How To

Wild Idaho Endurance Challenge events are self/unsupported wilderness fun runs. No course markings, no aid stations, no set date or time. You can complete them by yourself at any time or with a friend or two. Routes must be completed on foot and in one push. The nice part is that there are no cutoffs, so if you find a lake where you want to take a dip or a special viewpoint that you want to sit and enjoy, there is no pressure! Please take photos and visit the Facebook or Instagram pages afterwards and share with us how it went with a short trip report! You can either self report your time on the honor system, or you can submit your Strava/Gaia/Garmin/Suunto etc track. Please visit the website for GPS/GPX tracks of your route.

But Why

To get people out into the wonderful wilderness areas that we have here! Information isn't always readily available for these areas and maps can be scarce and not always reliable. That can intimidate some that aren't as experienced outdoors-people. The goal is to empower people to get out into these wilderness areas, to raise awareness of them, and hopefully to protect them into the future.

ALL PROFITS FROM REGISTRATION FEES will be donated to the Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association.

Route Description

Starting at the Bear Creek Trailhead at the end of Forest Road 040, you’ll start with a gentle climb up Bear Creek, connecting with the Dobbin Creek Trail after about 5.5 miles. This is where the fun part begins. After a 2800 foot climb, you’ll arrive at the top of the ridge and the old Standley cabin. Now you’re on the highlight of the lollipop, the Washboard Trail. Difficult to follow at times, this trail is open to and utilized by horses, so you should only have minimal troubles on two feet. After a break on established trail heading down the Minam River, the primitive Bear Minam Trail will take you back up to the Standley cabin. Make sure you fill up your bottles before departing the Minam River. Abundant water except for on the ridge. Loop can be completed in either direction.

Route includes Bear Creek Trail #1653, Dobbin Creek Trail #1654, Washboard Trial #1680, back to Bear Creek Trail heading south for almost 2 miles, Bowman Trail #1651, North Minam Trail, Minam River Trail #1673, Bear Minam Trail #1655, then back out on Dobbin Creek and Bear Creek trails.