Lochsa Down River

Trail Overview

PSA: ***There are a LOT of logs across the trail that significantly increase the difficulty of the ride. I was able to cut out almost everything to Snowshoe Falls. Heading south from here, there are NUMEROUS (10+) logs to deal with. Including going under, over, and around. I would warn most people off from riding this trail until it has been cleared (which may never happen unless you do it). There are many logs over 30" in diameter. In addition to this, the exposure at times is extreme, and falls could be catastrophic/ fatal. This trail update was from the end of September 2025. Wood will be constantly changing. *** The Lochsa Down River trail is a minimally maintained single-track trail connecting Sherman Creek Trailhead and Split Creek Trailhead. Shorter options are to begin/finish at Fish Creek. Starting here will cut a few miles off of the total ride. Starting at Sherman Creek Trailhead heading downriver, the trail starts off pretty casual. The first few miles connect the Sherman Creek trailhead to Fish Creek Road. You can expect a skinny single-track trail that sidehills with some climbs and descents. It is pretty, but not the highlight of the trail system. Once you reach Fish Creek, the better riding begins. You'll climb up multiple switchbacks to gain some elevation above the valley bottom. From here, you begin the roughly 12+ miles of sidehill that takes you downriver to Split Creek. You can expect the trail to be minimally maintained, and to vary from nice flowy single track to puckering ledges between cliffs above and below you. The consequence of falling off the trail can not be overstated. There are many points where, if you were to fall, you would fall off a cliff. There were two distinct moves between trees and the drop off to the downhill side that I was barely able to make it around. Not to be overly dramatic, but consider the consequences before committing yourself to this trail system. Once you're south of Snowshoe Falls, there are no more trails to bail down to the highway. This is also the most difficult section with the most exposure and with the worst of the wood. The switchbacks as you get closer to Split Creek and begin your descent are very steep and very tight. If you haven't been scared away yet, you're rewarded with beautiful views and a trail that traverses a beautiful ecosystem. While you're just above the highway, you will rarely notice its presence. Animal signs are abundant, and you cross many beautiful small creeks with waterfalls, ferns, flowers, and fungi abundant. This is a serious adventure.

Photos of Lochsa Down River

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Difficulty

The trail riding itself is probably at the hardest a 4. I am giving this trail an 8 because of the extreme physical effort required to deal with the many log crossings. Not only are there many, but all of them are on a very small trail, with extremely steep slopes above and below. You're left with few options outside of going over, or turning around and heading back, which at times is also impossible due to how skinny and tight the trail is. Multiple logs were over 30 inches in diameter and were a bear to get a dirtbike over. I went under and around as many of the logs as possible. I am also giving this trail a 7 due to the extreme exposure that will be encountered during the ride. Falling off the trail is NOT an option for many miles of this trail. Consequences at the lightest would be an incredibly difficult motorcycle recovery, and at worst, could be fatal. You will ride sections of trail that are on cliff edges, or on slopes so steep they may as well be cliffs. The trail at times is a wheel's width, and can be off camber as well. Trusting your ability and machine is mandatory. If you ride this trail and disagree with the grade, that is excellent, but I don't want to encourage anyone who is not ready for this adventure to ride this trail.

History

Trail is only open seasonally.

Technical Rating

Lochsa Down River can be accessed by the following ride types:

• Dirt Bike