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25 – Custer

From VisitIdaho.org:

Custer was founded in early 1879 by gold speculators. Economically supported by the operations of the Lucky Boy and Black mines, Custer reached its peak population of 600 in 1896. By 1910, Custer had become a ghost town. The Challis National Forest took ownership of the area in 1966, and in 1981, Custer was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through the efforts of the Friends of Custer Museum, the site was kept open for public enjoyment.

More Information

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custer,_Idaho

https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/ghost-towns-mining-history/custer-historic-mining-town/


Coordinates: 44.38779, -114.69656
Elevation: 7074 ft
Difficulty: 2
What to Expect: No Info

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Boltupright

Stop 4 on the Challis one day out and back Sunday. Cool little town in a crazy pretty valley served by a really nice road. This is barely a 2. The dredge is amazing.

What bike did you take?
BMW 1250 ADV
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
2
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JRATZ

The smoke up here this day was pretty bad

What bike did you take?
KTM 500
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
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FW190Pilot

This was my last stop of a long day and I didn’t explore Custer like I wanted to. Snapped these pics and jetted. Plus, I was really curious about the status of the Wapiti fire which doubled in size from 17k acres to 35k acres (August 22) and I wanted to get into Stanley to see what was going on. Stopped at the dredge along the way. I recall the dredge was one of the check-ins from two years ago and I was pleased to know it was on the way to Custer. Pretty massive piece of hardware and technology circa 1940.

What bike did you take?
BMW R1250GSA
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
2
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Ed Torrey

Lots of things to look at.

What bike did you take?
KTM890
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
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englund

nice town to walk around

What bike did you take?
DR650
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
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chatty03

they sell ice cream at the saloon!

What bike did you take?
F800GS
ac1
Idabiker

The massive dredge on the way into the town is amazing, and did a lot of damage!

What bike did you take?
KLR 650 2008
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
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chatty

Really easy wide gravel road on the way up. We got ‘hand cranked’ ice cream from the saloon. Lot’s of cool history to see.

What bike did you take?
norden
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
2
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Dusty1

Recommend taking the tour of the dredge and the town very cool for us history buffs!

What bike did you take?
CRF450L
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
20240630_164500
Tumbleweed208

Custer was one of my favorite sites so far. The Yankee Fork Gold Dredge was a highlight. They charge $5 for a tour and you will be amazed at the technology and machinery. Well worth it and the folks working the dredge tour were really great too. There is a public restroom next to it. Easy access on wide roads in good condition.
We explored the town and there was a lot to walk around and look at. Check out the Empire Saloon for some home made ice cream, sarsaparilla and souvenirs. Great camping in the area as well.

What bike did you take?
KTM 500 EXCF
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
IAMC-Custer
Trent01

Old mining town.

What bike did you take?
GSA 1200
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
2
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Caleb Forrey

Cool spot and no dust!

What bike did you take?
2013 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom
Ride Difficulty (1 to 5)
1
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