July 406 TRAIL RIDE – Friday July 12th – Sunday 14th The Magruder Corridor

[MTsoul]

This is our 3rd official club run of the year, and it will be more of an “overlanding” excursion that will take 3 days and 2 nights to cover. Most folks are well aware of how neat the Magruder is. It is a historic 101 mile single lane road that cuts across the Montana/ID boarder through a windy and vastly undeveloped area. The plan is to travel starting on the Montana side (Darby) and head west into Idaho (Elk City). ***Be cautious, fuel consumption may be a concern as there is an extremely long stretch between fuel stations.***

HERE IS THE ITINERARY:

FRIDAY:

• The caravan will meet at the Belgrade Albertson’s parking lot at 12pm and leaving no later than 12:30pm. Feel free to run in to pick up any last minute supplies. Otherwise ensure you are fueled up and ready to go.
• We will go through Anaconda, MT to take Skalkaho Road. We can make a stop at the falls.
• Stop in Darby at the Sinclair Gas Station, which is conveniently across the street from the forest service ranger station if we need to consult.
• ***THIS IS OUR LAST FUEL STATION UNTIL WE REACH ELK CITY, ID! ENSURE EVERY FUEL CONTAINER YOU BROUGHT IS FILLED.
• We will camp at Sam Billings Memorial Campground for the night. It is about 4 hrs of driving from Bozeman to the campground. (this will be a final meeting point for the day for any late departures) (Bitterroot National Forest - Sam Billings Memorial Campground - https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/bitterroot/recarea/?recid=60716)

SATURDAY:

• This will be the big back roads travel day. We will confirm as a group of when we want to hit the road in the morning.
• There will be a few off shoots and places to stop and explore as the group decides.
• Camping location will be improvised.

SUNDAY:

• Time to pack up and get back to where you belong.
• The first fuel station we will hit since Darby will be in Elk City, ID.
• Specifically, Elk Creek Station and Café. There has been some issues in the recent past with a closure here, but I have called them and they confirmed they will be open and have fuel.
• It is a long drive home. From Elk City, ID to Bozeman MT is over 7.5 hrs. We will head up north to Kooskia and cut into Montana on Highway 12 over to Lolo. Then up to Missoula for a quick smoother ride on I-90.
• Feel free to navigate or establish other plans post our exit of the Magruder Trail.

To be up front, this will be my first time. So other seasoned folks, please feel free to jump in with any tid-bits or fill in some of the gaps. Either way, this is going to be sweet!

Supplies are crucial on this one, and you are responsible for yourself and immediate party. Please be prepared with the essentials, especially food and fuel. As usual, bring your comm.s, and GRMS is our required minimum while many will be using HAM.



Check out our Vehicle Prep Checklist:

Vehicle Prep Checklist – 406 Cruisers - https://406cruisers.com/vehicle-prep/

*The Club assumes no responsibility or liability for accidents, losses, injury(s) or death resulting from the action(s) or inactions of any person(s) participating in a Club event.



WHEN: Friday, July 12th - 14th

TIME: 12pm (starting on Friday)

WHERE: The Magruder

WHO: you!

THOSE PLANNING ON GOING:
@MTsoul
@4gotalot
@thetoyotaman (interested)
@AKcruzr
@mccracken
@James Hartly

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Bummer, I'll be on the last couple days of my float in the Bob, otherwise I'd love to tag along for the trip.


Definitely get gas in Darby.

Stop in Hamilton at Naps for a great burger.

 

[MTsoul]

@rkymtnflyfisher Bummer. Summer is tough, I feel like I could often triple book my self with the things I want to do... And I appreciate the recommendation on a good burger. Enjoy the float trip!

 

[4gotalot]

I'll go.
Its a bit early for mass quantities of huckleberries. I did find one ready to eat at my camp on the side of the Lachsa river a couple of weeks ago so this may be an early year.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Definitely interested. The 80's down so not sure it'll be up by then or may have to try another rig....

 

[AKcruzr]

If it's OK and I can swing it, I would like to join the club for this trip. I'm about 4 1/2 hours away from the Sam Billings campground in St Maries, ID. I traveled the McGruder last September from Elk City to Darby and found two excellent spots to camp 55-60 from the Sam Billings campground and 40ish miles from Elk City. Sabe Vista Point is what it's called on Google maps, I ended up camping up the hill from that spot due to another group that had occupied the Sabe Vista camping spot.
I just looked at My logbook for the 60, I averaged 10.6 mpg between Elk City and Darby MT. I was loaded heavy as I was packed for two people and a dog. We traversed the McGruder and came back across the Lolo Motorway back to Kooskia, ID and then home.
Burnt Knob Lookout

Camping spot above Vista Point

And a recent pic of My 60, top of ST Joe Baldy in the St Joe National Forest

 

[thetoyotaman]

A few years ago when I ran it with the club, it was very interesting how the 80's and 100's just about all had the same mpg with using a full tank from each fuel stop end to end to the point we were starting to get a little nervous.

 

[mccracken]

@MTsoul count me in for this one.

 

[MTsoul]

If it's OK and I can swing it, I would like to join the club for this trip. I'm about 4 1/2 hours away from the Sam Billings campground in St Maries, ID. I traveled the McGruder last September from Elk City to Darby and found two excellent spots to camp 55-60 from the Sam Billings campground and 40ish miles from Elk City. Sabe Vista Point is what it's called on Google maps, I ended up camping up the hill from that spot due to another group that had occupied the Sabe Vista camping spot.
I just looked at My logbook for the 60, I averaged 10.6 mpg between Elk City and Darby MT. I was loaded heavy as I was packed for two people and a dog. We traversed the McGruder and came back across the Lolo Motorway back to Kooskia, ID and then home.
Burnt Knob Lookout
View attachment 3669190
Camping spot above Vista Point
View attachment 3669195
And a recent pic of My 60, top of ST Joe Baldy in the St Joe National Forest
View attachment 3669199

Absolutely, we would love to have you on board! I am not sure if it is best to try to connect with the convoy in Darby or just meet at the Sam Billings CG. And having some recent intel on great spots will be much appreciated. I look forward to meeting soon! Its going to be a blast.

 

[MTsoul]

thanks for confirming or showing interest, guys. Looks like we are getting a solid crew.

 

[CCRider]

@MTsoul I'll lock up another spot!

 

[REZARF]

This is an awesome trail and a must do in the rocky mountain west. Epic views. Lots of dust, totally remote. I think most folks will be good on gas. I was super concerned when I ran it and I had a ton of gas to go from Darby to Elk City. Bring your stargazing gear, this one is epic.

I'd stop at all the fire overlooks, and I would only send one rig up to the top to make sure no one is coming down, they are almost all wide enough for only ONE vehicle. Ask me how I know

 

[James Hartly]

I'm in! well i need extra fuel for my 100 series if so would a 5 gal. rotopak be enough ?

 

[thetoyotaman]

I'm gonna bring one because I was on fumes and low fuel light last time I ran this. I don't think anyone has had an issue but more for peace of mind.

 

[James Hartly]

thank you for the info! heading over to Dark horse outfitters now to purchase a roto pax.

 

[MTsoul]

Alright, the time is near. See you all tomorrow. And @AKcruzr let me know your theory on when/where you think you will meet the convoy.

 

[mccracken]

Pumped up. I should be on time tomorrow but if I fall behind I’ll send out a text and coordinate

 

[AKcruzr]

Alright, the time is near. See you all tomorrow. And @AKcruzr let me know your theory on when/where you think you will meet the convoy.

Sorry, ran into unforeseen issues. I'm in the middle of a real estate purchase and will need to be here tomorrow to sign paperwork, this was originally planned for next week but has been bumped up.
I'll try for another event, maybe ringing rock trip etc. I have a pickup and trailer and I'm not afraid to use it. lol

 

[MTsoul]

Hey @AKcruzr, totally understandable. Hope the process goes smooth for ya. We would love to catch you on the next one!

 

[thetoyotaman]

See you guys soon!