride about 3.5 miles further on the 314 to the second (well-marked) trailhead. From the far end, it’s a fun downhill on an old road bed to just above the Kootenai River, then gently rolling (occasionally rocky and technical) trail along the bench crossing or using parts of a few roads - about 5 miles total back to FR 2209. At the 2209 end, there’s a ½ mile side trail to an overlook that’s worth checking out. Easy road grade back to the rig. Not spectacular, but good early season stuff close to town with decent scenery and relatively easy walking access down to the Kootenai River at Caboose Creek (stream crossing near NW end – leave your bikes near the trail). If you feel strong, drop in from the near trailhead & ride both ways (the climb to the road on the far end will grow some hair). Outside hunting season, this trail sees little hiking use (an uninspirational few miles on old roads just to get to the trail itself). Local riders seem to hold it in low regard as well, but I enjoy hitting it a few times a year and rarely meet any other users. You can take your grandma on it, but she might get her ass kicked. Use caution on the overlook trail since it get close to the edge in one spot. You won’t fall into the River, but you could probably make the railroad track about 80’ below. Trailheads about 2,600’ elevation, Caboose Creek crossing at 1,800’.

Clifty-Katka

Turn right off US 95 at 20-Mile Road about 1 mile past Naples, go up over 20-Mile Pass, down the other side and turn left at FR 274 (to Black Mtn). About 4 miles up from here to Clifty trailhead (~1 mi below Black Mtn). Trail 182 climbs to just below Clifty Mtn., where a short (½ mi) side trip goes to the Clifty overlook. From Clifty, go back down & turn left (east) at the trail junction (don’t miss it!) for a ridge ride (~4 mi) through five saddles and 2 more trail junctions (1st is Dobson Trail 143, which I do not recommend for bikes). Go straight at the last junction for another ¼ mile to an old lookout with a view to the north. Good place for a break, then turn around and take the (mostly) downhill on Trail 182 (left at the junction you just came through) all the way to FR 408. There are several road crossings on this section, but the trail goes almost directly across in each case. If you like loop rides, drive east along the river from town and take the paved Katka Road (becomes FR 314) all the way to the 408 turnoff (look for sign to 20-Mile/Naples). Turn right and look for the trailhead after about 1 mile. Park here & start riding west on the 408 road. Stay straight (right) at the first junction (Boulder Meadows turnoff) and right again after about 7 miles (FR 274). Climb on this road until you hit the upper trailhead & you’re in business. This is a relatively challenging ride with a ballhooter downhill and a great view of the Kootenai Valley if you make the short side trip up to Clifty (the last few hundred yards are mostly not rideable). If you decide to shuttle rigs, be warned that several miles of FR 408 are in pretty rough shape and marginal for low-clearance vehicles. In fact, if you decide to ride a loop, it’s probably quicker to go into town & go in from the Katka Road. Clifty trailhead 5,600’, Clifty Peak 6,700’, Katka trailhead (408) 3,000’, Black Mtn Road/408 junction 4,200’. 8.5 miles singletrack, ~20 miles loop.

Canuck-Keno

North of BF on 95, turn right at 3-Mile Junction onto Highway 2. About 1 mi past the Moyie River Bridge, turn left on County Road 72 (just past Evergreen Elementary). Keep going straight (left) at the two major junctions, and you should end up on the Deer Creek Road (FR 435). About 8 or so miles off Hwy 2, look for Keno Creek Road (FR 316) – the only improved road on the right hand side. You can park in any of the several pullouts along 435 here, although it gets quite a few campers during huckleberry season and the spots on lower Keno Road are reserved for Kootenai Tribal Members. Or, continue on 435 all the way to Canuck Pass, and get on the trail to the east of the road (Trail 35). About 1 mi in there’s a junction where you turn right (Trail 44). This becomes a nice ridge ride all the way to the south side of Keno Mtn, where you’ll find the Trail 42 junction. An easy 15 minute hike takes you to the top of Keno if you’re up for it (leave bikes near the trail). From the junction, you can ride Trail 42 down to FR 316 to FR 435, or the hardcore can continue on Trail 44 all the way to Line Point, over Goat Mtn, and down to the Skin Creek trailhead. Fairly challenging (depending on how much you bite off) scenic ridge ride with (mostly) fun descents on either Keno or Goat Mtn trail. The stretch going up to Line Point is pretty brutal (steep to hike, impossible to ride). Easy shuttle (about half of the Canuck Pass route is paved), or you can ride a loop starting at Keno Creek. People coming down Goat take a left at the Skin Creek trailhead and right on Perkins Lake road to get back to 435. Cold-ass crossing on Skin Creek in the spring. Canuck Pass 5,800’, Keno Peak 6,500’, 316 end 3,900’, 316 @ 435 3,000’, Line Point 6,700’, Skin Creek trailhead 3,200’. Canuck Pass to Trail 42 – 7.3 miles, Trail 42 - 5.5 miles, Keno to Skin Creek - 9.75 miles. Keno Creek to Canuck Pass on the road is about 10 miles, with an additional 2 miles down on the 316.

