Ride From Reservoir And Up Lester Creek

Originally Posted: June 8, 2018

This June 7, 2018, southwestern Idaho, USA, mountain bike ride started at the Evans Creek Campground and I turned around just short of my goal of the Lester Creek Road Summit. "Lester Creek Summit" is a name I appended to the location so locals and foreigners alike will not know where this place is located 💁

While not one of the most scenic rides I've completed, I did discover a new trail I can explore in the future and rode through a small portion lands of I'd never been before. And to me, #mtb, mountain biking is all about the scenery, exploring strange new lands and getting in shape. I stopped 7/10 of a mile (1,200 meters) from my goal because I was exhausted and starting to dehydrate. But 15 minutes of rest and water and I was good-to-go for the homeward leg ... which was mostly downhill 👍

FYI: This 22.2 mile (36 km) bike ride was done 100% on dirt roads or fire roads, depending on the vernacular you use.

Almost back to my truck but the water views stopped me. 

FSR 641 doesn't open until July 1, 2018

Decisions to make? I went left.

I rarely take off my helmet but the heat and exertion got to me at the turnaround point

This was my view from the turnaround point

The dirt road seems to go on and on and on!

Pre-ride shadow selfie 

Elmore County Outdoor Concierge Services

If you are looking for a place to ride, hike, rockhound or fish in southwestern Idaho, I will plan that trip for you.

Read more about this simple and easy service at https://timbondy.blogspot.com/p/elmore-county-outdoor-concierge-services.html

Last updated on June 8, 2018.

Thanks,

 ~ signed ~

Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"

Boise National Forest Peak 6355 - Failed Attempt

Originally Posted: June 4, 2018

A Little About A June 1, 2018, Hike In Southwestern Idaho, USA. 

I wanted to go for a mountain bike ride but the weather forecast was for gusty northwesterly winds and cool temperatures. That forecast led me to a hike that I will classify as a Favorite.

This 5.5-mile hike includes only 1.8 miles on an established trail. The rest of the hike is cross-country through a mixture of wide-open and/or bramble choked ridgeline. The bramble is just coming back after a 2013 wildfire that burned through the area.

As with most of my hikes in the past two years, the main draw is the scenic beauty and this adventure has an abundance of that. It's also close to home and if I wish, I can swim in the nearby lake or fish if the spirit moves me in those two directions.

There are two creek crossings on this hike.

View from the lower parts of the hike

Wildflowers were blooming mad.

Arrowroot Balsam

A lone "Indian Paintbrush?"

Unknown flower name 

Wildfire probably killed this tree.

That's a treetop that broke off ... a real deadfall

The scenery is why I hike

This was a strenuous day hike for me but there are many different options if you'd like to experience some adventure in southwestern Idaho.

Elmore County Outdoor Concierge Services

If you are looking for a place to ride, hike, rockhound or fish in southwestern Idaho, I will plan that trip for you. Read more about this simple and easy service at https://timbondy.blogspot.com/p/elmore-county-outdoor-concierge-services.html


Last updated on June 4, 2018.

Thanks,

~ signed ~


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"

Scenes From Another Failed Attempt at Peak 5893 - Southern Idaho

Originally Posted: May 26, 2018

This is my brief insight and some photographs from a May 25, 2018 hike to a ridge above Anderson Ranch Reservoir in southern Idaho, USA. This was the 4th or 5th attempt trying to make it to Peak 5893 and I failed again.

The Insights

Type Hike: 95% cross-country on 100% public lands.

The Con: It was steep and I expected that, but it was a little too steep. The biggest problem with this route up the ridge and to the peak was the bramble/underbrush. The bramble is getting thick and will be near-impassable in a few mores years given a fire ran through the area in 2012 or 2013. The route down from the ridge was 'f-ing steep and dangerous in places.
The Pro: Scenic beauty, berry bushes that will be fruitful in June/July, solitude and the challenge.

Your Own Digital File Adventures: If you'd like to hike this southern Idaho route or are searching for an adventure, I will create a personalized plan for you. Click over to https://timbondy.blogspot.com/p/elmore-county-outdoor-concierge-services.html. The cost is only $35. 

The Scenery and Photography

The underbrush and bramble plus some dead fall to contend with.

