THE CORRIDOR: Driving the Only Road in 3.5 Million Acres of Wilderness

In this video I drive the full length of Idaho's famed Magruder Corridor, the only drivable weakness in 3.5 million acres of true wilderness. This is an area twice the size of Delaware and Rhode Island combined.
DATE FILMED: Late July 2020
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowhow.com/
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
GPS COORDINATES, LINKS, etc.
** Starting campsite: 45.7500, -114.4121
** Nez Perce Pass: 45.716972, -114.502960
** Magruder Ranger Station: 45.701861, -114.717254
** Riverfront campsite: 45.76949, -114.78345
** Indian Creek Salmon Channel: 45.79175, -114.76388
** Sentinel Selway Sojourn 2013 (inscribed rock) info: missoulian.com/news/state-and...
** Paradise Campground (terminus of the side road): 45.8636, -114.7352
** Magruder Massacre sign: 45.6898, -114.7943
** Salmon Mountain trailhead: 45.6325, -114.8319
** Salmon Mountain summit: 45.6169, -114.8368
** Cougar attack story: lmtribune.com/northwest/lewis...
** Burnt Knob Lookout: 45.702724, -114.991132
** Campsite: 45.68940, -115.22051
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** The company I use for my web hosting: www.a2hosting.com?aid=5dd04ea50f139 (Affiliate link)
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#camping #idaho #wilderness

[@SDck5940]

My wife and I were RVing in Montana, and we happened to stop in a grocery. My wife was a person to whom random people would walk up and tell their life stories. So she got in a conversation with someone in line who told about a good road thru the forest that we should take. It was the Magruder Corridor. We pulled out at the log cabins, and a ranger flagged us down and told us about the place and pointed out all the free camping. So we pulled off at the next opportunity and found a perfect site next to a stream, could have been the same site you showed. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes were so thick we were stuck inside the RV. The pine trees had beautiful new growth, and it snowed lightly overnight creating a wonderland to drive through. Now I'm 83 and housebound, enjoying travel memories and your videos.

[@hairydogstail]

I built bridges, ground the road surface with a in-place processor, put in culverts, fixed wash outs and installed the gabions on that road..I hiked the Selway wilderness back in 1971 while in Boy Scouts. We started at Hoodoo lake and came out at the Selway falls. I also ground the road going to Selway falls in 2000... I worked in the woods my entire life growing up in Montana..What a great life I have had..

[@edwardtaylor923]

Even if I never make it to this place, it is reassuring to know that places like this still exist in our great country. Let's hope it remains like this for generations to come. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Edward! I have similar thoughts. And when my kids and grandkids drive this road, it'll be a bit less burned-looking 😄

[@robertplant9694]

Lookup the frontier hypothesis

[@COMMANDER-ONE]

@@robertplant9694 I did. Good articles!

[@trakyboy5128]

Amen friend !!!! The world is shrinking. And it saddens me !! I wish I could have been around 150-200 years ago !!!

[@williamweiss6128]

Just spent a few days up in CDA NF. Idyllic, magical area.

[@benkoehler7397]

Small world...I went to high school with Joel (the boy that was attacked by the cougar). He has some scaring across his belly where the cougar grabbed him but his dad apparently came to the rescue basically by just punching the cat in the face until it let go. Very lucky but no major lasting injuries from it. He is an outdoor adventure/climbing guide now I think which is awesome.

[@beach3girl459]

A hundred miles along a dirt road...heaven! So many trails...so little time.

[@SUVRVing]

Agreed! Thanks for watching.

[@kwpp7]

The Jeeper in me is dying to go!

[@vickyagnew1651]

Thank you for all the effort and time you put into making videos for strangers. They are much appreciated. I'm a woman who enjoys traveling alone, often taking unknown roads, etc. Your videos inspire me to do even more.

[@dougiehiker]

Hi, love your videos. I was on this road in 1997. I slept at poet creek campground. The next day I drove up a 4x4 road one mile to the top of a ridge. I then hiked 9 miles to a lookout, I think it was called sheep mountain lookout. There was a woman and 2 dogs manning it for the summer. I then hiked 9 miles back to trailhead. It’s a beautiful place.

[@joanpearl1454]

Fav part - the abandoned fire lookout. Keep narrating! Surprised at the negative comments. I enjoy the geography and history lessons. 👍

[@guylamullins3602]

My favorite spot on the planet.

[@Sophie-ei6zh]

Beautiful scenic views. I like how you add some interesting tidbits like the dams and their effects on the salmon population 😟, and historical facts. I also like the details you include, like how long it took to drive the road and the road conditions. I felt like I tagged along on the trip with you. Thanks again. Can’t wait for your next adventure!

