Jump Creek Falls
Marsing, Idaho
Description
Added by Garren Moore
Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip. Minimal elevation gain. Waterfall with swimming hole. Easy to access. Endless canyon exploration. Pets allowed.
Jump Creek Falls is an easy-to-access waterfall situated south of Marsing, Idaho. When you arrive to the parking lot right near the trailhead, you'll be starting at around 2600' elevation. Don't expect much change from 2600', unless you are to go exploring the canyon further. From the trailhead, it's only about 1/3 of a mile into the canyon on a well marked and paved path. You'll have to cross one stream, but it is possible to cross completely dry with some good balance. Be forewarned that rattlesnakes and poison ivy are both very real threats in this part of Idaho.
The falls is located in the Jump Creek Canyon, which after your arrival to the falls provides endless amount of exploration opportunities - albeit, with some questionable trails. You can ascend to the top of the falls on a very steep trail, passing a man-made "cave" on the way.
If you go in the summer, be prepared for the heat and hot sand. If you go during a weekend in late summer, there will be plenty of people.
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Jump Creek Falls Reviews
This little hike is way out in the middle of nowhere, but surprisingly green for being in the middle of a high desert! The trail follows a stream the whole way through to the waterfall & there are plenty of side trails to go explore caves & such. Very short hike if you just go straight through—I recommend bringing a swimsuit to get in the water &/or exploring off the path along the way to make the drive out more worth your while.
5.0
The permissible hours of the Jump Creek Recreation area are STRICTLY enforced. An Owyhee County Sheriff officer said this is because of criminal and/or dangerous incidents that have occurred here in the past: accidental death, officer impersonation, attempted kidnapping, etc. The current fine for trespassing off-hours is $156 and I've heard the judge rarely dismisses them, regardless of the reason. Several times I've seen an Owyhee County Sheriff truck parked above the parking lot waiting to issue tickets to anyone who lingers beyond the closing time. I posted a pic of the hours sign. Although it is large it can be easy to miss on the drive in if you're not looking for it. That being said, the area is lovely during daylight, although it is popular. A lot of families, groups of teens, and young adults frequent here. Most users leave no trace, but you will likely see some litter. It's a short, easy hike to the falls/swimming hole. Some sections of the trail are sandy and it's easy to slip .. watch your footing. The drive to the area is beautiful, particularly in the Spring. The falls are bigger in the Spring as well, however the trail is likely to be wet and therefore slippery so be careful.
1.0
My 4 year old and I randomly decided to go on this adventure and it was perfect!! We both enjoyed it a great deal. I’ll definitely bring a trash bag next time because people had left a bunch of trash behind.
5.0
Most trail sites rate jump creek falls easy as it’s about 1/3 of a mile and no elevation change and is full of people. For me this wasn’t enough of a challenge and was too crowded so I put off going to check it out. However once there my thoughts on the place changed. When parking there is an upper and lower parking lot. If you stick with the upper parking lot there are two trails: one that over looks the falls and one that takes you on the canyons upper rim. They are both worth exploring but be sure to have good shoes as some side hilling is required and on the upper rim you have about a 750ft elevation gain in the first mile. From the upper fridge you can gain access to the top of the falls but it’s a steep trail so be careful. There is also access to the top of the falls thought “Devils Ladder” which is a narrow rock wall that some people climb. Going up it is easier then going down.
4.0
Super fun little hike! My 8 year old enjoys it very much! Never been when it wasn’t very busy, but everyone is always super kind, and it’s a great place to puppy watch!
5.0
Ride horses, climb carefully the rock can break apart in some places, trail running along the canyon. Swimming around a spire of a waterfall is pretty fun too. Pick up trash if you see it.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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