Jump Creek Falls is an easily accessible waterfall in Idaho, and only an hour’s drive from Boise. Jump Creek Falls is an easily accessible waterfall in Idaho. Looking for a fun outdoor activity that is close to Boise? How about hiking to one of Idaho’s waterfalls? Let’s go!
One of the best things about living in Boise is the easy access to fantastic outdoor recreation. One of our favorite ways to spend a day outside is hiking to Jump Creek Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades down rocky canyon walls, splashing into an emerald pool.
How to get there?
Jump Creek Falls is about an hour from Boise over in the Owyhee Mountains close to the town of Marsing. It will show up on Google Maps, but here is a map so you get the general idea:
I’m expecting you’ll look up directions so you know how to get there from your particular location. Did you look it up? Good.
So after driving through rural farmland, feeling like you are in the middle of nowhere, you’ll reach the road that turns off to the Jump Creek Falls trailhead. This is a public road that runs through private land, so please make sure you do not enter the land until you get to the trailhead parking area.
There are three parking lots here – ideally you want the lowest lot to be closest to the trailhead. The middle lot is for overflow, the upper lot is for an upper trail that will take you to sweeping views of Jump Creek Canyon and the valley…that trail is amazing, very exposed, and a little challenging with the inclines, but worth it.
What to know before you go:
-Poison Oak grows all over the creek and this area, so watch for that.
-Rattlesnakes are common in this area, although not as common on this trail. Be watchful.
-Dogs are allowed on leash.
-There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.
-There is a nice picnic and fire pit area at the lower parking lot.
-It can get very hot in the summer and there is no drinking water, so make sure you bring your own.
-You cannot drink the water in the creek or pool.
-You can swim in the pool at the waterfall if you want, just don’t drink any!
Hiking the trail:
Okay, packs on, water bottles filled, dog on leash….let’s go!
It’s a 0.7 mile hike each way with no elevation gain, so it’s pretty easy, but it is rocky at parts. You’ll start off at the mouth of Jump Creek Canyon and parallel the creek the whole way. Quickly, you’ll get into the trees and canyon walls where it’s a little cooler.
There is a creek crossing and someone has added man-made stepping stones that make the crossing a little easier, but they do get wet and will be slippery, so cross with care.
As you get closer to Jump Creek Falls, you’ll pretty much be hiking right along the creek bed….you’ll start hearing the rushing sound of falling water, and you’ll see the first glimpse of the falls.
To get the best view of the falls, you’ll need to climb around or through a large rock formation, and on the other side is a small beach area.
Sit back, relax, take in the beauty of the canyon walls, and listen to the calming sound of falling water.
Hiking to the top of the falls:
You can hike to the top of the falls…it is not a long hike, but it does turn into rock climbing at the end as there is no real trail.
Across the creek you’ll see a well worn dirt slope that goes up the canyon walls. Hike up that, look to your left when you get about 1/3 of the way up the slope and you’ll see a tube cave that goes back a bit. Kids like to slide in on their bellies. Legend has it, it used to be a mountain lion den. Maybe. But it’s cool and fun to slide into. Keep climbing up, then you’ll be rock climbing the rest of the way to the top. The view is great..but be careful, people have fallen off before.
Hiking out:
Hiking out of Jump Creek Falls is pretty much the same as hiking in.
Take your time to enjoy the beauty and explore the canyon.
It does get crowded, so go early in the morning and middle of the week if you want to have more peace.
Hiking to Jump Creek Falls is a great day trip from Boise, and even closer to Nampa and Caldwell. Check it out! You’ll be glad you did!
