Ride the Montana BDR with Flathead Outdoors: Your Backcountry Adventure Awaits
The wait is over—the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR) officially launched February 7, 2026, with the world premiere of its expedition film at the historic Ellen Theatre in Bozeman, followed by a national tour. Free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and planning tools dropped on https://ridebdr.com/mtbdr. The official trailer (dropped early January) is pure stoke: high-alpine ridgelines hitting 9,300 feet with endless panoramic views, fast and flowy dirt sections that beg to be railed, rugged two-track, dense pine forests, sprawling ranchlands, and that classic raw Montana wildland feel. It’s the perfect finale to the whole Western BDR network.
The route covers roughly 900 miles with tons of spurs to explore, stretching from Island Park, Idaho, north through Montana to near Eureka at the Canadian border. It weaves through more than 13 mountain ranges, connecting alpine highs, hidden valleys, historic mining towns, and big-sky ranch country. Standout highlights:
- Sweeping high-country vistas in the Gravelly Range
- River-cut beauty along the Ruby River Valley
- Old-west character in Virginia City
- Gritty historic vibes around Butte
- Deep remote wilderness in the East Pioneer, Highland, Kootenai, and Cabinet Mountains
Prime riding window: July through September—snowmelt clears the high passes, trails are dry and grippy, and you dodge early mud or late-fall cold snaps and storms. Early June can still be sketchy at elevation, with Snow still in many spots depending on the year, and October shortens days with colder nights.
At Flathead Outdoors, we’re based right here in northwest Montana (Kalispell), so we’re neighbors to sections like the Cabinet Mountains and northern approaches. We’ve ridden similar high-country routes for years—know the alpine-to-forest transitions, how fast afternoon thunderstorms roll in, where grizzlies tend to roam (and how to give them space), and the little trail quirks that make the difference between a good day and a great one.
- Route beta — We can break down sections like the Gravelly or Cabinet traverses, flag bailouts if weather turns, or suggest side trips to hidden gems not on the main track.
- Prep and dialing in — Tire pressure and compound recs for mixed gravel/two-track, layering for big temp swings (40s at night even in July), water strategies (plenty of streams—bring a filter), and bike setup tweaks for elevation and remoteness.
- Gear loadout — Our rental bikes come pre-loaded with the BDR route on GPS, full camping kit (tents, stoves, cookware), and Mosko Moto Reckless 80L rackless luggage. Bring your sleeping bag, food, and personal kit—that’s it. We tune and check everything so you roll out confident.
- We also have all the rental gear you need, Helmets, Coms, Boots, Pants, Jackets, Gloves. You can literally show up here with just your underwear and socks and we can get you dialed in with the rest.
Why We Run the Mosko Moto Reckless 80L on Every Bike
We chose the Mosko Moto Reckless 80L V4.0 rackless system because it’s built exactly for the kind of riding the Montana BDR demands—remote, rough, and loaded with gear for multi-day self-supported trips. Here’s why it’s our go-to:
- No rack needed — The Reckless mounts directly to the bike using soft loops and straps, so there’s no heavy metal rack to bend, rattle, or add unnecessary weight on rocky two-track and technical climbs.
- 80 liters of smart storage — Plenty of room for tents, sleeping bags, camp kitchen, extra layers, tools, food, and water without feeling bulky or top-heavy.
- Modular and tough — Made from military-grade Cordura with waterproof liners and YKK zippers that actually survive rain and dust. You can unzip and remove sections if you lighten up for a day ride.
- Low center of gravity — Keeps the weight close to the bike and low, which makes a huge difference on steep, loose climbs and when you’re standing up in the whoops or switchbacks.
- Quick on/off — Easy to strap on or pull off at camp, and it doesn’t interfere with passenger pegs or sidestand use.
Our Bike Fleet for the Montana BDR
- Yamaha Ténéré 700 — The adventure workhorse: tall, reliable, loves eating gravel miles and still handles pavement connectors smoothly.
- Kove 450 — Lightweight, agile, punchy—perfect for nimble handling on tighter, more technical sections without sacrificing too much comfort.
- GasGas ES500 — True dual-sport beast: torquey four-stroke power, killer suspension, built to eat rocky climbs and rough two-track.
- Husqvarna FE501 — Big-bore four-stroke grunt—ideal for loaded riding, steep climbs, and anyone wanting serious torque when the trail gets vertical.
We’re always evolving the fleet, so stay tuned—there may be a couple of exciting new additions this year to give you even more choices. Whether you want a big adventure rig for long stretches or a lighter dual-sport for playing in the technical stuff, we’ll match you right.
- Rest spots — Dispersed camping rules along rivers or lakes (quiet nights near Holland Lake or Clark Fork stretches), or hit towns like Ennis (great eats, fly-fishing detours), Lincoln (no-frills motels, solid burgers), or Wise River for resupply. We can steer you toward camps or lodges that fit your pace.
- Guided support — Our local guides ride these trails year-round—handle navigation, spot wildlife, cook camp meals, carry group gear if needed, and bring wilderness first-aid know-how. Great for first-timers getting comfortable with remote riding or veterans who just want to soak in views without logistics.
You’ll want to Check Out Glacier National Park and the Surrounding areas while you are here!
Hit us up with any questions on where to ride.
You’ll want to Check Out Glacier National Park and the Surrounding areas while you are here!
Hit us up with any questions on where to ride.
Your Backcountry Adventure Awaits with Flathead Outdoors
Drop us a message for specific section beta, packing lists tailored to the route, lodging/camp ideas, bike availability, or to talk guided options. Let’s make your Montana BDR run epic.
Your Backcountry Adventure Awaits with Flathead Outdoors
We have top of the line bikes and gear. If you want to rent a bike and explore on your own we can help, or if you want an all inclusive tour package we’ve got you covered. Explore the hidden gems the Valley has to offer on one of our guided tours. The views cannot be beat! Call, text, or visit us online for more info.