Jump Creek Falls is a wonderful little waterfall in the Owyhee desert. Nestle in a narrow canyon, the waterfall is a popular destination, especially on a Summer weekend. The hike is a there-and-back trail that leads directly to the waterfall.

Challenges:

• Parking can be difficult depending on when you arrive. The earlier the better.

• There are a few stream crossings, but they are easy with stones to step on, but some stones may not be stable so watch your step.

• The hike is less than a mile, but there is some elevation if you have to park in the upper parking area.

• There are some steep parts along the way that are only a few feet in elevation, but they can still be difficult to navigate. Some areas may be slippery.

• Any side adventures are up to you and your abilities. Be aware that if it is proving difficult to go up it will be more difficult coming down.

Hiker’s Notes:

• The trail may have poison oak along it in parts. Usually, this trail is managed well enough it is not an issue, but be aware and mindful that it may be around.

• A lot of dog owners use this trail so be mindful of them as well. If you are a dog owner bringing your dog on this trail, be mindful of others. The trail is narrow and there are not a lot of areas to make room for passing. If your dog is not fully trained there could be issues with the tight quarters should you encounter another dog.

Equipment:

• Water

• Snack

• Sunscreen (recommended)

• Bug Repellent (recommended)

• Hat (recommended)

• Good, broken in, hiking boots or shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Swimming suit if you plan to take a dip in the pool at the base of the falls.

Jump Creek Trail begins at the parking lot. However, there are two parking lots to be aware of. You can drive down the paved road to the main lot, but space is limited. If you go on the weekend and are not one of the first few to arrive you are better off parking in the upper parking area which is much larger. From the upper parking area, you can walk down the paved road to the main parking area and this is where the trail begins.

Here, at the trailhead, you will find a couple of picnic tables, vault toilets, and a dog poop bag station with trash cans. In late Spring the whole area is green and beautiful. In the fall, the trees along the creek take on wonderful fall colors. You can spend a little time enjoying the creek before beginning the hike, or, jump right in.

The trail is well-worn and easy to follow. It can get really dusty in dry periods, but if it is muddy please stay off the trail and come back another time when it is dry. Along the trail are several side adventures. At one point you can cross the creek into a hollowed-out section under massive rock walls. On the trail side of the creek, you can climb up to some small caves carved out by weather into the lava rock walls.

There is a steep decline to the creek crossing, but there are sufficient handholds to make it manageable for most. This creek crossing can be treacherous since some of the stones may not be stable, even the man-made concrete disks. The water level also plays a significant role in how difficult this crossing can be. Warning: You may get wet. After crossing the creek, another trailside attraction takes you down through a rock opening to some small falls and pools of shallow water. Keep an eye out for the native redband trout in this section.

Soon you will reach the waterfall. The flow is typically the same year-round, though it can increase in the spring if the snowpack is good. At the base of the waterfall is a deep pool of water that many people swim in. There is a large stone in the pool that you can scramble to using the stepping stones in the shallow water. It is a good place to sit and enjoy the waterfall.

A steep sandy area is to the right and is accessible using stepping stones to cross the creek. Halfway up you can find a small burrow that goes quite deep into the rock. It is small and narrow but younger kids can easily crawl in. I don’t know if anything lives in there though so allow your kids to explore at their own risk. The base of the sandy hill is also a good spot to hang out and enjoy the waterfall.

Directly across from the fall is a massive boulder at the pool’s edge. Stones have been placed so you can walk around it over the water, a small opening exists in the middle that smaller people can crawl through to get to the other side, or you can hike up and around though it is more difficult and steep.

On the other side of the boulder is a large space that can accommodate several people and their gear (think picnic baskets). This area also has a steep climb you can make for a different view of the waterfall. It is well worth the climb if you can make it.

If you go when busy, don’t expect to have a lot of room to move around. There is limited space and with 40-50 people it can get quite crowded and uncomfortable. If it is crowded, be patient and understand that it is what it is. If it is ruining the experience for you, it is best you leave and plan to come back another time. We have had to do this, it was better than trying to force our way through the experience and hating it.

The hike out is the same as the hike in unless you swam in the water and are still wet. Take a little extra care as some spots might be more slippery. If the trail was dusty coming in then I would recommend drying off completely before leaving otherwise you will have quite the mess on your feet and legs after you hike out.

Once you are back to the parking lot you can head home or to any other destination you desire. If you are hungry, I highly recommend visiting The Orchard House. It is a little farther than other food places, but worth the little extra drive. Check the hours beforehand, and maybe even call to let them know you are on your way, especially if you have a large group (5+ people). They are currently (as of the writing of this) somewhat short-staffed and that has resulted in reduced hours. So make sure it is an option before making the trip. If it is an option though, I would recommend it over any other place within 25 miles.