Upper Priest River Trail #308

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

This remote out-and-back ride in the far northwest corner of Idaho takes you through a magical old growth, inland temperate rainforest and vast cedar groves to a waterfall that is nearly on the border of the U.S. and Canada. This ride heads gradually uphill on the way to the waterfall, as the trail parallels Upper Priest River.

This is a trail heavily used by horses. So step off your bike if you encounter them and let them ride on by. Difficulty of the trail is largely because of the muddy conditions that result in bumpy ride due to the heavy horse use, and because of the abundance of roots.

The ride starts off of Road #1013, about 29 miles north of Nordman, Idaho. The Trail 308 trailhead is on the west side of the road.

Less than a mile in is the junction with Trail #317 to Hughes Ridge and the Shedroof Divide. Stay right and continue on this trail. About a mile after the trail junction is a stream crossing that's easy to negotiate. A sign on a cedar grove points you in the right direction at the stream crossing.

The trail undulates through the old growth forest parallel to Upper Priest River, which is to the west. A few dispersed campsites can be found along the trail. The U.S. Forest Service is building and rebuilding boardwalks in many muddy areas, but some stretches of mud remain, and are difficult to ride due to the heavy horse use.

About five miles in is a junction with Trail #349 to Little Snowy Top, on the map, but the trail has been neglected and the junction isn't clearly marked. Approximately 6.5 miles in is the junction with Continental Creek Trail #28, which leads to the end of Road #1013. Shortly after this, the trail becomes unridable, with a steep sidehilll climb, just before reaching the waterfall. Best to stash your bike and walk the last half mile to the falls.