Ruby Ridge (the other one)

Drive north on 95 and turn right on Copper Creek Road (FR 2517) just before the Canadian border at Eastport. Stay on the road past Copper Falls (or make the nice ¼ mile side trip) and go left at the first marked junction (FR 2509) about 1.25 miles past the falls. Go an additional 3 miles through a steep rocky section above Spruce Creek to a second junction and continue straight (toward Spruce Lake), keep climbing past the lake (another nice, short side trip) until you come to another junction just past a switchback (FR 403) after about 6 more miles. Go right, and about one mile of rough road gets you to Ruby Pass. Trail 35 is on the right (also on the left, which takes you over to Canuck Pass). There are a few hike-a-bike sections for the first mile or so on Ruby Ridge, then the trail improves as you go further out. By the time you hit continuous timber, you’re in downhill mode. Continue straight across FR 2517 and descend down to the Trail 205 junction where you go right (although if you have a good head of steam, you may miss the junction and go right by default). Another 1.75 miles and you’re at the trailhead at Kreist Creek on the Moyie River (Meadow Creek ) Road. The views from Ruby Ridge are nice (if not stunning). Once you hit the timber you can’t see shit and really don’t care, because at this point the trail is a screamer downhill. You can shuttle a variety of ways, or if (like me) you prefer a loop, park at the Good Grief Café (Hwy 95 at Moyie River Road turnoff), ride 95 to Copper Creek road (about 3 miles) and climb up to the trailhead. When you get down to Kreist Creek trailhead, it’s an easy 3-4 mi ride back to beer and burgers at the Good Grief (be warned – they close early on Sunday). Copper Creek Road @ 95 2,600’, Ruby Pass 5,850’, Kreist Creek trailhead 2,600’. About 8 miles singletrack.

Danquist

Another pretty well-kept secret, although (unfortunately) not so much with the motorcycle riders. Go north on 95 and turn right at the Brush Lake turnoff (FR 397) on the new section of highway a few miles north of the 95/Hwy 1 junction. At the top of the little hill, turn left to stay on FR 397. After about 1 mile, 397 bears right up a hill, but you want to stay straight on the main road (which becomes FR 2485 – Hellroaring Creek). Drive forever (really only about 5 miles) and look for Trail 225 crossing this road a bit past the FR 2484 junction. Park at any reasonably wide spot on the road (no real trailhead here). The best approach is to ride (or shuttle) from here up to the top of the 2485 (stay right at the major junction about 1 mile past the trail crossing). This road becomes progressively crappier as you climb, and the last 1.5 miles or so is brushy enough to discourage full-sized rigs (go right on the steep brushy section instead of staying straight on the 2485A). At the top, go right on the road/trail toward Bussard (going left takes you to the old Queen mine – an interesting side trip). There’s sort of a weird trail triangle here, but staying right should get you on the Danquist Trail (225). If you feel like exploring, you can also make a short side trip to the cinderblock structure with a view that is the top of Bussard (4-wheeler yahoo alert). Ride the ridge on Danquist over to Tungsten Mtn and stay right at the junction with Trail 23. About another ¼ mile of ridge riding and this becomes a full-blown downhill to the 2485, crossing the 2484 along the way. The trail continues below the 2485, crossing another road (FR 1374 goes back to the 2485 about 2.5 miles west of the trailhead), and continuing all the way down to the valley ending on FR 2259. However, this road doesn’t connect to the 2485, so you’ll have to ride back up on the trail. Alternately, you can park on the 2259 (look for the turn about ½ mile before and opposite the Robinson Lake road on 95 marked by reflectors and a small forest road sign) and climb several miles on this road to Tr 225, then up to the 2485 on the trail, then ride up the road up and the full loop. A bit longer, but the lower section of trail is fairly new and worth the trip. A nice ride, even if a bit dug up by motorcycles in a few places. Look out for ATVs on the Hellroaring Road (2485) and around Bussard Peak. Nice view from Bussard and fun downhill off Tungsten. If you go in from the 2259, make sure you don’t take the first trail you come to (Sidehill Trail 415), and be quick (mosquitoes are bad at the bottom). Trailhead on 2259 2,800’, trailhead on 2485 4,000’, Bussard Peak 6,000’. 5.5 miles singletrack to Hellroaring Road, 1.5 miles below. About 5 miles climbing on Hellroaring Road.