Looking east down the lakefront

Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Splash of color on a hillside under a cirrostratus cloud deck.

Stark, yet beautiful views like this are why I hike

Panoramic of the scenery

Wildflowers to enjoy on the homeward leg of this day hike

A fire burned through this area in 2012 or 2013. The bramble and underbrush is coming back strong 

Not really private property and the sign poster probably knows it. Annoying!

https://timbondy.blogspot.com/p/elmore-county-outdoor-concierge-services.html

Last updated on May 26, 2018.


Thanks,

~ signed ~

Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"
.

Mountain Bike Ride to Fall Creek Resort in Idaho

This June 6, 2017, ride follows a relatively flat forest service road from a public boat ramp to a resort on Anderson Ranch Reservoir.

This is the Evans Creek Campground, a nice place to fish, swim or just wade in the water during a #MTB ride.

The Anderson Ranch Reservoir Mountain Bike Ride Story

During the summer of 2017, I rode the fire road from near Anderson Ranch Dam to the Fall Creek Resort area a number of times. It's a scenic ride with perks many other mountain bike rides cannot offer. But it certainly isn't technical or physically demanding unless you wish it to be.

It's a ride that allows you to turn around and head back at any point while still providing outstanding views. There is also a few different options to extend this ride by many miles. Plus, there are a number of places along the route that have access to swimming and fishing in the reservoir.

The fire road on the right side of the lake is visible. It's a long way down to the water.

The downside to riding this national forest service road is the traffic. During a weekday ride, you can expect to encounter between 5-10 vehicles on this out and back adventure. I don't recommend a weekend ride on this road due to the traffic. Throughout the ride, there many blind curves and considering much of the ride you'll be sharing the road with vehicles while perched on this narrow dirt road that hangs 25-150 feet above the lake, there is some danger of a bike-truck collision.

At the 8-9 miles point during the ride out, there is a rustic resort called the Fall Creek Resort and Marina (https://www.fallcreekresortandmarina.com/). Depending on the day, you could stop in and have a beer or even lunch.

A hazy morning but the views were great on Anderson Ranch Reservoir in Idaho

From the resort you have two options to extend this ride and both of them involve a climb into the mountains. I have ridden both fire roads and they are worth your time and energy. Again, traffic on these 1.5 lane dirt roads can be a problem, especially on weekends.

This June 6 ride was the first ride on my new Giant 2017 Talon 2 mountain bike and it was quite pleasant. The front shock and 27.5-inch tires certainly softened the day for me. Earlier in the year, I rode this route on a rigid Cannondale SM700 with no shocks or suspension. The difference was night and day.

If you are in the Boise, Idaho, USA area or even out at the Mountain Home Air Force Base and want to head out for a few hours, let me know and I'll work up an itinerary and some digital maps. "Knowing where to go is half the battle."

The MTB Details

Date Of Ride: June 6, 2017
Name of Ride: Elk Creek to Fall Creek and back Ride
Link To Photographs: https://goo.gl/photos/dd2ah6F5dZdUtNtk6
Total Biking Mileage: 16.6 miles - an out and back ride.
Vertical Feet: +1,635 feet / -1,636 feet
Average Slope: +2.8% / -2.7%
Elevation Ranges: 4,195 feet / 4,339 feet
Total Time on Trail: 2 hours 45 minutes
Facilities At Trailhead: A usually well-maintained pit toilet.
Gear Used: Gaint Talon 2 and Nalgene 3-liter hydration bladder
Land Ownership: Mostly a mixture of National Forest and Bureau of Reclamation lands. Best guess is this ride was completed on 99.8% public lands.
Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 71 miles
Online Map of This Biking Adventure: It's available. Contact me for more details.

Outdoor Concierge Services Available

An online map of this biking/fishing adventure is available by using the “Contact Me” form on this site or leaving me a comment on this story stating your wishes.

If you would like more information about mountain biking, hiking, rockhounding or any type of adventures in the (Danskin Mountains, along the Bruneau-Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness or Bruneau Desert), I will be glad to discuss some outdoor options. Use the contact form on this site I'll get back to you.

