Jump Creek Falls is a short, less-than-a-mile hike along primarily easy terrain. We visit this location about once a year, mainly so we have an excuse to visit The Orchard House for burgers afterward. However, this time, we have a new adventure buddy joining us.

Meet Asa! She is a 2-year-old Shiba-Inu who we adopted from the Humane Society less than a week ago. She has been doing great and has stolen our hearts. We hope to take her on more adventures, but we are learning what she can do, and this little hike is a significant beginning step.

Asa started out a little timid, and the groups of people and other dogs concerned her. By the time we started making our way out, she had a skip in her step. We are so proud of her and are already planning our next adventure.

Challenges

• There are two water crossings, but they have stones or concrete pads to step on.

• Be prepared to share the trail. This is a trendy place, and you will encounter various people with various reasons for visiting. Please observe good trail etiquette.

• There will be lots of dogs, and the trail is narrow. Plan accordingly.

Equipment

• Sunscreen

• Water

• Snack

• Good hiking shoes or boots

• Swimming stuff if you plan on getting in the freezing water

The Approach

From Boise, head west on I-84. Use the right two lanes to take exit 33 for ID-55 toward Nampa/Marsing. Use the right two lanes to turn right onto ID-55 (Pass by Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews (on the left in 0.7 mi). Continue onto US-95 N for almost two miles, then turn left toward Hogg Rd. Turn left onto Hogg Rd and follow for 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Poison Creek Grade Rd, then turn left onto Jump Creek Rd after half a mile. Follow the road right onto Poison Creek Grade Rd in half a mile. In another half mile, Turn left onto Jump Creek Rd. Watch for the right turn onto S Jump Creek. You’ll turn onto a dirt road with a cattle guard (metal grate in the road). Following the signs, stay on the road for more than a mile to the Jump Creek parking area. Keep to the right when you come to the fork, and you’ll arrive at the upper parking area. A lower parking area to your left and down the hill puts you right at the trailhead and the restrooms.

• Upper Parking: 43.481118, -116.924305

• Lower Parking: 43.480077, -116.923669

The Trail

This trail is less than a mile round trip and is mostly level. There are a couple of steep spots, and the trail is very narrow. The trail can be very dusty in the summer and fall, making the steep sections slippery if you are not wearing proper footwear.

The Water Crossings

At the halfway point, you’ll reach the first water crossing. Concrete pads have been put in place to help you cross the creek. This crossing is pretty easy, but some pads may move a little when you step on them, so watch your step. The second crossing is just before you reach the falls. You walk the dirt and rock ledge between the creek and the steep bank. When there is more water, you may get wet on this one, but the water level is usually low enough that the crossing can be mostly dry.

There is a third and fourth crossing at the falls, but neither is necessary. The third crosses the creek to a flat section at the falls, suitable for hanging out and climbing the steep hill west. The fourth can be an easier way to get to the other side of the large rock splitting the north banks.

The Scrambles

The path to the first water crossing is steep and rocky. Mind your footing and move slowly. After crossing the water, there is a dusty and slippery scramble back up the trail.

At the falls, you can go up and around the large rock on the north shore or scramble through the small hole in the middle of the rock. Up and over is more complex, but the path is tight, and you must watch your head. Many other scrambles exist, but I’ll tell you about them in the next section.

Side Quests

This hike is great because it is short but can be made much longer. There are lots of side trails off the main path that lead to the creek, a cave along the creek, caves among the rocky peaks, and more. This hike can indeed be as straightforward or as complex as you want to make it. Additional trails lead above the falls from the upper parking lot. Along the west shore of the falls, you can scramble up the dirt slope to a small, deep cave that may or may not be home to some large rodent. The hole is large enough for children and small adults. Enter at your own risk. Explore as much as you want, but be mindful of the terrain and your abilities. People can get into trouble quickly, thinking something is easy going up, but finding the return trip is much more challenging.

Summary

This trail is a favorite of ours. We love to visit because of the unique scenery and ease of the trail. It was a perfect choice to learn our new dog’s abilities. Asa did great, and we look forward to more adventures with her soon. After exploring this beautiful area, we like to stop at The Orchard House for lunch. They have fantastic burgers, cute signs, and exceptional pies and fudge. They close at 3 pm, stop seating people at 2:30 pm, and do not offer take-out on Saturdays. If you have a dog, they do not allow them inside, so use all this information to plan accordingly. Currently (October 2024), a gorgeous acre of giant sunflowers is blooming along ID-55 just past The Orchard House (43.562268, -116.792169). This is a great little hike; we’re positive you’ll love it as much as we do.