Idaho Hot Springs, Day 8, Deer Flat Campground to Buckhorn Campground, 59 miles, 3,992 feet elevation | Snag

Riding Stats

Accommodations

Pretty sure we woke up with ashes on our tent fly from the wildfires. Last night was the coldest night yet in the low 40’s but we were absolutely warm and comfty in our sleeping quilts and puffy coats, although I’m pretty sure I heard a gunshot (just one) at 4:20 am.😳

Our destination today was past Warm Lake where there is an active wildfire blazing and growing nearby.

We stopped in Deadwood Outfitters for a cup of coffee and a wildfire update. Wrangler Sean showed us the Watch Duty app (same one as the Forest Ranger mentioned yesterday for fire updates). Apparently the Snag fire grew from 4,000 to 7,000 acres overnight and Warm Lake, the next town down the road was on Evac 1 Alert, meaning get your things ready to evacuate.

We wi-fi called the Valley County Sheriff Office from the Outfitter at Sean’s suggestion to ensure our route wasn’t closed and we were good to go.

Though smoky we continued our climb up and over Warm Lake Summit and stopped in the “Lodge” (and I use that term loosely) 😂 where we ran into Nick and Al whom we have been leapfrogging. They are riding the north Idaho Hot Springs loop and will cut back east on the Lowman Pass to return to Stanley.

A news crew came to take video and report on the Snag fire and lake area near the lodge where we stopped for burgers.

Smoke was getting thicker. 😢

As we left Warm River and cycled north the smoke diminished.

However of all things we ran into wait for it…. a chip and seal crew. Too funny not to capture on video, I included a few clips in the video at the bottom of the post. Ya just never know what you’ll run into on a bike tour.

Made it to Buckhorn Campground which sets us up nicely for spending my birthday in McCall!

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