Legend of Bear Pete 30k

Race - Sep 11, 2021

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Hot Spring · Swimming · Views

A mostly singletrack 30k trail race just outside of McCall, Idaho that starts and finishes at Burgdorf Hot Springs. The highest point of the race is Bear Pete Mountain (8,760'). This is a companion event to the IMTUF 100 race.

Burgdorf Hot Springs is a great place for a trail race finish line.

The start is at Burgdorf Hot Spring and heads north up a gravel road for 2.5 miles. The course turns west into Pete Creek campground for a short distance, then you hit the Pete Creek Trail (#144). The climbing starts at about mile 5. You pass through some mature forests and some burned areas where the trees are thick and short. At mile 7.5, you reach the ridgeline and turn south onto the Bear Pete Trail (#142). This is the best part of the course. The open ridgeline provides spectacular views of across French Creek to the west. At mile 8.8, the course leaves the Bear Pete Trail for an off-trail climb to the peak of Bear Pete Mountain. Racers have to mark their bib according directions found on sign at the peak.

You turn around and retrace your steps to the Bear Pete Trail and continue south. It's mostly all downhill from this point. At approximately mile 12, turn east on the Nethker Creek Trail (#143). Watch your footing in parts of this trail, there are some loose gravel segments on this downhill section. At mile 16.5, turn north on Forest Road 248 and then again north on Forest Road 251 which takes you back to the road to Burgdorf Hot Springs. After you have a beer at the finish line, grab your towel and go for a soak in the hot springs.

The race course is very well marked by the race director. There is usually one unstaffed water-only aid station and one staffed aid station.