U.S. Bike Route 10 extends into Idaho from Washington; more USBR routes approved

The U.S. Bicycle Network grew by 874 miles this month when a national highway organization approved routes in Idaho (66 miles), Utah (782 miles) and Minnesota (26 miles).

Completed routes in black; click for more detail

In the Pacific Northwest, the addition of Idaho to U.S. Bike Route 10 extends the bicycle route from Anacortes, WA, on the Puget Sound to the Montana border near Clark Fork, ID. — a total distance of more than 480 miles.

The Adventure Cycling Association is coordinating the efforts of state transportation offices and volunteer organizations to create a signed U.S. Bicycle Route Network that joins every state. The routes must be approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for designation.

Adventure Cycling announced the new routes this week. The approvals increase the bicycle networks to 8,992 miles. Communities along the way are asked to approve of the new bicycle routes, which are all signed to help guide bicycle travelers along the way.

See detailed nationwide US Bicycle Route map.

Lake Pend Oreille; Wikipedia

Idaho

The USBR 10 continues to follow the US Route 2 highway corridor as it enters Idaho from Washington state. It also utilizes Idaho 200, as well as River Road and Clark Fork Road.

The route promises to be as scenic in Idaho as it is in Washington state. USBR 10 follows the North Cascades Highway, a national scenic byway in Washington state. In Idaho, it follows the International Selkirk Loop, the Panhandle Historic River Passages State Scenic Byway and the Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway.

It also follows the historic railroad corridors of the Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways. Services for bicyclists can be found in Oldtown, Priest River, Dover, Sandpoint, Ponderay, Kootenai, Hope, East Hope and Clark Fork.

The future extension of this route across Montana will make bicycle travel even more popular in the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to the Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and the Pend D’Oreille Pedalers in Northern Idaho for helping the state receive this designation.

See the Idaho press release and maps of the Idaho section.

Utah

U.S. Bicycle Routes 70 and 79 across Utah connect scenic wonders of the southwestern US.

USBR 79 travels southeasterly across the Basin and Range Province to Cedar City, where is meets USBR 70, which travels for 450 miles through the unique red rock formations of southern Utah.

The route travels to Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks. It also passes through the Dixie National Forest and crosses Lake Powell.

Minnesota

The AASHTO also approved changes to the existing USBR 45, also known as the Mississippi River Trail. The route realignments added 26 miles to the route.

Build It…

If you’d like to contribute to the Adventure Cycling Association’s work to create the U.S. Bicycle Route Network, you have until May 31 (Sunday) to donate to the Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign. Donors are also eligible for prizes.