[@jtwanderer6328]

So much untouched wilderness! Reassuring to know it's there. Thank you for exploring for us!... and for braving that spooky mountain top cabin.

[@andychase7693]

I was really excited when I saw you were going to drive the Magruder Corridor. I have read about it and traced the route out on maps. It's definitely on my backroad bucket list! Thanks for the informative video.

[@patriciadickerson6628]

Love seeing all that wilderness! It would be a joy spending a few days exploring the corridor.

[@carolbrown2501]

Hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed this. A perfect way to start our Saturday morning. Thank you!

[@valmurray869]

So glad you enjoyed the Magruder, Tristan. Loved your coverage of it. I do the route every few years, always making it a multi-day trip. My wife and I "collect" fire lookouts and Burnt Knob is certainly one our favorites. Take care.

[@charlieswearingen500]

@ 21:10 ~ Burnt Knob Fire Lookout was first used in 1922 when an alidade was placed on the summit. The cliff-hanging log lookout was built in 1930 and staffed until the 1970s. It's listed on the National Historic Register of historic places and should be refurbished...

[@RicG.]

Had never heard of this road before. Love it. It's on my bucket list now! Thanks Tristan.

[@timothysexton1532]

Such a wonderful place. I'm glad to know huge wilderness places like that still exist. Hopefully, I'll get to go there someday.

[@leedanielson7452]

Now that’s what I call beautiful!

[@thebackflowguy]

Cool trip, wife and I did this summer of 2020! The Idaho side was way rough until we got to the top of the mountain @ the Pack camps, then it was a highway to the Selway River! We crawled up the road to the lookout you hiked to! What an ADVENTURE! This is remote BACK COUNTRY and anyone whom attempts it should be prepared to be stranded in the wilderness!!! Cool channel! Bob&Julie from CDA

[@debralewis3864]

In a huge forest wilderness like that, fire lookouts much needed. Keeping one’s own eyes on the sky advised too! Great tour, Tristan.

[@DrJohn493]

A Saturday morning double feature! Thanks for the geography lesson on the Magruder Road. I’m gonna add it to my list of things to do on my Binge the Rockies tour next summer. The CCC did some amazing work and the bridges are a work of art.

[@tinaanderson9501]

Wow!! I have never seen the western mountains quite like this. Thank you so much for taking us along. What an amazing special place!

[@sandyp9891]

BEAUTIFUL!! It's on my wish list now.

[@jmpmusva]

Never heard of the place. This video will change all of that. Sure that people will be heading that way in the future. Nice work....your happiness shows on your face.

[@steveflaim2656]

Loved the two fire lookouts!

[@charlieswearingen500]

@22:57 "Wow, that view!" Nothing but mountains and wilderness as far as you can see. I had to watch this video again. It's my favorite...

[@MozeeWest]

Gotta say, we’ve just found your KZbin videos. We have totally been convinced that this is the life for us! Going to be working on our FJ the next month and maybe we’ll see you out there somewhere! You keep this up! People are looking for a way out of this craziness right now. We think you’ll be a super star! Thanks for all of your inspiration and tips! Happy travels my friend! ❤️

[@troy204]

Thank's for making my morning so perfect. Loved it so much.

[@helenvwalker7919]

My favourite bit was that you are still awestruck by the beauty office is nature when you walked out of the 2nd fire watching station.😊

[@MaxZomboni]

Great scenery. I'm looking forward to you going back and hiking that area.

[@carolsmith7087]

Another awesome video, Tristan. Thanks, as always!

[@wendy4498]

Thank you for all the info on your trip. Absolutely beautiful! I had no idea we had all this in our back yard so to speak.

[@vanessaboman8143]

Totally beautiful trip! Thank you for sharing!

[@thelakeman5207]

Thanks for posting. Love your videos of "off the beaten path" places you go. This is how I like to travel, away from the tourists !

[@johnmcdonald1306]

You made me LOL when you said I'm setting on furniture which was a log before starting another journey

[@evanjulber7961]

Awesome video Tristan. Thank you.

[@MrLorir100]

Absolutely breathtaking , thankyou for sharing. Great video!

[@johnlowry5311]

Thank you for sharing your trip. Magruder Corridor is on my bucket list. Happy trails

[@lorenzon5303]

Another outstanding video. You are a true journeyman of your craft. Thank you!

