Kristopher Derentz
I did this hike with 9 friends for my buddy’s bachelor party. We hiked in past Duck Lake and did the extra mile in to Pika Lake which is right next to it. There we set up camp and did day hikes from that location. The hike in is work as it’s about 5-6 miles depending on where you set up camp and it’s all up hill the entire way with the last mile being switch backs so if backpacking be prepared for a leg work out. Overall it was an amazing time and highly recommend.
5.0
I stopped in Tahoe after a 3 backpacking trip in the Sierras and was looking for some place to shoot the sunset and used the directions here to shoot Emerald Bay. The area around Emerald Bay is cool drive and the directions on here are spot on. Highly recommend going early and exploring the area.
5.0
So there are two Leslie Gulch adventures here on the Outbound. This one about camping and the other about hiking. I’m leaving the review here since the directions on the one is better. With that said this took me about an hour and half drive from Boise to get to. Google maps said it will take two and half but I think that’s due to the dirt roads that last 30 miles. If your in a car that might be the case but if your in a SUV or Truck it will go by faster (I was in a Jeep). The area is beautiful and once you actually get in the canyon you’ll be amazed. There are two dedicated hiking trails off the main path however I didn’t get far on them as they had a lot of poison ivy and I came unprepared wearing shorts and t-shirt due to the warmer temps that day, so if you plan to hike make sure to bring proper clothing .
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
Before making the trip out last spring I chatted with Sara on IG about the location and time to go. It’s recommended to go end of April to first week of May. The city has a FB Page that can tell you when everything is blooming so I waited and watched and when they announced it I took a day trip up from Boise. Once there I was a bit disappointed as the lilies were no where near the size of the ones in Sara’s photos and must have just started coming out. To make things worst it’s a wetlands area and the mosquitos were out in full force (maybe this is a seasonal thing?). And when I say full force I mean to the point where they were covering my arms and face that later on left me looking like I had chicken pox. With all that said the area is beautiful with the Sawtooth Mountains in the background and I was able to take one of my favorite photos today’s (see photo above) so it ended up being worth the trip. Just make sure to go at the right time and bring big spray lol.
3.0
So last weekend I took the trip from Boise to the Dunes to check it out as it’s my goal to try and knock out 2-4 new adventures per month now that the weather is getting nicer. Once there I was surprised by the actual size of the larger dune as photos make it look way smaller (470ft high). I went on a Sunday in early April and a day with on and off rain showers so it seemed like it kept everyone away (only saw two other groups of people in the parking lot) but this was kind of cool as it allowed me to explore without crowds and made the day a lot more about connecting with nature. If your looking to ditch crowds I would say visit early spring or late fall and on a questionable weather day as it provides a unique experience.
4.0
Great hike but like others said I would not say it for beginners. Don’t be fooled by the fire/logging roads that are about .5 miles in as it only lasts for about .75 miles and then goes back to nice tree canopies for the rest of the hike. I thought the trail head was well marked but it is a true 8.1-9 miles round trip. Most of it’s flat but you have some solid elevation climbs at the start and end which can wear out inexperienced hikers. This is pretty active trail and also used by mountain bikers so you most likely will not be alone out there if your taking it during spring/summer/fall.
4.0
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