In Decline Statement

If venturing to this area, please understand the local opinion is my hometown of Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. There are some businesses thriving, but not many. Your best options are to avoid the place completely and stock up on food, supplies, and gas elsewhere. #MountainHomeIdaho #CityInDecline

This story was originally published on November 19, 2017.

Thanks,





Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka, "enemy of the American People!"

Hike To Peak 5289 And Above

This cross-country hike above the South Fork of the Boise River on November 12, 2017, was steep but quite beautiful.

Panoramic views to the northwest of a ridge leading up to Granite Mountain in southwest Idaho, USA in Nov 2017.

Summary of hike

This November 12, 2017, headed up towards the 6,818 foot tall Granite Mountain above Anderson Ranch Reservoir and the South Fork of the Boise River. For all practical purposes, there are no trails leading up to Peak 5289 and eventually the unnamed Peak 5403. The views from these peaks were spectacular. I recommend giving this route a try someday.

The Story

I was surprised the weather has cooperated enough to be able to hike this area in mid-November but I won't complain ... much. Rain, 36 hours prior to the hike, made the ground uncharacteristically soft and grippy but not muddy at all. 

Sproule Flat in the foreground and Bennett Mountain is the snow-covered peak in the distance

The route I chose took me straight up the escarpment to Sproule Flat above the Boise River. From there I spotted the peak I wanted to get to and started towards the ridgeline that would get me there. I had this hike all planned and annotated on the topographic maps loaded on my smartphone.  

Sometimes Google Earth and topo maps don't tell the whole story and other times I just feel like forging another route. That's the great thing about hiking in southern Idaho. For the most part, the landscape allows you to see your peak and chose what route looks most desirable. I deviated a little from my planned route in a grass-is-greener sort of way.

At the trailhead, you can see the first section of the hike is rather steep.

This was a steep and strenuous hike for me. The average slope of the entire hike worked out to be about 23% during the 2.92 mile out and back hike. While there weren't any official trails to Peak 5289 and beyond, game trails through the sagebrush steppe and thicket were numerous. There is also an abundance of large lava rock slide in certain portions of the hike. Avoid these at all cost ... ankle strainers for sure.

The options for a hike in this area are numerous. It could be cut short by stopping on Sproule Flats or it could be lengthened by continuing up to Granite Peak and past. I stopped well before my goal which would have added 2 miles and 1,000 elevation gain/loss to the hike. 

The rocks in the foreground is what I considered Peak 5389 and the "U" shaped rock outcropping on the ridge beyond is peak 5404

The weather? The forecast was for relatively light winds and mostly cloudy skies. And for the most part, the National Weather Service forecast was correct. However, as I approach Peak 5289, the winds were screaming. by the time I reach Peak 5403, the winds were even stronger. While this was disappointing, my experience tells me this is quite normal. Weather models and weather forecaster rarely can correctly forecast the winds on mountain ridges and peaks. Moral of the story? Be prepared for wind whenever hiking in Idaho. I was.

The Hike Details

Date Of Hike: November 12, 2017.
Name of Hike: Hike To Peaks 5289 and Peak 5403 Above Sproule Flat
Link To Photographs: https://photos.app.goo.gl/n2ObMYsnG2q2fSKu1
Total Hike Mileage: 2.92 miles
Vertical Feet: +1,833 feet / -1,833 feet
Average Slope: +23.0% / -23.9%
Elevation Ranges: 3,770 feet / 5,398 feet (Peak 5,403)
Hike Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
Facilities At Trailhead: None
Gear Used: Outdoor Product hiking pole and New Balance hiking boots
Land Ownership: 100% National Forest public lands (Boise National Forest)
Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 72 miles
Online Map of This Hike/ Bike / Adventure: It's available and you can contact me via the form on this site or leave a comment stating your wishes.

Outdoor Concierge Service

I will prepare a digital hiking plan in this area for you for as little as $20 or other places in southern Idaho. Use my “Contact Me” form on this site or leaving me a comment on this story stating your wishes.

If you would like more information about mountain biking, hiking, rockhounding or any type of adventures in the (Boise National Forest, Owyhee Front, Danskin Mountains, along the Bruneau-Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness or Bruneau Desert), I will be glad to discuss some outdoor options. Use the contact form on this site I'll get back to you.

