Middle Fork Road

5/5 (2 reviews)
Boise, Idaho (Boise County)
Last Updated: 05/15/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

Middle Fork Road can be enjoyed year-round and is full of diverse scenery and natural hot springs. Plus, a gorgeous river, rushing waterfalls, beautiful rock formations, historic mining remnants, and an appealing lake make this a great trip. It ends at the historic mining town of Atlanta, which sits at the edge of the Sawtooth Wilderness and the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. The town of Atlanta is one of the most remote towns left in the Western US. You will be following water the entire time, starting with Arrowrock Reservoir and then the Middle Fork Boise River, which flows out of the Sawtooth Wilderness. It is said that there are over 80 natural hot springs along the Middle Fork River if you take the time to count them. For those who love hot springs, camping, bird watching, swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and hiking, there are many places along this trail to do just that!

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (2)
Official Crew
1300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/01/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Driving to Atlanta along the Middle Fork is one of my favorite drives, especially in the winter. However, if you are on the road before it is plowed, it can get tough pretty quick. Be aware for snow and ice in the winter. The only reason I mark this trail as "harder" than advertised if it is snow covered. In the spring and summer, this is an excellent, two-wheel drive, dirt road drive. There are multiple hot springs to check out along the river, as well as the deer, elk, and bird watching. I highly encourage this drive in the winter to take your time and slowly make your way to Atlanta. Make sure and stop at the Beaver Lodge for a hot meal and cold drink.
Official Crew
5100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 12/05/2020

I have been on this trail during every season of the year and it's one of my favorite drives to get away for the day or a weekend into the mountains. I've led jeep runs on this trail and everyone has enjoyed the scenery, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as elk, beavers, deer, turkeys, and eagles that will pop up from time to time, having lunch and/or staying at a cabin in Atlanta. The road is terribly bumpy, but airing down the tires helps make the ride a little more comfortable. For the outdoor enthusiast, this trail offers something for everyone. I hope you enjoy this trail as much as I do! :)

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