Mission/Arndt

About 4 miles past the Brush Lake turnoff on 95, take a left on FR 272 (Mission Creek Road). Some 3 miles in, turn right on FR 2481. Climb for about 6 miles past two switchbacks and look for the Mission Mtn. Trail (156) on the left just before you come to a gate (open except elk season). This trail climbs for about ¾ mile, crosses a road & becomes newer tread up to Mission Mtn. From here it becomes the Arndt Trail (Trail 409) - there’s some rolling and rocky sections, but it’s mostly good downhill riding all the way to Gillon Creek (FR 273). There are two road crossings along the way (FR 2481 & 2481E) as you come into the good downhill section. At the bottom of the trail, go east at the T (right and immediate left) down to Robinson Lake Road. I usually drive to Robinson Lake turnoff on 95 and park at the day lot just past the 273 junction, then ride back to 95 and go west to the 272 (about 5 miles), and climb up to the trailhead. You can shuttle rigs to avoid riding on 95 and/or most of the climbing. In fact, some people drive out on the 2481 or 2481E (about 6 miles past the gate) and get dropped off for a pure downhill on 409. Nice views from Mission Mtn., good single track descent, and (mostly) road grade climbing except for a few miles going up Mission. These trails are also open to motorcycles, but most of the tread wear seems to be from mtn bikes. Robinson Lake is a good place to kick back after a ride – there’s plenty of parking at the day use lot, and I’ve swam off the fishing dock. Or, go another 2.5 miles on 95 to the Good Grief. Mission trailhead 4,800’, Mission Mtn 6,200’, Arndt trailhead 2,900’. 7.5 miles singletrack.

Long Canyon

The Queen of mountain bike rides in Boundary County. To get to Trout Creek Road (FR 634) on the Westside Road either: 1) turn left just before the bridge in BF (look for signs for the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge) and continue north for about 10 miles past the refuge HQ; or 2) go north on 95 about 15 miles past town and turn left on Highway 1 (toward Porthill/Creston), after about 1 mile turn left on Copeland Road, cross the river again and turn left at the T on Westside Road, then about 4 miles south to Trout Creek Road. Trailhead is at the end of Trout Creek Road – parking is limited so get there early on weekends if you want to leave a rig. From the trailhead, it’s a 2-mile stiff (mostly hiking) climb up to Pyramid Pass on Trail 13 (right at the first trail junction, left at the second). Take a break at the pass & prepare for a longggg downhill. After about ½ mile, look for Trail 7 going down to the left (if you’re going up a steep climb, you missed it). About a billion switchbacks later you get down into the bottom of Long Canyon (there’s an unmaintained trail that continues upstream for a bit). Turn right and you shortly hit the first of 3 stream crossings. From here it’s about 12 miles of mostly downhill on good trail, with a short climb out of the canyon near the bottom, then a screamer downhill to the Long Canyon Trailhead. About 10 miles south on the Westside Road gets you back to Trout Creek (Copeland Road is about 2/3 of the way back). You can ride this as a loop, but prepare for a long, hard day. Trout Creek Road is about 8.5 miles long and climbs over 3,000 vertical feet with grades up to 18%. By the time you reach the trailhead you’re half gassed. The easiest way is to leave a rig on the Westside Road at the bottom of Trout Creek, drive to the trailhead & park, and shuttle rigs at the end of the day. You can also leave vehicles at each trailhead, but it makes for a long shuttle; and the Westside Road is mostly paved, gentle grade and not a bad ride at the end of the day. Hardcore riders go up Long Canyon Trail to the junction just before Pyramid Pass, turn left and ride Parker Ridge Trail (221) back to the valley. This is a huge ride. I haven’t tried it, but I can tell you from hiking experience that the section going from the junction up to the ridge (Long Mountain) and from Long Mtn to Parker Peak are steep and rocky (there’s 3 big saddles on the Long Mtn-Parker Pk section) and would involve a bit of hiking. I’ve also heard that the drop from Parker Pk to the valley is pretty sweet, but this is one of few maintained trails on the District I haven’t ridden or hiked. I suppose you could ride this in reverse as well – just remember that the Parker Creek trailhead is below 2,000’ elevation and Parker Peak is 7,600’ (do the math). Trout Creek trailhead 5,400’, Pyramid Pass 6,700’, Long Canyon trailhead 1,800’, Trout Creek Road @ Westside 1,800’. Total singletrack (one way) 18.5 miles.

