Idaho Trail: Segment 14

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

This ride is the 14th segment of the Idaho Trail. The Idaho Trail is a mountain bike-friendly trail that extends from the Nevada border to Canada. It is a long-distance bikepacking or bike-supported trail. Each of the segments has been divided into what can be accomplished by an average rider in one day of riding.

Since conditions can vary, please plan for possible delays. Where possible, the Idaho Trail follows the Idaho Centennial Trail (ICT), since the ICT was intended as a hiking trail there are deviations for Wilderness Areas and for more mountain bike-friendly routes.

There is ample camping all along the route. There are no supplies on this segment. It is recommended to stock up during the previous segments. Also, all the mountain segments when done as bikepacks should be done with the lightest gear possible that does not bog the bike down in technical sections. So pack light and travel fast.

Also, five miles of this segment runs along the Gospel-Hump Wilderness Boundary. It does not go into the wilderness but is literally the boundary. Keep your bike off the south side of the trail if you stop for a break or decide to walk it.

The 14th segment of the Idaho Trail starts at the top of Sawyer Ridge Road #444A and drops down Marble Point Trail #328 just 0.8 mile to the junction of Driveway Trail #431. This is also a northwest point of the Gospel-Hump Wilderness boundary. The trails and Wilderness Boundary are one and the same for the first five miles down into Gospel Creek. Keeping that in mind, do not stray south from the trail and for sure park on the north side when taking a break. Rangers can be less than pleasant when they feel like having a power trip so best not to give them anything to get hung upon. Also of note, Gospel Creek Trail #305 drops off into the Wilderness at about 2.5 miles east of Marble Point Trail #328 junction with Driveway Trail #431.

From the Gospel Creek crossing, you'll immediately cross Johns Creek as well. At this point, the trail leaves the Wilderness Boundary and starts a steep two-mile climb up out of Johns Creek drainage to the junction of Snoose Creek Trail #407. Stay right, go four miles, heading for a saddle and out around a ridge to the next saddle before climbing to the summit of Sourdough Peak.

Take some time to enjoy the views, you earned it. Frank Brown Trail #401 drops off to the northeast but you want to take the main road, Santiam Sourdough Road #492 just a mile down to Sourdough Wing Creek Trail #411.

The Idaho Trail was created to provide mountain bikers with a long-distance trail option similar to the Idaho Centennial Trail.