Adventure Biking
Adventure Biking in Cascade, Idaho is a thrilling experience! Idaho’s West Central Mountains are home to some of the best singletrack, 2-track and dirt road (gravel) riding anywhere. With approximately 40,000 miles of ride-able terrain across the state, you have many options to choose from. Valley and North Adams counties are home to rugged scenery, tons of wildlife and endless adventure. Come check out our adventure cycling offerings today!
If you’d like to bike-pack the West Central Mountains, we recommend starting in Cascade, Idaho at Kelly’s Whitewater Park, on the shores of the beautiful Payette River. Located right in town, you can launch your single or multi-day trip from our designated long term parking area. Catch a bite to eat at one of our local eateries, and spend a night at an area campground or hotel to get a feel for our laid back mountain town vibe, before setting out on your adventure. More details about local amenities and accommodation can be found in our directory.
The routes listed below are currently known to be open to the public. Please check with local jurisdictions to verify access through all routes.
Featured Routes PDF’s
Routes
Boise to Cascade:
This route is designed to bring adventure riders to and from Cascade from the Boise Metro area. It consists mostly of low traffic volume roads. Road surface varies but is mostly gravel once leaving Emmett. Many amenities are available in Boise and in Emmett to support riders. Once leaving Emmett, restaurants are available in Sweet and Ola. Lodging and a resturant are available at the Cougar Mountain Lodge in Smith’s Ferry and then a restaurant is available at the Clear Creek Lodge. Check in advance with these establishments for seasonal closures and hour of operation. This route is generally available from May 1st to November 1st. Camping opportunities are fairly limited along this route so plan on pre-aranging lodging.
Cascade – Deadwood Loop:
This is one of the most scenic loops Idaho has to offer, its has large sections of pavement on quiet mountain highways and large gravel sections on good road into some fairly remote mountain areas of Idaho. Camping opportunities are ample along the route with various developed and undeveloped sites. It is recommended you bring a water filter as there may be long sections between available water sources but plenty of natural water along the route. Restaurant and lodging opportunities are available in Cascade, Warm Lake, Garden Valley, and Clear Creek. Check ahead of time for hours and availably. Please note that due to some of the high elevations, some sections of this route do not open until around July 1st depending on the winter’s snow pack and may close as early as mid October depending on weather. Be aware that many sections of this route are remote and do not have cell phone service. It is recommended that you visit the Forest Service office in Cascade, located at 540 N. Main Street in Cascade prior to departure to obtain a forest travel map and inquire on the latest conditions.
Cascade – Clear Creek Loop:
This is a relatively short loop from Cascade and is designed for a longer day trip, although some undeveloped camping opportunities exist along the route. Be sure to check out Samual’s Hot Springs located on Warm Lake Road, just before your turnoff to Clear Creek via Curtis Creek Road. Restaurants and Lodging are available in Cascade. Be aware that many sections of this route are remote and do not have cell phone service. It is recommended that you visit the Forest Service office in Cascade, located at 540 N. Main Street in Cascade prior to departure to obtain a forest travel map and inquire on the latest conditions.
Cascade – Lick Creek Loop
This route would be considered the queen stage of Cascade adventure riding. It includes one of the best paved 30 miles of single lane forest highway in the United States and one of the most beautiful and remote mountain passes up to Lick Creek Summit. Developed and undeveloped camp sites are abundant along the route. The only restaurant and lodging opportunities are near the start and finish of the loop in Cascade, McCall, and at Tamarack Resort. It is recommended you bring a water filter as there may me long sections between available water sources but plenty of natural water along the route. Please note that due to some of the high elevations, some sections of this route do not open until around July 1st depending on the winter’s snow pack and may close as early as mid October depending on weather. Be aware that many sections of this route are remote and do not have cell phone service. It is recommended that you visit the Forest Service office in Cascade, located at 540 N. Main Street in Cascade prior to departure to obtain a forest travel map and inquire on the latest conditions.
Cascade – Wieser River Trail Loop:
This route out of Cascade take you west over West Mountain into Council, Idaho. Along the way you will find both developed and undeveloped camping opportunities, particularly along Lake Cascade. Once over West Mountain, you will be routed on a portion of the Weiser River Trail which itself is a wonderful adventure bike route. Lodging and restaurants are available in Cascade, Council, and at Tamarack Resort. Check ahead for availability and hours. Be aware that many sections of this route are remote and do not have cell phone service. It is recommended that you visit the Forest Service office in Cascade, located at 540 N. Main Street in Cascade prior to departure to obtain a forest travel map and inquire on the latest conditions.
