St. Joe River country in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests offers a myriad of trail-riding delights, from pristine streams to high mountain ridges, from old-growth forests to historic logging sites. Spacious horse camps and a backcountry lodge complete this great riding getaway. Enjoy this bonus photo album from our trip! (For an in-the-saddle account of the trek to St. Joe River country, and more photos, pick up the September-October ’08 issue of The Trail Rider.)

The Krones’ Missouri Fox Trotters – Buddy, 8, and Scout, 10, are ready to go for a ride.

“Arriving at a pond a few miles from St. Joe Lodge, we discovered a dredge from a long-ago garnet-mining operation,” note the Krones. Here, Buddy studies sand composed of small garnets. Garnets are used for industrial purposes and making jewelry. The garnet is the Idaho state gemstone.

Bill McKinney from Bitterroot Outfitters, Kingston, Idaho, leads a pack string in for a hunting camp located far up river.

Charlene Krone and Scout cross the St. Joe River on return trip to Line Creek Camp. Due to its unique and priceless qualities, this portion of the river was designated a “wild and scenic” river; no motorized access allowed.

Kent Krone and Buddy leave Line Creek Stock Camp for the Copper Ridge ride.

Charlene Krone and Scout cross the St. Joe River just after leaving Line Creek Stock Camp at start of the Copper Ridge ride.

Kent Krone and Buddy study a burned tree snag from the 1910 forest fire. This fire was one of the largest in U.S. history. More than one million acres burned, and 85 firefighters died. Smoke was seen as far away as New York. Look at the hillsides to spot many standing snags.

In addition to traveling through seven tunnels, the Krone’s driving route to Marble Creek crossed over two railroad trestles.

Camp 3, the Marble Creek Horse Camp, is located about 15 miles up the Marble Creek Road from the St. Joe River.