Idaho BDR

[NoMas]

Does anyone have recent information of the Idaho BDR? Fires, smoke, detours, etc...
Had been planning on this for some time and there are concerns. Would be coming in from Colorado and North Dakota.

Thank you,
Mark (NoMas)

 

[SkunkWorks]

I just got back from there.
Lots of smoke pretty much everywhere.
The detours that I know of are Lolo Motorway (closed) and near Grandfather bridge.
There are other areas that have fire-closures, but I did not plan to ride the whole BDR so wasn't affected much by those. (Dixie Fire)
The worst smoke was at Dworshak Reservoir (Dent Bridge)
Lochsa Lodge is open, but all the dirt just to the north of it is closed.
Magruder is open, but I did not ride it.
Avery to Wallace is open and Spectacular!
This map should show you where all the current fires and closure areas are:
https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/maps/realtime/fire/

Have a great time!
I loved it, and will plan to go back again in the future.

 

[Dons 1911]

I was hoping Skunkworks would chime in, as he just did the IDBDR! I live less than 100 miles from where the BDR meets the Canadian Border. I can't speak for the parts south of me, but our air quality has been horrible lately with all the fires. Right now our AQI is 278, or very unhealthy. Just finished a half me walk in the woods with the dog and my throat is scratchy. Crazy place up here. Seems like we go from 3 feet of snow to everything on fire in a matter of a week or two. But the air quality bounces all over the scale so no telling how it'll be when you ride here. If you're in anyway asthmatic or the like I'd say decide prudently...

A couple buddies and I have been planning the WABDR each summer for 2 years, and both times we've changed our plans due to smoke and fires. Lord we need some rain!

Feel free to PM me if/when you're up here, maybe meet up for part of the ride or at least grab a sandwich! Best of luck with you're plans!

 

[SkunkWorks]

Dent Bridge



There were lots of areas I rode through that bothered my throat (scratchy and made me cough)
I base-camped a couple times for a few days in two different areas, and the wind shifts would change the level of smoke from day to day (sometimes throughout each day)
Anyone's experience will change depending on wind direction.

I'm planning on writing up a ride-report with lots of pictures, so stay tuned in the "Tall Trails" section.

 

[NoMas]

I was hoping Skunkworks would chime in, as he just did the IDBDR! I live less than 100 miles from where the BDR meets the Canadian Border. I can't speak for the parts south of me, but our air quality has been horrible lately with all the fires. Right now our AQI is 278, or very unhealthy. Just finished a half me walk in the woods with the dog and my throat is scratchy. Crazy place up here. Seems like we go from 3 feet of snow to everything on fire in a matter of a week or two. But the air quality bounces all over the scale so no telling how it'll be when you ride here. If you're in anyway asthmatic or the like I'd say decide prudently...

A couple buddies and I have been planning the WABDR each summer for 2 years, and both times we've changed our plans due to smoke and fires. Lord we need some rain!

Feel free to PM me if/when you're up here, maybe meet up for part of the ride or at least grab a sandwich! Best of luck with you're plans!

Dons 1911,
Appreciate the input on the conditions! We pulled the plug on the ID BDR after both you and Skunkworks replied. We have been fortunate this year in Colorado and feel bead for you all.
This trip has been in the planning for several months and....damn it! Guess we will head to northern Minnesota, Wisconsin. and Michigan UP (will be fun with new terrain but I love the mountains).
Always good to plan a "meet up". Will get in touch with you when we plan again next summer! Also have been looking at the WA BDR and an Alaska trip if the border ever eases up!
Take Care,
NoMas (Mark)

 

[NoMas]

Dons 1911,
Appreciate the input on the conditions! We pulled the plug on the ID BDR after both you and Skunkworks replied. We have been fortunate this year in Colorado and feel bead for you all.
This trip has been in the planning for several months and....damn it! Guess we will head to northern Minnesota, Wisconsin. and Michigan UP (will be fun with new terrain but I love the mountains).
Always good to plan a "meet up". Will get in touch with you when we plan again next summer! Also have been looking at the WA BDR and an Alaska trip if the border ever eases up!
Take Care,
NoMas (Mark)

 

[NoMas]

Skunkworks,
Conditions look pretty rough as suspected. Appreciate the input and see my post to Dons1911.
You must be BadAss to ride in that smoke!!
Appreciate both photos and input. We pulled the plug and are heading to northern MN, WI, and Mi UP to get into a different type of trouble. I just don't like leaving the mountains though...
Thanks,
Mark (NoMas)