The Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route is one of those rides that stays with you long after the dust settles. From the unexpected canyons outside Jarbidge and the remote beauty of Deadwood Reservoir, to mornings in Yellow Pine, and the winding roads along the Salmon River, the Idaho BDR delivers a constantly changing landscape filled with small towns, wildlife, history, and long stretches of true backcountry riding. I’ve done parts of the Idaho BDR a couple of times, and it ranks among my favorite rides.
One important thing to remember before heading out: conditions change fast on the Idaho BDR. Always check the official Idaho BDR Facebook group for current information on road closures, fires, weather, fuel availability, and gas station outages before your trip. Some of the places listed below may have changed hours, limited fuel access, or may no longer be operating. Carry extra gas whenever possible, stay flexible, and enjoy one of the most memorable adventure motorcycle routes in the country.
Some of my Favorite Spots on the Idaho BDR
Idaho BDR Section 1: Jarbidge, Nevada to Glenns Ferry, Idaho – 111 miles
Jarbidge – Amazing little town in the middle of nowhere with power. Friendly people, gas and good food at the Red Dog Saloon. Get a sweatshirt here!
The canyons out of Jarbidge were amazing, and not what you would expect in Idaho.
Going by the Military Testing Area you might think that they test direct energy weapons out here. Watch out for white unmarked trucks, they really move along these roads.
Idaho BDR Section 2: Glenns Ferry, Idaho to Lowman, Idaho – 156 miles
Glens Ferry has great places to camp. I have stayed their twice and down by the river in Three Islands State Park is really nice with the river nearby and deer. It is also a ways from the railroad tracks.
If you are looking for a burger in Glens Ferry, The Stop Drive-In has good burgers and fries. But honestly there are several great places to eat here.
Lowman Inn is a great place to stop and get a bite to eat and talk to people, but make sure you gas up before the stations all close.
Idaho BDR Section 3: Lowman, Idaho to Yellow Pine, Idaho – 93 miles
Deadwood Reservoir is absolutely beautiful and a great place to stop early. If you don’t want to do a river crossing you can detour from Lowman and go up Banks Lowman Rd to Scott Mountain Road. There will be mile signs posted at the start.
The run between Deadwood Reservoir and Yellow Pine is beautiful and has a lot of camping. If The Corner café is open they make a mean breakfast, and you might want to order 2, like me.
Idaho BDR Section 4: Yellow Pine, Idaho to Elk City, Idaho – 205 miles
From Yellow Pine to Warren is a great ride and has lots to look at, and at the end the Baum Shelter is the place to eat and gas up. Note that they may have a wolf running around in a Hi-Viz vest and he loves french fries.
The Salmon River is very beautiful and not that many people get to see it this high up.
After the Salmon River watch for Elk and if there is one, there might me two so give it a little time if you see one standing in the middle of the trail before you pass through. They tend to wait in the woods and then charge across the road, and they are big.
Elk City was a fun place to stop and taught me that gas is not always easy to get, so be prepared. The pumps do break down in one pump towns.
Outstanding adventure through all sorts of terrain for an experience that I will always remember.
Based on our personal experiences, this new planning guide was designed specifically for adventure riders preparing for BDRs. Includes advice on gear, logistics, packing, load management, downloadable planning tools, and more!
It’s designed to be written in, referenced, highlighted, and used while actively planning your trip all in one place.
