Autumn colors and cool temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring Idaho’s forests. For quick and accessible trails, check out the Idaho City area, popular with hikers, mountain bikers, horse packers, and history buffs. During the autumn hunting season, consider wearing bright orange clothing.   

Crooked River Trail

          Try this short 2.6-mile out-and-back hike on one of the few non-motorized trails in the Boise National Forest. This easy trail follows the clear river through the high alpine ecosystem to a bridge, where you can lengthen your hike if you’re feeling ambitious. The rock outcroppings above the trail and smooth boulders in the flowing river add to the scenery. View piles of river rocks and the remaining structure of an old home near the start of the trail, evidence of the area’s gold placer mining history.

          Getting there: Take Highway 21 north past Idaho City to Forest Service Road 384 (Crooked River Road). Turn right, drive past Edna Creek Campground, until you reach the Crooked River Trailhead.

Charcoal Gulch Trail

          Start the hike from the Idaho City airport at 4,900 feet elevation and ascend a gulch populated with Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. The trail begins paralleling the airport, with fitness stations along the trail. Within a half-mile, turn right at the map sign and head uphill on Charcoal Gulch Trail. Look for maps on posts at intersections. Take a shorter loop hike of about two miles, or for a longer six-mile round-trip hike, continue up the gulch to 5,800 feet in elevation.

          Getting there: Coming from Boise on Highway 21, turn left onto Montgomery St. in Idaho City. Follow it to W. Wall St. and turn left, passing the ambulance department and the community hall. Park near the restrooms at the trailhead next to the airport.  

Idaho Park N’ Ski Areas

          Known as great ski trails in the winter, the double-track forest roads and single-track trails provide conveniently accessed hikes from three trailheads located off Highway 21. Whoop-Um-Up, Gold Fork, and Banner Ridge trailheads offer various out-and-back and loop trails. Design your own hike or bike ride by viewing the trail map on the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s website. You’ll find detailed information on trail segment length and difficulty levels. Enjoy free parking at the trailheads between April 30 and November 15, when a Park N’ Ski permit is not needed.

          Getting there: Follow Highway 21 through Idaho City and beyond to the trailheads at 18 miles, 20 miles, and 23.5 miles north of Idaho City.

Natalie Bartley is a Boise-based author of the newly released Best Easy Day Hikes Boise guidebook and the Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest guidebook, available at outdoor retail shops and bookstores.

Crooked River Trail and Charcoal Gulch Trail Information
Boise National Forest
Idaho City Ranger District
3833 Idaho Highway 21
(208) 392-6681
http://fs.fed.us/r4/boise

Park N’ Ski Areas Trail Information
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
(208) 334-4199
http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov