North Umpqua River Trail 5-Day Tour

RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | July – August
PRICE | $1,745.00 pp

Experience the ultimate Idaho mountain biking trip where rugged backcountry passes and wildflower fields lead you directly to a steaming natural hot spring at every campsite. Our guides handle the logistics and gourmet cooking, leaving you free to enjoy the perfect balance of challenging dirt road riding and Sawtooth Wilderness relaxation.

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Graded main dirt roads.
Overall Rating: Intermediate
Technical Difficulty: Moderate.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous with long climbs.
Altitude: 6,000 - 9,000 feet
Biking Mileage: 20-36 miles per day
Packing for your trip

DAY 1: Warm Springs Road & Worswick Hot Springs 

  • We begin our mountain bike tour in lovely Ketchum, Idaho. Our ride takes us past the ski resort up Warm Springs Road.
  • The road climbs gradually for 21 miles before a steeper five-mile ascent brings us to Dollarhide Summit.
  • From the summit, you can see the peaks of the Pioneer Mountains, the Boulder Mountains, and the Smoky Range.
  • A fun nine-mile downhill ride takes us to Worswick Hot Springs, our first night’s camp, offering several nice pools.
  • Total Mileage: 27 miles

DAY 2: Little Smoky Creek & Baumgartner Hot Springs 

  • Today we will pass three hot springs while riding along the banks of the Boise River.
  • We will follow the course of Little Smoky Creek to the confluence with the South Fork of the Boise River.
  • Our afternoon ride is a fun cruise down the South Fork of the Boise, culminating at Baumgartner Hot Springs.
  • The springs feature a beautifully maintained concrete pool (built by the CCC) and a deep swimming hole.
  • Total Mileage: 24 miles

DAY 3: James Creek Summit & Atlanta Hot Springs 

  • We continue our river-grade cruise for 11 miles to Featherville, then begin a series of climbs toward James Creek Summit.
  • This steep, 3,000-foot climb offers great views of the Sawtooth Range. We will pass Rocky Bar, an abandoned mining town.
  • Atop the summit, we immediately plunge down along James Creek to the Middle Fork of the Boise River, bringing us into the isolated town of Atlanta, Idaho.
  • Near our camp, choose from three hot springs, including the Atlanta Hot Springs and the cascading Chattanooga Hot Springs.
  • Total Mileage: 36 Miles

DAY 4: Middle Fork Exploration & Loftus Hot Springs 

  • Today we will wake up in beautiful Atlanta, ID, and continue our exploration of the Middle Fork of the Boise River.
  • We will ride on mellow river grade, passing multiple hot springs and areas of the rich mining history of the region.
  • We will camp near Loftus Hot Springs this evening, where we can soak after a great ride.
  • (Total Mileage: 35 miles)

DAY 5: Boise River Cruise & Farewell 

  • Our last day of the tour continues along the Boise River to Lucky Peaks reservoir.
  • We will pedal past some of Boise's best kept secret fishing holes.
  • We will finish our tour with a tasty lunch before shuttling back to our starting location in Ketchum, ID.
  • Total Mileage: 20 miles

Ketchum, ID
This trip will meet at 7:30 AM MST. The address will be provided in the Confirmation Email, call the office to confirm. You will need to spend the night before in Ketchum. Make sure you eat a big power breakfast to get you ready for your morning climb.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Ketchum between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Ketchum is a popular summer vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations:

Hotel Ketchum
208-471-4716

Tamarack Lodge
800-521-5379, 208-726-3344

Best Western Tyrolean
800-333-7912, 208-726-5336

Lodging in Hailey 
Hailey is a cute little town with good restaurants. It is 10 miles south of Sun Valley. Allow 1/2 hour drive time in the morning.

Airport Inn Hailey, ID
208-788-2477

Innidaho.com – Central Reservations for all of Idaho
800-844-3246

Driving
Ketchum is located 77 miles north of Interstate 84 on Highway 75. We have a place to park all the vehicles while on the tour.

Flying into Sun Valley
Airport Code: SUN

Flying into Boise, ID
Airport Code: BOI
From here, there are two options:
1) Rent a car and drive to Ketchum, a 2 1/2 hour drive. You will have to park the car while on the tour.
2) Take the Sun Valley Express shuttle service.
Call 208-622-8267 or 877-622-8267 for times, rates and to book ahead.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT
Airport Code: SLC
Rent a car and drive to Ketchum, about a 5 hour drive.

