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North Fork Boise River Trail

Contact Info
Boise National Forest
7259 State Hwy. 21
Lowman, ID 83637

Phone:
208-259-3361
Basics
Length:
8 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
3.5 - 4.5 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
4800 feet
Elevation Range:
4800 feet to 5600 feet
Elevation Change:
800 feet
Season:
July to October

Description

Hike up the North Fork Boise River Trail to see some of the most spectacular river canyon scenery in Idaho. A relatively easy walk will get you to a rock outcrop. From here, you can experience the depths of the canyon. More serious hikers can continue up the difficult trail - the view is worth the effort.

Details

Length:
8 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
3.5 - 4.5 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
4800
Elevation Range:
4800 feet to 5600
Elevation Change:
800
Season:
July to October
Useful Map(s):
USGS: Bear River;Swanholm Peak
Additional Details:

The trail is in poor/very poor condition, except for the first .7 miles from the trailhead. This first good section goes to the canyon area where it drops down to the river''s edge.

A rock outcrop forces the trail into the river, where the trail user must wade for about 30 feet to get around the rock outcrop. Wading is impossible during high water but, under normal years, can be waded by first of July. The rest of the trail is in poor to very poor condition due to many chutes that have deposited large rocks onto trail. HORSE PASSAGE IMPOSSIBLE and hiking is difficult. Other trail problems are due to sloughing of loose granitic soils on steep side slopes, reducing the tread width to game trail status. The river ford at the upper end will be impassible until late July. Lack of trail maintenance funds is the culprit, and the District hopes to rectify this situation in next few years.

Since many of the creeks may be dry by mid-summer, carry a day’s supply of safe drinking water. The recommended amount is one gallon per person, per day.

Treat stream water - Giardia is a serious water borne disease. Use a water filter that will screen for Giardia or boil all water for three minutes.

Every visitor shares the responsibility to keep the backcountry unspoiled and beautiful. Pack out what you pack in. For more information on minimum impact camping visit lnt.org.

Expect to meet other hikers, stock users, mountain bikers, and motorcyclists at your destination, especially during the weekend periods.

Wildfire is always a concern. Keep campfires well contained and never leave a campfire unattended. Extinguish all smoking materials properly.

Map + Directions

Basic Directions

Follow Highway 21, 18 miles past Idaho City. Turn off Highway 21 onto FS RD 384 at Edna Creek. Follow FS RD 384 for 13.5 miles to the North Fork of the Boise River and FS RD 327. Turn upriver (left) on FS RD 327 and go 5 miles and find FS RD 348, which goes straight ahead toward Deer Park Cabin (if you cross the North Fork Boise River over a bridge, you have just missed FS RD 348). Continue on FS RD 348 for about .2 miles to the Deer Park Cabin area and turn left (uphill) for another 200 yards. Look for trail direction sign.


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