[@keithsparling5537]

Really good video! Ive been looking for something in this area. You gave a birds eye view. Its good to know there are still some true wildnerness areas. Thank you!

[@IdahoSewing]

Looks like you took that road the same month we did! I did a KZbin of the trip also, and it is the most-watched on our channel. I live in Elk City (about 20 years now), and have only been across once (both directions). It about rattled our rigs apart. Since then, I've been out that direction twice on the Ambulance, and am pleased to say that they are actively maintaining the road. Especially between Salmon Mountain and Poet Creek. As an aside--they tell me that if an EMT has never thrown up while working in the ambulance, he isn't doing his job. Well, after 5 years and a lot of close calls, I finally earned my "certificate" of emesis on the way back from Dry Saddle. (The skill of the driver does have an effect, but we had our best driver at the wheel that day. It's a long road.) Also, it was the only run I've been on where we had to use chainsaws to clear the road. Thankfully we had a heads-up on that. Another odd aside-- just a few weeks after you and I passed over that road, several Idaho State Police officers, off duty, were camping out at Sabe Saddle, probably the exact same campground my group camped in the first night. During the night, they were attacked in their tent by a drunken fool who had the audacity to come in their tent, fire his gun, and order them out of "his" campsite. The training kicked in, resulting in extra paperwork. Fortunately, when we were there, the only thing we had come creeping while we were sleeping, were some noisy mule deer who wouldn't quit stomping and snorting. The other interesting encounter, was when we went up to Burnt Knob, we met a couple who had seen a cougar that sat in the road for about 5 minutes. Yes, I'm happy to live and work this close to such an amazing place!

[@patfox3988]

My parents manned the Burnt Knob Lookout in about 1947. They are up there now. I've been up there about 4 times over the last 20 years. Holds a special place in my heart.

[@ATravelingAddictSolo]

I am so hooked on your channel! There's so much to discover out west!

[@susanheadley1232]

Thank you for sharing your journey! Makes me so ready...

[@farrendavis4143]

beautiful area and great video! i have lived in Idaho for over 40 years and never heard of this route through the wilderness area. should have taken the drive a long time ago when much younger!

[@christianburrell5564]

Solid “Tristan Trip”. Beautiful country.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Christian!

[@drayland]

I've done this route twice. One trip we camped beside Deep Creek; the other, at the Paradise campground in the site. This was 30 and 20 years ago, but it does not appear to have changed much at all. Beautiful area. Thanks for the video.

[@henryi9738]

That was an amazing drive and hike, thank you.

[@christopherbennett4559]

I spent time here 2 years ago. I worked a job in soda springs. This place is simply beautiful. It is a memory ill never forget as long as i live. Thank you for sharing God bless. 🥰

[@SUVRVing]

Soda Springs is a fun little town. Thanks Christopher!

[@michaelchase5751]

Tristan, thanks for another great video. I live in SW Idaho and have driven the Magruder twice during the last 20 years. Glad you made it through before the air got smokey from the fires. Best to go July right after they open it up to early August because often there is smoke after that. The put-in for the Selway River wilderness paddle trip is at the end of the road where you turned around. It requires a permit and only one launch per day is allowed. The one comparable wilderness paddle trip is the Middle Fork of the Salmon which is 105 miles long, all through wilderness. Glad you're getting to see some of Idaho's great wilderness country.

[@adavell]

Absolutely breathtaking!!! excellent video, thank you very much!!!

[@TheDenisedrake]

I LOVE how you do the maps on Adventure Know How site! Very helpful and some near us in Sacramento, CA. Last weekend we drove past the Kyburz Flat one in Tahoe National Forest. I need to check your site before going out! Thanks!

[@freedomdove]

Wow, that is one long crazy winding road! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[@iQuantium]

Favorite part, I couldn't pick just one. Clear rivers and streams, the little look out shack perched on the rocky promontory. I cant wait to drive my 4Runner up the 4X4 road leading to it. Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@1717jbs]

First time I have ever heard of this area, let alone seen it. Thanks for sharing.

[@virginiarocks]

Those lookout buildings and views were lovely.

[@henrijakubowicz1421]

The scenery is beautiful. Nice video.

[@scottgordon1721]

My my my your videos are national treasures seriously informative and spectacular. Thank you

[@56kicki]

Your video is excellent as is your narration and speech. Beautiful video of gorgeous scenery. Thanks! I just found you, so now I will enjoy your previous and future videos.

[@rob9147]

Nice couch!!, live entertainment!! Fresh air...sweet!! Riding a mountain bike this route would be epic..