TAXI SERVICE
A-1 Taxicab: 208-726-9351
Sun Valley Limo & Taxi: 208-481-2119 (airport shuttles)

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

North Umpqua River Trail 5-Day Tour

RIDING TYPE

Advanced

DURATION

5 Days

SEASON

June - September

North Umpqua River Trail 5-Day Advanced Singletrack Tour

Oregon’s Legendary Umpqua River Singletrack

Our Umpqua River Trail trip includes some of the best singletrack mountain biking we ride anywhere in the country. The trail is truly the land of milk and honey: smooth, perfect trail tread with excellent traction undulating through vast and diverse old-growth forests of mountain hemlock, western cedar, and the mighty Douglas fir. For much of the trip we follow the North Umpqua River downstream, but don’t be fooled—there is plenty of climbing as we flow through the forest. While we contour through the mountains, we are often high above the river with exposure on the downhill side. The trail is smooth and flowing, but prior singletrack experience is required.

Advanced Exposure, Legendary Trails & Full Backcountry Support

This North Umpqua River Trail adventure is tailored for Advanced riders seeking high flow and technical exposure, featuring:

Legendary Trail Sections: Conquer the exposed Dread and Terror gorge, experience the technical challenges of the Tioga segment, and ride the historic Deer Leap Section.
High Flow, High Exposure: Ride smooth, flowing singletrack often cut into the mountainsides high above the river with exposure on the downhill side.
Iconic PNW Scenery: Immersion in vast old-growth forests (Douglas fir, cedar) with opportunities to view salmon spawning and waterfalls (Lemolo Falls, Toketee Falls).
Fully Supported: All camp logistics, gourmet meals, and support are handled by expert guides, ensuring your focus remains on the Advanced singletrack challenge.

-DAY-BY-DAY

Itinerary

After a three-hour shuttle, we begin our trip on the shores of Lemolo Lake at the northern end of the North Umpqua River Trail.
We will start with a contouring section of trail that is a great warm-up and precursor to the week’s riding.
The trail is cut into the steep wooded hillsides of the Umpqua River canyon; the challenge will be to maintain good balance to keep your bike on the trail.
We’ll loop around a lush little stream, which is the very headwaters of the North Umpqua River, and return on the same trail to our beach-side camp on Lemolo Lake.

Total Mileage: 16 miles

Today is a big day, more for the name’s sake than the mileage: our trail section is called Dread and Terror and you will immediately understand why.
The North Umpqua River cuts through a gorge and our trail is etched into the edge, featuring moments of exposure.
We’ll pass Lemolo Falls, a 135-foot horsetail waterfall, and ride what is generally considered the most technical section of the trip.
We’ll resume riding the North Umpqua River Trail at the hot springs (a spur option), and ride to our open meadow camp just up from Toketee Lake.
There is a great side trip to the dramatic Toketee Falls for the extra energetic and a handy swimming option right from camp.

Total Mileage: 17 miles

From Toketee Lake we head east on the North Umpqua River Trail’s Deer Leap Section. This features impressive trail building with lots of ups and downs through massive hemlocks, cedars and Douglas fir.
We’ll contour our way high above the river and take in stunning views.
We’ll break for lunch at the Soda Springs Dam where we can see giant schools of Coho and Chinook salmon.
In the afternoon we’ll ride the Jesse Wright segment and arrive at Horseshoe Bend, our campground on the river, with a true sense of satisfaction.

Total Mileage: 18 miles

We’ll continue on the North Umpqua River Trail to the Marsters Bridge. This section includes some challenging ups and downs with great views of the river.
If you pick a strategic resting spot and have a bit of patience, you will be rewarded with the heroic efforts of a very large salmon hurling itself skyward.
At the Mott Bridge we are going to leave the North Trail, cruising to our camp at Bogus Creek.
From camp, we’ll have the option to lounge riverside or get back on the bike for a short but spectacular loop to Falls Creek Falls.

Total Mileage: 14 miles, optional additional 6 miles

We have saved some of the most exciting and challenging riding for today on the Tioga segment.
There is a bit of a climb to navigate Susan’s Creek, but the real challenge is Bob’s Butte. The trail heads for a rocky outcrop and some wicked switchbacks before we top out in the trees for a well-earned picnic lunch.
For the grand finale we get a ripping descent back down to river level, featuring huge trees and big patches of vine maple.
We’ll finish our ride at a giant swimming hole with a beautiful granite beach. Then, we’ll load up and shuttle back to Medford.

