Adventure 11: Conrad Crossing on the St. Joe River

Life in the Idaho Panhandle

The St. Joe river drainage, a world class fly fishing destination, beckons to us as it is just three hours south of Spokane. We try to visit the area often, and this year we decided to go when the weather was guaranteed to be unsettled (rainy). We wanted to experiment with damp conditions to see if the trailer would be comfortable. It was. As a bonus, we were able to ride our tandem each day in the morning before the heat of the day built the clouds and rain. Since it was late June, the weather, though rainy, was warm. In all, it was a good test of how we would feel when we encounter poor weather. Aside from the test, we were able to secure the "best" spot on the Joe. Conrad Crossing campground, a forest service sight with water and pit toilets, is nestled so close to the river that campers can easily dip their toes into the clear mountain water. The site is very popular. In fact, we've never seen the campground empty. We enjoyed the camp site immensely. We rode each day, which is especially nice since we enjoy mountain air, smooth pavement, light traffic, and the rushing sound of a mountain river nearby. Just last year the twelve mile grade on the Idaho side was newly paved. We gladly climbed just so we could cruise down the road on the tandem. Nothing is  quite as enjoyable as coasting down a freshly paved road on a tandem bicycle. In all, another fun adventure for Fric and Frac where life is good, especially today.

Our campsite in full glow.

Trails abound in the Joe. A casual stroll beckons, or for the more adventurous real trail hiking can be found.

Front porch, side view and the sound of rushing water.

 El Papa got to stretch his legs three times. Especially nice right now is the grade east of the Joe into Montana. Freshly paved, the coast down is sweet. Not bad for a little up effort.

 Arguably the most prized organized campsite along the Joe.

 Daily floats organized out of St. Regis. Lunch provided.

 What is an adventure without "thin gruel" and cribbage?

 Trillium plants underfoot. 

We left the St. Joe via Gold Pass, which goes up and over to St Regis, MT. At the top the path becomes gravel on the Montana side for the entire fifteen mile descent.