[@Alaska610ish]

Awesome! Been looking for a Idaho video from you! Thanks buddy

[@noragodley1270]

Beautiful trip! I loved the lakes along the way.

[@SUVRVing]

They were beautiful, for sure. I need to go back and pay them a visit! Thanks Nora.

[@lindabojko9771]

Loved your narration while traveling on the awesome road along the water !!

[@thomasdreke1698]

Thanks for the video and the GPS Coordinates. I am adding the Magruder Corridor to my list of roads to take.

[@connielaughlin8003]

I’m definitely going on this trip! Thank you for sharing!

[@annekramer6740]

Very educational, as all of your vids are. Thanks!

[@gbro8822]

Great video as always, thank you.

[@ericlivingston5442]

This was an awesome drive and hikes too!

[@kc195556]

Reminds me of traveling the Alkan Highway. Beauty abounds.

[@TheSunGoethDown]

This was a great video. I loved seeing the Lincoln log cabin and the views from the fire lookout. Thank you for taking us along.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidwilliams-xt7pe]

@@SUVRVing any big foot? Looks like prime big foot country.

[@johnfeit5314]

Thank you for the video - it is very helpful for planning our own trip!

[@michaelsonleitner5724]

Thanks Tristan, really enjoyed this “older” video. On to the next!

[@Scrambler85]

Very interesting, I will be adding this to my have to do list. 👍

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

BREATHTAKING BEAUTY COLORS VIEWS SCENERY VIDEO ! GORGEOUS PEAKS AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE ! THE STONE WORK TO THE BRIDGE WAS BEAUTIFUL ! THANK YOU ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !

[@FishingCircle]

Awesome place; the video does it justice for sure. Thanks for awesome content!

[@barbarafuhrman7395]

Rode on this a while back was out for a ride and found this now I need to do it again. All of it so beautiful my kind of adventure Thanks for the video.

[@Blackopsmechanic338]

Beautiful. Will definitely have to experience it. Peace- Love

[@swikfors]

This was absolutely stunning, Tristan! I sure hope someone restores the Burnt Knob lookout post.

[@moloko4]

planning a trip later this year from montana to washington. think i'm going to include this in the route. thanks for this!

[@andrewwayment4260]

I loved this one. I’ve always wanted to spend time up there

[@rangerdoc1029]

Added to my bucket list

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Sweet country. At 22:57, shut the door as you exit.

[@lyndahardy8168]

Beautiful scenery and love your channel 👍🌲💕

[@gary.joseph]

Great video Tristan!

[@gaypreator8547]

Branching out on short hikes or just exploring a little, what a great forestry experience. The air must be so earthy and fresh. The morning air would be intoxicating. Great video makes me want boiled coffee.

[@1ACL]

My favorite part was the possibility of camping by that river.

[@JimHabash]

This is a very good video, great content- good exploration in the time allotted.

[@marianfrances4959]

Love the side road and that river! Too bad about the dams. Thanks...great vid!! 😉👍🇨🇦🌲

[@user-to2gh7sg3l]

Gonna do this in a few days, super psyched! Thanks for the vid to help give me an idea. Taking my 2015 stock Subie Forester and husky...

[@calliepieters3446]

AWESOME ! I'm going to have to take that road. I love forrest service roads that go for miles. and lots of free camping. thanks a heep !!

[@adventuresofsoulmanandlitt4573]

I know I'm repeating myself but another great video Tristan! Loved the campsite along the Selway River! I suffer from insomnia but when I camp next to a fast moving river, I sleep like a baby. As I've mentioned to you before, my first ever trip from S. FL to Wyoming + Montana that I had planned for this Summer was postponed to due closures and uncertainties associated with the virus. The mountains of western N. Carolina were my proxy trip. The best part of that trip we're camping along side of the fast moving Pigeon River. I also enjoyed the hikes to the fire lookouts in your video as well! Thanks!

[@carlhansen9512]

Wow, absolute bucket list, thank you so much!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@JP-su8bp]

Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@florencerozner2344]

Wow so beautiful I enjoyed

[@ReuvenEtzion]

Revealing Idaho’s treasures! 👍

[@SUVRVing]

I've always said Idaho is the most underrated state in the West. Thanks for watching!

[@Justmario262]

Looks like a awesome spot

[@PS-uc8nf]

Enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing!

[@debikami1]

Absolutely beautiful video, thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@chanthechinook7830]

I just got a Toyota FJ Cruiser and am currently in SW Montana, this is on my fall 2020 list!

[@rowellpantaleon6893]

Thanks for sharing this fantastic place