Where to ride and camp?

[dirtbag]

Hi guys, I'm new here.
We are looking to plan a summer holiday with our new toyhauler and was thinking of Idaho [we are from Van. B.C.]. Can anyone recommend a good spot? Single track is a must, but also some quad trails for the wife and kids. By a lake would be ideal and campsite should be ok for a large 5th wheel. Boondocking is ok as well.
Thanks

[cdaxena]

Hi there dirtbag ;D

There are a couple of places here that might fit the bill for your vacation. One is at the Little Pend Orielle Lakes in northeastern Washington. The other is Elsie Lake in north Idaho near Wallace.
At the Little Pend Orielle Lakes, you can camp near a lake and have access to food and gas. ATV riding is somewhat limited.
Elsie Lake is an alpine lake in the high country. You would not be able to camp at the lake with the toyhauler, but there is lots of single track and ATV riding, in my opinion, the most scenic area around here. Here is a link to some pictures of the Elsie Lake area.

photobucket.com/albums/b129/TrailRidingAdventure/.

[hydrantman]

hey dirtbag
little pend o'rielles (sp?)
that's where you'll find it. Up north.
Both single and dual track
Talk to Esther! She knows the territory!
She also knows the trails!

[hydrantman]

another place you may consider is the 'Joe'. But again, talk to Esther. She's very familiar with the inland northwest!

[jaxonc2]

Hi dirtbag
boy that's hard to say nothing personal but you said it first.
I agree with hydrantman, Little Pend Orielle's. Awesome riding and awesome views. Talk to cdaxena
She knows all the trails. Also ask her about the dredge ponds a little south of here. If I remember right, there's good riding down there also.
But again- I recommend you consult 'cdaxena'.

[cdaxena]

Dirtbag, when do you plan to take your vacation? The local dirtbike club is starting to set up their ride schedule for this year. There is a big event planned at the Little Pend Oreille Lakes over Father's day weekend. There will be some Canadians coming down for that weekend ride. There will probably be rides planned somewhere every weekend in June. Idaho usually has there State Ride in July. It will most likely be in Southern Idaho this year. I can hook you up with some riders to give you a tour of our area.

[dirtbag]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I haven't had a chance to study your suggestions, we are in the middle of trying to buy our toyhauler. RV salespeople seem to be on the same level as used car salesmen[what a pain].
I'll get back to you ASAP

[dirtbag]

Hi people,

Well we are still waiting for our toyhauler [expected late May].
I have found a couple of possible campgrounds to stay at and I would appreciate any input.
The first one is Beaverlodge resort on Gillette Lake.
The other is Blueslide resort on the pend-orelle river.
Has anyone heard of these places? What kind of riding can we expect?
Thanks for your help, Dale

[cdaxena]

Hi dirtbag, sorry I didn't get back you sooner. I don't know of any riding near Blueslide resort on the Pend Oreille River. Bearverlodge resort on Gillette Lake would be my choice. It is a beautiful spot with excellent riding. Our local dirt bike club, "Panhandle Trail Riders Association", is holding their annual Father's Day Campout/Ride there in June. Below is the write up on it. You are welcome to join us. :)cdaxena


Annual Little Pend Oreille Father's Day Campout & Ride

Time to plan on attending the Annual LPO Father's Day Campout & Ride June 17 - 18th!

As usual, Karl, myself and our family will be hosting the ride. We are planning on heading up there on Friday, the 16th and plan to camp at Sherry Creek till Monday afternoon.

For anyone that hasn't been to LPO - you're missin out! LPO has great trails for all skill levels, free dispersed camping at the Sherry Creek trailhead. The campsite is primitive and there will be bugs. Beaver Lodge (under new management) has cabins to rent and a small restaurant, store, and gas. The number for Beaver Lodge is 509-684-5657. Beaver Lodge also has full hookup RV spaces, tent spaces, etc. Cell phones do not work in the LPO area.

We'll do the normal 50 mile advanced ride on Saturday starting about 9:30 am followed by an intermediate to beginner ride for anyone that doesn't want to tackle the advanced ride. The afternoon route & difficulty level of the afternoon ride will be dictated by the skill level of the riders and the fatigue level of Karl & I (we don't get tired too easy though ).

Sunday will be a similar scenario but on a different route, all dependant on who's willing to go with us.

We'll most likely do the LPO tour loop one day try to get in a run over to Batey & back if we can get a gas drop along the way somewhere the next day.

The Canadians have threatened to join. Not sure if the wild west side gals will make it or not but it's always a great ride and a fun time back at camp too.

There are easy trails for the kids to play on near camp, a nice creek for kids to play in, several small lakes within bicycle, hiking, pickuping distance if it's warm enough and trails, trail, trails.

We'll post more info in upcoming months.

From Spokane, take 395 North through Colville, take Highway 20 (Tiger Highway) East approx. 24 to the Sherry Creek turnoff, watch for a small brown Forest Service sign that says Sherry Creek. Go South at the Sherry Creek sign, follow the dirt road across the bridge and left at the Y, approx. ¾ mile from Tiger Highway. If you get to Beaver Lodge on Highway 20, you missed the turn off. Sherry Creek’s road is approx. ¾ mile West of Beaver Lodge.

You can also come in from the Newport Highway, take Highway 20 North from Newport, to the intersection of Highway 20/Highway 31. Go West on Highway 20 towards Colville to the Sherry Creek road ¾ mile past Beaver Lodge.

[dirtbag]

Hi cdaxena,
Beaver Lodge was my first choice and that would be a lot of fun to hook up with you people.
It looks like we have to cancel our RV that we ordered [long story] and we will prob. be buying one from dealers either in Pasco or possibly Spokane. If we buy from Spokane I'm sure we will make a holiday out of it and check out your area.
I'll keep in touch.

Thanks Dale

[cdaxena]

[glow=red,2,300]dirtbag[/glow]

[dirtbag]

admin said:

[glow=red,2,300]dirtbag[/glow]

Gee Thanks, I would tell you how old I am but I can't remember.

[cdaxena]

Hey dirtbag, you don't have to tell me how old you are. I already know. You are a youngster. I am older than you.