Freddy’s Stack Rock is an iconic feature in the Boise mountains near Bogus Basin Ski Resort. The complete hike is long, clocking in at around 11 miles to go there and back. You can trim some mileage by starting at the lower parking area next to the road and going there and back rather than the loop portion of the hike on the map. Going in the fall will get you some beautiful colors as the leaves are changing and some cooler weather. Since the first half of the hike has little shade, the cooler weather is a plus.

Challenges

• Throughout the hike, especially the second half, more significant elevation will be gained and lost.

• It is a long hike, mostly there and back, with a small loop near Stack Rock.

• There is shade at the beginning and end of the hike, but the middle is along a primarily shade-free hillside, with the sun directly on you.

• The first half of the hike has a well-worn trail with only a few spots with slightly more difficult terrain. The second half has a more rugged trail with some spots where traction or tripping hazards are prominent.

Equipment

• Water (A water backpack is recommended for the complete hike)

• Snack (something calorie-dense and high in protein)

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Good, broken-in hiking boots or shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing

Overview

The full hike from the furthest starting point is almost 12 miles (19.31 kilometers) round trip, with a total elevation gain of 1,335 feet (406.91 m). There are a few side trails along this hike, so be sure you know the route and have a GPS map or trail map (AllTrails is what I used) so you can stay on the right trail.

This trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. So, if you are hiking it during the busy season (summer), be sure to remain aware of your surroundings. Large stretches of this trail are single-track and require stepping off the trail to allow others to pass. Remember trail etiquette and be friendly to those sharing the trail with you. For more on trail etiquette, visit the Ridges to Rivers website.

This trail is also popular in the fall, just as the leaves change at that elevation. Evergreens are the primary tree in the Idaho mountains, but along this trail are a few additional deciduous trees and bushes that provide beautiful pops of color throughout the hike.

This trail may close in the spring due to snow or mud. This area has snowshoe trails for the winter months. Do not use it if it is muddy.

Trailhead

There are two locations where you can start on the trail. The first is a small shoulder area along the N. Bogus Basin Rd. (43.734070, -116.127276). There is room for maybe six cars at this spot to park. If there is room to park here, and you want a shorter hike, this is your stopping point.

Further up N. Bogus Basin Rd. is a right turn onto a paved road that leads to a parking lot. This stop has informational signs and bathrooms (43.737737, -116.127507). It is a great starting point if you don’t mind the extra time and distance it adds to your hike. Starting from here adds 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) and 283 feet (86.26 meters) of elevation change.

Hike

We did this complete hike in the fall so we could see all the fall colors. We weren’t sure we would complete the hike when we started, but we decided to keep going once we reached the Sasquatch Hut. The payoff was worth it.

Starting from the main parking lot with the restrooms, you will see more fall colors. That extra mile of trail is a mixed bag of evergreens and deciduous plants. Together, they create a beautiful mosaic of reds, yellows, oranges, and greens.

Crossing the road to the rest of the trail gives you great views of the Boise Valley before you reach the next stretch of deciduous trees and bushes. Take your time and enjoy the fall colors since this will be the last bit of significant shade for a few miles. The hillside from this point to the Sasquatch Hut, from the grasses to the bushes, is awash in golden color. It would be even more spectacular to pass this section during the golden hours as the sun rises or sets.

As you near the Sasquatch Hut, you find the glorious shade again. From the Sasquatch Hut to Stack Rock, you will be in the shade more than in the sun. The challenge now will be the elevation gain, so this is a great time to rest, drink water, eat a snack, and prepare for the rest of the hike.

From the Sasquatch Hut to Stack Rock, the trail steadily climbs in elevation. This makes the hike a little more difficult, but the fall colors surround you on every side. The cascading plants paint the landscape in beautiful colors that can be distracting. This section of the trail is more unkempt, so be sure of your footing while taking in the magical views.

You’ll see Stack Rock rising above the tree line before you arrive at its base. But once you can see it, you don’t have far to go before you have reached your destination. Stack Rock is made up of multiple large formations of rock. The largest looks least like rocks stacked upon one another, but it is the most prominent feature of this landscape. You can walk around these formations, including the largest. Keep your head, though, because a lot of false trails lead off in various directions, and they won’t get you back to your car if you end up following one of them. A downloaded map can save you a lot of time and energy in these scenarios. Take your time, enjoy the views, rest, eat something, drink water, and enjoy the moment of reaching your destination.

The hike back to your car will seem to pass faster than the hike to Stack Rock. I don’t know what causes this feeling, but I have it every time I hike to a destination and back out. The hike out always seems faster. Take a moment to take in the views along the way. Facing the opposite direction can give a different perspective. Be sure to stay hydrated.

Summary

This hike was one of our more difficult ones, but the colors and views were spectacular. I highly recommend completing it, especially in the fall. It is one of the better hikes in the Boise area and certainly one of the more iconic.

I hope you enjoy our adventure and get the chance to enjoy this hike yourselves.