Going Remote in Idaho | A Trip to Mackay Bar

[@jlars972]

Great video. This Idaho boy just stumbled across your channel (the algorithm gods were smiling I guess). Yep, compound low is a lifesaver on those steep downhills tracks and good preparation otherwise makes all the difference. That rear-end repair story down thread was amazing. You guys look like you have fun and its obvious you are kind and gentle souls. That's worth a rec right there but when I saw your Botany Break, you had me hook, line and sinker. Though I rarely key things out anymore, I love that stuff - you've got a new subscriber. Thanks for the clip, look forward to more and stay safe out there.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the kind words and subscribe! Really appreciate it.

[@MikeJacobs-c4l]

Back in the 80's coming up that hill my old Chevy spit out a tooth off the ring gear, totally locking up the rear end. Had to drop the drive line so the front end could drag me off the road some. Had to pull the rear end cover to hammer the broken tooth that was jammed under the ring gear. Had to silicone the hole in the rear cover. People always made fun of how much crap I carried off roading....luckily I had all the tools I needed, had a quart of rear end grease and a tube of silicone with me. It was a long, slow drive back to Grangeville to buy some more grease (because my silicone patch wasn't so good...) to get me on home to Lewiston. Thank you for videoing this, brings back a lot of fond memories!

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

That's pretty amazing! Of all the recovery gear, rear end grease hasn't ever been on my list. Nice work, and good memories. Thanks for sharing, and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@maxcorder2211]

A man who knows his old truck’s limitations. Good on you.

[@steveparsons6324]

Ed, great adventure! Thanks for sharing!

[@dwighthires3163]

You reminded me of some great memories. I have not been to Mackey Bar for over forty years. We went in with three small children in a Buick station wagon. You ar3 right that it is a lot of rough road. I did not remember the road being that bad, but I do remember the length. When I reached Red River, I assumed that I was most of the way there. But it was not more than about a third of the trip. We spent a great week, and I caught my largest ever Dolley Varden, (now called Bull Trout). We took the jet boat upriver for an adventure. I terrified my wife.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

That sounds like a memorable trip for sure! I wouldn't recommend a station wagon today. But I don't think anyone would forget a trip to Mackay Bar.

[@ski3pinvideos308]

Explorations, botany, and a cooking lesson - just right! Thanks for showing us the area.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

You are welcome!

[@rickjones639]

I’ve been there on a snow cat (Dixie term). Great memories. Thank you for the video.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

That sounds like fun. Thanks for watching!

[@pepenjen4261]

Great Video . 4th generation Idahoan. spend most of my outdoor time south of the main salmon. You have inspired me to head north . Thank you

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

Thanks! Yes, lots of options to see some cool places in the north too - throw in the Magruder Corridor and the Lolo Motorway and you have a few great adventures in this region.

[@stacyvansteenwyk9380]

So sad to see the condition of the road these days. I used to help maintain that road and all others on the Red River district. Back then you could drive a car down to Mackay Bar. I drove a 75 Buick Special across the Montana Rd ( Magruder) in 1983. Back then clean open tops and a good grader operator like Dave kept the roads smooth.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

I can't imagine driving a car down there today! It seems like the only road maintenance done nowadays is when the big fire comes to town and opens up the bottomless checkbook.

[@fscottgray9784]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I plan on going through LOLO motorway and Magruder again. I will have to plan a day and night to hit Mackay bar also. I know a few friends who have flown into it.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

If you make it I hope you enjoy the trip!

[@justme-n-gracie]

Thanks for the great video! Subbed. This is my favorite part of Idaho... Elk City/Dixie/Orogrand. Greetings from Kamiah. Ever been to Wildhorse Lake?

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

Thanks for subscribing! We haven't been to Wildhorse lake yet - I had hoped to make it up there this summer, but just about the time we were thinking of going there was a few fires in the area, and we were already having our fill of smoke. Next year!

[@patfox3988]

I stayed down there last September. I agree on using 4 wheel low. The last one to two miles were real rocky. Whitewater Ranch just upstream is also a nice spot.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

I spotted Whitwater Ranch on the map as well. Maybe a guture trip! Looks like it is currently for sale.

[@mikenelson7139]

Surprised you didn't see any mountain sheep along the road.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

No sheep on this trip, we have seen plenty downriver towards Riggins though.

[@RubenGarcia-nn1vq]

Awesome video!! Next on our bucket list! How were the mosquitoes down there?

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

No mosquitoes when we were there. I doubt there are ever very many. Could be an issue in the high country you drive through to get there though.

[@RubenGarcia-nn1vq]

@@OccidentalistOutdoors Nice!! We have spent quite a bit of time on the Salmon ourselves usually near Spring Bar and have never had any skeeters there either. We love that country!

[@SanJuanMountainBob]

Nice trip. That road was steep. How did the loaded Ranger do on that? I enjoyed the botany lesson as I had several botany classes in college. BTW, the smell..I…vision wasn’t working. You might check on that. 😂. Thanks for sharin!

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

The Ranger did great, no issues, just kept it nice and slow going down. Luckily we didn't run into anyone going the other way!

[@rockaboatus588]

Would this be a good place to do some ATV camping?

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

Possibly. If you mean, loading up an ATV with camp gear and using it to get down here and camp, I'd say yes, it would be an enjoyable ride in and out, and a great spot to camp. If you mean, load up your ATV in a pickup, and take it with you camping here, I'd say no, once you get here there really isn't anywhere (eg trails) to ride on.

[@justsaynrush9689]

Excuse me, but did they say 30,000 dollars for a 3 day fishing trip. I Mean I love fishing but at some point I would buy a boat and suffer with more accessible options.

[@OccidentalistOutdoors]

Yes. To be fair that is for the full lodge (12 people?) food, accommodation, 2 jet boats, guides. Still pretty steep to be sure.

[@maxcorder2211]

Wife and I did a 5 day float on the Salmon in 2021 and didn’t bother to fish. Saved the $30,000, too.

[@cq7415]

You came across my search. I had always wondered how that road was. Glad to see it’s better than I thought it would be. Going to McKay lodge in June. Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing.