St. Joe River Road btw St. Regis and St. Maries

[Grumbler]

Have been to St. Maries before, but have never, ever taken St. Joe River Road
from there to Avery and St. Regis. Was wondering whether it's an easier ride if
going over that unpaved 11 mile gravel stretch on the MT side (uphill) out of
St. Regis to Avery rather than the other way around (downhill).

Or, would it be a more enjoyable overall ride if just from St. Maries to Avery then
back to St. Maries?

[OMJunk]

I took that route last year. The uphill is no problem. I was on a V-strom, but my buddy had an FJR. The road is not steep and was in very good shape. Very pretty ride down the river too.

[Nitro]

did it this aug..way more fun in my opinion than the lolo pass route, much tighter and deserted..the gravel part is no big deal on any bike..go for it!  heres a few pics..on about day 3
http://www.bcsnowcat.ca/2008trip-1/2008trip-1.html

have fun!

[Grumbler]

did it this aug..way more fun in my opinion than the lolo pass route, much tighter and deserted..the gravel part is no big deal on any bike..go for it!  heres a few pics..on about day 3
http://www.bcsnowcat.ca/2008trip-1/2008trip-1.html

Thanks, man, I appreciate it! Have relatives in Kamloops although we haven't been there for
years. Looks as if riding from St. Regis to St. Maries would be killer with views of the St. Joe
as you descend from the crest.

Here's a photo of Avery from the web:


I think Lolo Pass is best done in morning going west from Lolo with lunch in Kooskia. Did that
once with all the other rides in afternoon while enroute to Lolo from Boise on same day. It's
a much more enjoyable ride that way.

Have also heard that Hwy 14 to Elk City is terrific although we've only done the section btw
Mt. Idaho Grade Rd and Hwy 13 due to time constraints.

[traveler]

Thanks, man, I appreciate it! Have relatives in Kamloops although we haven't been there for
years. Looks as if riding from St. Regis to St. Maries would be killer with views of the St. Joe
as you descend from the crest.

Here's a photo of Avery from the web:


I think Lolo Pass is best done in morning going west from Lolo with lunch in Kooskia. Did that
once with all the other rides in afternoon while enroute to Lolo from Boise on same day. It's
a much more enjoyable ride that way.

Have also heard that Hwy 14 to Elk City is terrific although we've only done the section btw
Mt. Idaho Grade Rd and Hwy 13 due to time constraints.

Fixed.

Yes, 14 is quite a nice ride, with some twisties, river and scenery to enjoy.

If you can take a few miles of unpaved road (not too bad, did it on VFR) head over to Red River Hot Springs for a dip in the heated pool. They used to offer food there, but it's been a few years since I was there.

Camping is available in the area.

[Grumbler]

Fixed.

Yes, 14 is quite a nice ride, with some twisties, river and scenery to enjoy.

If you can take a few miles of unpaved road (not too bad, did it on VFR) head over to Red River Hot Springs for a dip in the heated pool. They used to offer food there, but it's been a few years since I was there.

Camping is available in the area.

Fixed mine, too. Had a brain fart.

I got the impression from your response that 14 is a nice ride, but not one that
you would get too excited about. Doesn't help that it's a dead end road rather
than a connector.

Am not doing the St. Joe River Road until next year, but if I can't ride during the
winter months then I might as well plan ahead.

[Nitro]

Like you i will be daydreaming all winter of my next years rides, and I will definitely pass over the st Jo again , along with the hells canyon route! U ever up North, stop by!

[Grumbler]

Like you i will be daydreaming all winter of my next years rides, and I will definitely pass over the st Jo again , along with the hells canyon route! U ever up North, stop by!

In that case, you might like these links! If I'm up north,
will prolly be at my sister's on Piers Island which is just
north of Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.

http://www.fjr1300.info/events/rides/secret.html

http://www.fjr1300.info/events/rides/lolo.html

http://www.littlerivermotel.com/

[XLR8]

I'd like to get out that way next season on my sweet new VFR. Did plenty of Hood River this year, and I like Oregon but time for some exploring.

[Grumbler]

I'd like to get out that way next season on my sweet new VFR. Did plenty of Hood River this year, and I like Oregon but time for some exploring.

Got to say that I prefer going north from Enterprise to Clarkston/Lewiston than US-95
out of McCall or US-93 from Challis. Haven't tried any other routes out of Boise. You?

[farmerjoe]

St Maries to the State line and back the same road was a blast. Next time I'll plan more time to go all the way to St. Regis