First time I have ever seen this place. Feels like CA transplants made it
For Jarbidge I followed Section 1 of the Idaho BDR (Jarbidge to Glenns Ferry).
The route is pretty straightforward and mostly fast gravel (difficulty 2), but you do need to watch out for a few pockets of deep sand on the northern third or so of the route (the gravel part from Hammett to just south of the Saylor Creek Air Force Range). Most are avoidable, some are not.
After that it is easy going: might as well be paved, and there even is a short stretch of paved road for a while until you drop down into Murphy Hot Springs and the canyon leading to Jarbidge. Lots of OHV activity in the vicinity of Jarbidge.
Crossing over part of Bear Creek off to the side of section 6 of the Nevada BDR (Elko to Jarbidge). Running water, but not the widest or deepest.
This was the only water crossing I found since starting the 2026 Challenge, though I did pass many dried up ones (probably due to the 2025-2026 non-winter).
French Creek Grade a bit rocky pot holed and rutted with a few switchbacks
Camped at Janette CG next to Burdorff picked up the bus on my way to Florence
Lots of history in this area. I saw an old rock crusher along the road down by the river. That was interesting because it’s like the rock crusher on my family farm.
I plan to come back to Loftus soon with my family. What a great Hot Springs. The water was the perfect temperature.
Beautiful views at the lookout. Still wet from the rain, and with the cold wind, I didn’t stay long at the top. The Road was soft in places after the rain and grader work, but it was manageable. I found non-ethanol premium gasoline around back at the 66 station in Idaho city.
I had intended to use the Long Creek Restaurant And Store. My Dad and I stopped there after the Galena challenge site. Couldn't find the picture, so instead I grabbed one at the Southfork Restaurant and Lodge in Lowman. I often stop here for coffee and to warm up on a cold ride through.
I finished off the challenge with this last site for the season. I had no idea this was here. Looks super pagan. I did not participate in the suggested guidelines. No thank you.
