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Middle Fork Road
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
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Trail Reviews
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 08/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Ran about a 1/3 of this trail in my 2011 Jeep JKU with 35” MT and 4” lift, obviously no issues with technical difficult. Definitely an easy trail, saw a large variety of different vehicles ranging from a Prius, to Honda CRV, to lifted trucks and overland builds. I did not air down because I didn’t want to spend the time airing up afterwards and can say that if you have the time I definitely recommend airing down as the washboard in some areas is brutal. Other than that a significant portion of the trail is on a fairly narrow shelf road so don’t blaze down the trail, be courteous to other drivers and move when you can/need, and pay attention. Next time I visit I will definitely go all the way to Atlanta, just didn’t have the time today.
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.
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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