Local Road Rides:

Schweitzer Mountain Climb

Up and Back
Description: 18 miles r/t, 2,500 ft. climb, 5.4% avg. grade. This is the premier road climbing challenge in the area. Road is smooth and well maintained.
Start/End: Schweitzer Park-n-Ride lot at Schweitzer Mountain Road and RR tracks. Take Boyer Ave north out of town to Schweitzer Cut-Off Rd. Turn left and then right on Boyer Rd (again) to Schweitzer Mountain Road.
Notes: This ride starts approx. 3 miles from town. Spectacular views of the lake and Cabinet mountains (east) from the top. When approaching the ski village at the top, be sure to take the middle road as this will take you to the village. Be mindful of the switchbacks on your descent.

Baldy Mountain Rd

Up and Back
Description: 3.4 miles r/t, 580 ft climb, 6.5 % avg. grade, hill training circuit
Start/End: Baldy Mountain Rd at Upland Dr west of town. Take Boyer Ave north to Baldy Mt Rd and west to Upland Dr.
Notes: Good paved road for hill training circuits. The top of the paved portion of Baldy Mt Rd (turnaround) is at Janish Dr / Turtle Rock Rd.

Bottle Bay Rd / Sagle Rd

Loop w/ variation
Description: 24 miles r/t, rolling hills.
Start/End: North end of Long Bridge parking area (near Conoco station).
Notes: Take bike path across the Long Bridge to Bottle Bay Rd. Head east on Bottle Bay Rd. Very scenic ride with views of the lake and surrounding Cabinet and Selkirk Mountains. It's hard to make a wrong turn on this ride, just be sure to turn right at the east end of Bottle Bay Rd where it intersects Sagle Rd. For a shorter loop (12 miles r/t), take Lignite Rd. (east of RR tracks) between Bottle Bay Rd and Sagle Rd. and back via the bike path.

Colburn-Culver Rd

Loop w/ variation
Description: 30 miles r/t, rolling flat ride
Start/End: Junction of Hwy 200 & Hwy 95
Notes: Take Hwy 200 east to C-C Rd then north for the loop. For a shorter loop, take Selle Rd (about half way up C-C Rd) west, which takes 12 miles off the ride.

Lakeshore Dr / Dufort Rd / Hwy 95 / Bike Path

Loop
Description: 29 miles r/t, fairly flat
Start/End: North end of Long Bridge parking area (near Conoco station).
Notes: Take the bike path over Long Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge look for the new pedestrian/bicycle underpass to take you under and to the other side of Hwy 95. This underpass takes you to the begining of Lakeshore Dr. Lakeshore Dr becomes unpaved, but very rideable 3.6 miles before Dufort Rd. The bike path along the east side of Hwy 95 starts up at Sagle Rd heading north.

Lakeshore Dr / Dufort Rd / Priest River / Hwy 2

Loop w/ variation
Description: 45 miles r/t, fairly flat
Start/End: North end of Long Bridge parking area (near Conoco station).
Notes: Scenic loop along Pend Oreille River west of town. Watch for nesting osprey. Take the bike path over Long Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge look for the new pedestrian/bicycle underpass to take you under and to the other side of Hwy 95. This underpass takes you to the begining of Lakeshore Dr. Lakeshore Dr becomes unpaved, but very rideable 3.6 miles before Dufort Rd. An alternate route would be to take the bike path along Hwy 95 to Sagle Rd, then Hwy 95 to Dufort Rd and then west to Priest River avoiding the unpaved section of Lakeshore Dr. Return to Sandpoint via Hwy 2.

Hope, ID

Out and Back w/ variation
Description: 12 miles (one way), flat ride
Start/End: Junction of Hwy 200 & Hwy 95
Notes: Very scenic ride along the north side of the lake. For a longer ride, continue on to Clark Fork and back, adding 18 miles to the r/t.