In Decline Statement

If venturing to this area, please understand the local opinion is my hometown of Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. There are some businesses thriving, but not many. Your best options are to avoid the place completely and stock up on food, supplies, and gas elsewhere. #MountainHomeIdaho #CityInDecline

This story was originally published on November 13, 2017.

Thanks,





Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka, "enemy of the American People!"

Wilson Flats Ridgeline Hike in Boise National Forest

Last edited on May 14, 2017

This May 3, 2017, hike up a ridgeline above Wilson Flats on the north side of Anderson Ranch Reservoir was very enjoyable. The beauty, solitude, and geology made this area located about 40 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho a great place for a microadventure. My unrealistic but original goal was Peak 6355 that is just 2.5 miles south of the 7,700 tall House Mountain. I didn't make it that far. But I did make it to Peak 5675.

From an elevation of 5,396, or about 1,500 feet above the valley floor, the views to the north were spectacular.

My Wilson Flats Area History

I have a longish history with Wilson Flats. I first visited the area back in 2008, looking for a creek to fish. There were fish in the creek then, but things have changed. In 2013 the "Elk Complex" wildfire burned through the area and a flash flood later scoured Wilson Creek valley pretty much clean.

I ATV'd up to the flats a number of times before that fire and flash flood. In 2013, the trail from Anderson Dam Road up to the flats was officially closed to all activities and just in the last couple years, hikers were allowed back in. The trail is still closed to bikes and motorized vehicles. So hiking and horses are the only options. I hope it stays that way.

I've hiked up to the "flats" a number of times since 2014. But this hike was a little different. It was more about the climb and exploring off-trail.

This is the trails that heads up to Wilson Flats. Steep and the views over the side are incredible.

The Hike

In retrospect, I suppose there was an easier way to step foot on Peak 5675. That easier way would have been to stay on trail and head up the Little Wilson Creek drainage. But then I would have missed some pretty cool scenery and the exploration part of the hike. So instead, as I approach Wilson Flats, I veered into the steep and rugged untracked terrain and slogged my way up the ridgeline I would follow for the next few hours.

The ridgeline hike gave me outstanding views into both the Wilson Creek and Little Wison Creek valleys. Something that I have been missing (or not) since the spring hiking season kicked-off was the opportunity to hike in, over and through sagebrush and mountain bramble. There were a few places on the ridgeline that were near impenetrable. In a few years, this hike will be different when the brush and bramble grow up. The fires of 2013 knocked it down a lot.

I cannot resist creating a snow graffiti when I get the chance on a hike. 

The hike along the ridgeline got easier and easier as I climbed toward a peak I knew I'd never step foot on. But damn, it sure was pretty. I did encounter my first snowbank of the hike right near my turn-around point at Peak 5675.

I had some thoughts of taking an alternate route back to the trailhead. I didn't relish the thoughts of descending down an old road cut surrounded by still-standing yet quite dead and burned pine tree carcasses, especially as the winds started kicking up. They don't call it "deadfall" because it will keep you safe.

As of May 2017, to hike up to Wilson Flats, you will have two "boots-wet" stream crossing of Wilson Creek. I brought my sandals for those two crossings. I wanted to preserve my old New Balance 703 hiking boots as they have transitioned into a mountain biking boot. Plus I hate hiking with wet feet and at the time, there wasn't much hope they'd stay dry trying to hopscotch the creek.

I broke open one of these rocks but found only brownish/gray material from outside to inside. You may have better luck.

Rock Hounding Potential

I've hounded this area pretty thoroughly in the past. Damn, there is a lot of potential for smoky quartz and even thundereggs/geodes. But again, the rocks I found were just below the "really cool" level. I've found a few places in the area that contained rocks like those shown in the above photo. There has never been anything collectable about them.

The Hiking Map

Here is my GPX track of the hike ...

