Payette National Forest Excellent Adventure

McCall, Idaho

Just like Bill and Ted’s excellent adventure, this route will send you pedaling back in time through historic back country roads and almost ghost-towns within the Payette National Forest in East Central Idaho. This loop explores mining camps, pristine waters, four summits, fascinating folks, hot springs, maybe a few historic salon people and endless beauty. Begins and ends in McCall, Idaho.

“Be excellent to each other.” ― Bill and Ted

Start and end this ride with a swim in beautiful Payette Lake and a burger, shake, and fries at My Father’s Place. This ride takes you west out of McCall up over Lick Creek Summit, down to the confluence of the Secesh and South Fork Salmon rivers, and 15 miles of smooth gravel next to the South Fork Salmon River to the historic almost-ghost town of Yellow Pine. Resupply, have a cold one, and talk with the locals, and play a few holes of forest golf. From Yellow Pine you will ride towards Big Creek, turning left on Elk Creek Road. Big Creek Lodge/Campground and Backcountry Airstrip is off-route about half a mile and worth the short deviation. Enjoy the nice grind up to Elk Creek Summit, from Big Creek down to the South Fork of the Salmon River Bridge.   After crossing the river, you will head up and over Warren Summit to the gold-mining almost-ghost town of Warren, Idaho (explore). From Warren you start heading back to McCall on Warren Road over Steamboat Summit through Secesh, Burgdorf Hot Springs (off route) and the final 30 miles on Pavement. Take that dip and enjoy another burger, fries and shake.

Route Design Cues

I ride this route counter clockwise, since the summit climbs are better suited for climbing, especially if you are on a gravel bike or a hardtail. A full suspension bike makes for much less brain banging on the descents. Also, this direction ends with the pavement section. I prefer July and August as the towns are more active with people, activities, and supplies. I am a very curious fellow, and taking the time to explore the towns and communities on this route is especially rewarding. I have met some very unique Idahoans and enjoyed learning more about them. Yes, talking to strangers can be a little intimidating, but be an illuminator. Shine the brightness on others and delight in another person’s being.

Highlights

Multiple Summit Views, Big Creek Lodge (yurt bunks, lodge rooms, USFS campground, backcountry airstrip, and dinner if you make a reservation, Yellow Pine (General Store, Bar Food, Golf, Amazing People), Warren (Almost Ghost Town, Baum Shelter (restaurant, lodging), Secesh Stage Stop (Food, Bar, Lodging), Burgdorf Hot Springs (lodging, hotsprings, no restaurant, need reservation for lodging), Payette Lake

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