ACTIVITY/TRIP PLANNING

My family and I are doing this trip in July 2019. I'd love to have some NWOL folks join us, as its going to be epic and there is safety in numbers. I'll post updates as the date approaches - specific concerns are snow pack elevation in Mid July (hopefully mostly gone by then) and of course the ubiquitous wildfires, which I dealt with when I was out there last Summer.

Dates: Saturday July 13-Thursday 18 2019

Meetup: Fernan Lake Village Ranger Station 2502 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Plan: Meet at the 'meetup' point in Cd'A and rally to Superior MT via I-90 East and then hit the trail. Folks from other areas can rendezvous with us in Superior MT.

Route Link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29012762

Vehicle: Any high clearance vehicle can do this route - but there are some super-tight switchbacks on the Magruder Corridor section what will be challenging to do with a trailer. You need a full-sized spare tire and 1/2 tank extra gas, due to the remote nature of this route.

Gear: Bear spray (!), recovery gear, recovery points on your vehicle, toolkit, first aid kit, satellite PLB or Garmin Connect. And do not forget your fly rod. Bring enough stuff for 4-5 days of remote camping. There are a couple of towns half-way through the route to resupply (Elk City, etc)

Camping: there are a number of developed camp sites on the route, a few of which I've marked on the map (see link above). Plenty of wild camping spots too.

Water: there is no shortage of water on this route

Gas: No gas or services for 120ish miles once we enter the Magruder Corridor, which ends in Darby MT.

Coms: HAM radio for sure 146.420. Get licensed ! Very few repeaters in that area. No cellular coverage for most of the route. Bring a satellite PLB or Garmin Connect.

Trip Description:

Starting in Superior, MT (just off I-90) we are launching an overlanding expedition into the remote wilderness of the Bitteroot Mountains, following the Clearwater River and entering The Magruder Corridor with a final destination of Darby MT. Incredibly remote, this route connects two of the largest Wilderness areas in the lower 48 states. The wildflowers in bloom, excellent fly-fishing, and wolves howling in the evenings will make this an unforgettable adventure. This is a family-oriented trip, with plenty of time set aside for camping, fishing and making new friendships. With a relaxed pace, the route will take four to five days to complete (but you may never want to go home). There are a few bail-out points along the way (Elk City and Pierce ID). The route will conclude in Darby, MT. Most of the route can be easily driven in a stock high-clearance vehicle. I rode a good portion of the route on my bike last summer. However, due to the very remote nature of this expedition, gear requirements will include a full-sized spare, and a half-tank's worth of reserve fuel.

Post your comments and questions below. I've posted a 'Event' on the Adventure page of this site.