Hiking & Trails

Station Creek Trail (Steep, but easy)

Pete Zimowsky - Idaho Statesman

May 04, 2006 12:00 AM

The Station Creek Trail in Garden Valley is beautiful at this time of year. It meanders through a ponderosa pine forest with deer wandering around on the slopes. Wildflowers are just coming up. It's one of the earliest forest trails to open up in the spring.

BUT! It's also a spooky trail. The main reason is the warning on the trailhead sign saying that this is cougar country. Read the warning and suggestions on what to do if you see a cougar. Wolves also have been spotted nearby.

The bleached-clean skeletons of deer along the trail also give you the feeling that this is really wild wildlife country. Enjoy!

How to get there: Idaho 55 to Banks; Banks-Lowman Highway east 17 miles. The trail is across from the ranger station.

Open to: Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Ideal for: Hiking.

Trailhead elevation: About 3,228 feet; GPS 44¡ 03.853N; 115¡ 55.189W.

Destination elevation: 4,000 feet or more, depending on how far you go.

Length: As far as you want. One mile out and back is a good distance.

Difficulty: Steep, but easy if you take your time.

Out and back or loop: Out and back.

Wildlife you might see: Deer, cougars, wolves, hawks, elk and songbirds.

Notes/bathrooms: Outhouses are at nearby Hot Springs Campground. Read the signs about cougars.

Information: Check in at the ranger station.

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