The Hike Stats

• Total Miles: 4.91
• Elevations: Min. = 4,227 / Avg. = 4,941 / Max. = 5,675
• Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,889/-1,866 feet
• Slope: Avg. = 12.9% / Max. = 45.6%
• Time on trail: 4:10 hours
• Trailhead coordinates: 43.380962, -115.436869
• Peak 5,675 coordinates: 43.394407, 115.459301
• Topo Map: House Mountain, Idaho
• Land Ownership: Hike was done 100% on public lands!
• Link to more photos: https://goo.gl/photos/EjA6oMtqhykK4duK6
• Geology of hike: Intrusive rocks: mostly Late Cretaceous granodioritic to granitic plutons of the Idaho batholithic assemblage, but including some Eocene intrusions; northern Idaho and Atlanta batholith.
• On-road Distance from Downtown Boise/Twin Falls: 70 miles / 110 miles

Originally published on May 12, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"
.

P.S. The city of Mountain Home, Idaho is a town in decline. My opinion would be to avoid the town completely.

Wilson Creek East Ridge Hike

Last edited on April 22, 2017

A ridgeline located just east of Wilson Creek, a tributary to southwestern Idaho's Anderson Ranch Reservoir, was the setting for my April 19, 2017, cross-country and solo hike. The views from the narrow and steep ridgeline were spectacular while the local, boots-on-the-ground environment wasn't so nice. It's a hike that I will probably be doing again.

View looking east from the ridge is expansive

The Distant Idaho Mountain Range Views

The views from this hike were amazing. Starting with creek and cliffs views along the easy hike from the trailhead at Wilson Creek and Reservoir Road to the place I picked to head up to a narrow "flat" east of the creek. Once I got up on the flats, the views gradually expanded to include the Soldier, Smoky, Trinity, Boise, Danskin and Bennett Mountains. Once I peaked out at an elevation of 5,812 feet it was hard not to just sit and stare. Beautiful.

The snow-covered House Mtn is framed by a wildfire burned pine tree.

Being mid-April, the last vestiges of mid-elevations snow added a nice juxtaposition to the "just starting to green-up" landscape. The higher elevations were still showing a deep snowpack and something I haven't seen this late for a quite a number of years.

The Views From The Local Environment

This area was burned rather thoroughly in August 2013 during the massive wildfire called the Elk Fire. From the flats leading up the ridgeline, there is very little vegetation at the current time. I suspect that before the fire, vegetation was sparse also. But it's likely worse 4 1/2 years later especially considering the years of drought we experienced in this part of Idaho during that time.

A majority of the trees on this geologic peninsula ridgeline are dead and the brush and bramble are sparse also. The most abundant vegetation in the immediate area is grass and that explains why there was so much deer and elk droppings along this cross-country hike. I had the company of a herd of mule deer from the time I got on the flats to the time I peaked out.


What I Wanted And What I Did - The Map - All 100% Public Lands Hike

Limited By Fear Of Falling

This hike was a perfect distance, both in mileage and vertical gain/loss for my current fitness level. However, that irrational fear of falling off planet earth persists when I'm on steep terrain. And the wide open and steep upper reaches of the ridgeline gave me the willies. I wouldn't even look downslope during the final attack on the ridgeline. I know ... irrational.

New Balance 703s boots still making tracks on Idaho

Once I got up near Peak 5812 the trail flattened out quite a bit, However, the mountainsides drop off sharply on both sides of that ridge. Once I spied how steep and foreboding my planned route back to the valley floor was, I decided to head back the way I originally scrambled up the ridgeline. I was still apprehensive of doing that even. In the end, the walk down the ridge felt quite safe. The fear was, again, all in my mind.

The Stats For The Day

• Trailhead location near Anderson Ranch Reservoir: 43.380888, -115.436823
• Peak 5812 Coordinates: 43.398324, -115.432376
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,804 feet / 1,947 feet
• Mileage: 4.82 miles
• Slope: Avg =  14.8% / Max =  51.7%
• Feet Wet Creek Crossings: Only one but possibly more if local erosion continues on the Wilson Creek stream bank. Bring water shoes or be prepared to get your boots wet until at least mid-May 2017.
• Landownership: All lands tread upon during this hike were public lands. 
• Link To More Photography: https://goo.gl/photos/Cwb24tQ1jiHFzF5J8

Call To Action

If you liked this story, please consider sharing the post with your friends and family. You can also provide other feedback by simply clicking a "Reactions" checkbox at the bottom of this story or commenting. Go ahead ... do it.

Originally published on April 22, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"
.