Total Mileage: 15 miles

-TRIP NOTES

The fine print

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface

Singletrack, mostly firm pack, some loose pumice, smooth pine duff and rocky sections. A few sections of grassy, rocky trail with exposure. Some dirt roads and a few miles of pavement.

Overall Rating

Advanced

Technical Difficulty

Moderate to difficult

Physical Difficulty

Moderate to difficult

Altitude

4,000 - 6,500 feet.

Biking Mileage

14-20 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day's riding to 20 miles)

Hiking Mileage

14-20 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day's riding to 20 miles)

-Travel Logistics

Getting there.

Medford, OR, 8:30 AM PDT at Medford Cycle Center, 940 N Phoenix Rd, 541-857-0819. Ending time: return to Medford 3:00-4:00 PM last day. Getting there: near southern OR border on I-5; fly into Medford (MFR), Portland (PDX), or Eugene (EUG).

Lodging Before Your Trip

Hampton Inn

541-779-0660, 800-426-7866

Shilo Inn

541- 770-5151, 800-222-2244

Offers airport shuttles.

Holiday Inn Express

541-732-1400, 800-465-4329

Comfort Inn South

541-772-8000, 800-424-6423

Rogue Valley Taxi Cab: 541-499-6848

AAA Eco Cab: 541-228-9001

Packing

What we provide.

  • Meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
  • Camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
  • 1 cycling water bottle
  • Camp chairs
  • Solar showers
  • Sunscreen & bug spray
  • Bike stand and lube
  • Guides bring their own tools
  • First aid kit with basic medications
Bring or Rent

What you’ll need.

  • Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
  • Helmet (gratis w/ rental bike)
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad

What we provide

  • Meals
  • Snacks
  • Drinks
  • Camp mugs & dining ware
  • 1 cycling water bottle
  • Camp chairs
  • Solar showers
  • Sunscreen & bug spray
  • Bike stand
  • Lube
  • First aid kit

Bring or rent

  • Bike
  • Helmet
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Cycling & camp clothing
  • Rain gear
  • Personal items
  • Tipping cash (10-20%)

Bringing or renting

  • Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
  • Helmet (gratis w
  • Rental bike)
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad

Cycling clothing

  • Cycling shoes
  • 3-5 pair cycling shorts
  • 3-5 cycling shirts
  • Long sleeve cycling shirt
  • Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
  • Cycling socks
  • Windbreaker
  • Tights or leg warmers
  • 2 pair cycling gloves
  • Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Warm layer
  • Sunglasses

Camp clothing

  • Camp shorts/shirts
  • Warm socks
  • Long underwear
  • 2 pair warm long pants
  • Fleece/sweater
  • Pile or down jacket
  • Warm gloves and hat
  • Brimmed hat
  • Bathing suit
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Rain gear

Personal

  • Toiletries
  • Medication
  • Towel
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Wet-wipes
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Optional day bag
  • Stuff sacks
  • Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)

Optional

  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Favorite beverages
  • Books
  • Maps
  • Portable USB charger

Need more information about our bike trips?

Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

North Umpqua River Trail 5-Day Tour

STARTING AT

$1,645 pp

Private Departures Available

CALL 435-259-8732

Gallery

-A DAY WITH-

Western Spirit

Three chapters to every day on the trail. We sweat the details so you can simply ride, eat well, and look up.

Rise & Shine
A Day With

Rise & Shine

Wake to cowboy coffee on the rim, fresh fruit, pancakes and granola. Unforgettable sunrises over the canyon — every single morning.

Learn More ↗
Hit The Trail
Midday

Hit The Trail

From the Rainbow Rim Trail to the White Rim Road in Canyonlands, our guides put you on the right line for breathtaking Grand Canyon views.

Learn More ↗
Apres
Evening

Apres

We pick camps for a reason. Rivers, lakes, sunset vistas — and a chef-prepared meal under one of the darkest skies in the lower 48.

Learn More ↗

Bike Trip Testimonials

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

Michael

“An unforgettable experience from start to finish. Sleeping under the stars after a punishing but rewarding day on the trails was exactly what I needed. The team handles everything flawlessly.”

Sarah K.

“The technical support, the food quality, and the route mapping were top-tier. I've been on three different outfitters' trips, and Western Spirit is in a league of their own.”

David L.

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