Ride Summary:
A great ride, lots of single track, through forest and great views.
Trail Description:
Stay on the main road and get ready for a few steep sections and a creek crossing. At 4.6 miles the road intersects the Loon Lake/Willow Basket Creek trail. Take a left and it's six miles to the lake. The sing track trail descends along Willow Basket Creek through small meadows and forest. Beautiful. At 8.3 miles, the Loon creek trail intersects the Victor Creek trail and trail 81 which leads to Chinook Campground. Go straight through and cross the bridge. You'll hit Loon Lake in 1.5 miles. Did you see or hear the loons? Take the right fork in the meadow to the Secesh River and a quick two mile descent to the river. Cross the white bridge and go left for four miles to Chinook Campground. Climb the trail to the Secesh River (pools for dipping your feet!). Ride through the campground and take the dirt road for nine miles back to where you parked.
How to get there:
Go through town to Warren Wagon Road (just after the Shore Lodge) and take a right. Go north for about 28 miles, past Secesh Summit, to a signed turnoff for Ruby Meadows on the right. Take another right and park off to the side.
Additional Notes:
You can do another short loop between the Chinook Campground and Loon Lake. take trail 81 on the wa
| Posted by: Enduro Rider on 8/8/2009 |
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Sections of this trail contain some of the best single-track in the state: fast, flowing, undulating. Trail gets tougher and rockier if you want to get to the downed B23 bomber. In early summer be prepared to leave your bikes behind and do some chest-deep wading to reach the plane. Also, be in good long-riding shape and bring plenty of fluids and trail food. Put in at Ruby Meadows and come out at Chinook campground for more trail variation. Shuttle between the two and you knock off about 5 miles & avoid the dusty and busy Warren Wagon road.
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| Posted by: Ononeinbred on 6/24/2009 |
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Awesome views hof a huge burn area from the 1994 and 1997 fires. This gives the area a real erie feel that would be downright creepy in the dark. Trail is well-maintained and now includes a bridge across the Sesech. Watch out for hikers and, worst of all, dirt-bikes. Oh, and bring mosquito repellent...trust me.
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| Posted by: Alex T on 6/21/2006 |
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If you do this trail be sure and do the hike half way around the lake to see the WWII bomber. Totally cool piece of history.
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| Posted by: Steve James on 9/19/2005 |
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The trail is long and there are just a few places where you may want to walk. Elevation and length give it the advanced rating.
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| Posted by: Ginger on 8/22/2005 |
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This trail looks great, but before we go on it, can anyone explain in more detail why it is rated as "advanced" skills? Is it because it is 21 miles long, or is it very technical, rocky, etc? Also, what city is this trail near?
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| Posted by: steve james on 6/1/2005 |
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Some of the best long stretch single track in Idaho. Saw a few bears in the distance, the burn area is still spectacular, and the hot springs are a nice end to the ride back at the bridge.
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| Posted by: wayne on 9/14/2000 |
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I usually ride from Chinook. If you have the time, go check out the crashed WW2 bomber on the far side of the lake- exactly opposite from the outlet creek. It takes about 45 minutes total and is pretty interesting. Imagine crashing there in the middle of
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