Hiking seldom trafficked trails can be a gamble. The promise of having the trail to yourself is encouraging but the payoff might not be worth it. Afterall, if the destination is incredible why do so many people look over the hike?  Perhaps, the trail is just overlooked because little information exists about where the trailhead is located or even where the hike leads.

Lack of information should not discourage you from giving a trail it’s due diligence. Take, for example, Wilson Creek Trail in Mountain Home, Idaho. No signs, no real trailhead, no groomed path but forge through overgrowth and rocky terrain and be rewarded with dramatic overlooks and fields of bright yellow wildflowers. Now get your Christopher Columbus or Sir Francis Drake on, and get to exploring some uncharted territory!

Finding the Trailhead

You’ll need to put your adventurer hat on to find the trailhead for Wilson Creek. There is no trailhead nor a parking area to give away its location. You need to rely on GPS coordinates and a gut feeling.

Type 43.381256, -115.437006 into either Google or Apple maps. The directions will take you towards Anderson Ranch Reservoir in Mountain Home. You’ll pass over Anderson Ranch Dam and take a right that will lead you to the far side of the reservoir. In 2 miles you’ll come to an arrow-shaped point in the reservoir. At the tip of this arrow is the start of the trail. Complete the sharp turn and pull over as far to the right as possible on the gravel road and walk back to the corner and climb the short mound to begin the hike.

Wilson Creek 

Depending on the time of year you try to tackle this hike, Wilson Creek might be higher than normal. The creek never rises all that high, but you will have to cross it a few times. Being an unmaintained trail, there are plenty of fallen trees and large boulders that you can use to help you cross the water. Be careful though, nature likes to move on you sometimes and nobody likes hiking in wet socks.

At around 0.6 miles you’ll cross the creek for the final time wander away from the water to begin your climb to the overlooking view of Anderson Ranch Reservoir.

Water and Wildflowers

A steep five-minute climb leads you to a grand overlook of the reservoir. Take a second to watch boats pulling water skiers or slow trolling fisherman. The surrounding desert terrain is littered with vegetation making for a unique landscape.

The trail levels off from here-on-out and the trail becomes more apparent. Impressive fields of wildflowers line the trail in a wildflowers spectacular fashion. The contrasting yellow against the trees and greens fields make the second half of your journey feel like a whole new trail.

You’ll approach a fork next to a small waterfall. At this point you can pick a direction and keep exploring but honestly the trail does not get any more eye appealing than what you have just witnessed so this is a good spot to stop unless you feel like you need more exercise.

Overall Impressions of Wilson Creek

You could never guess the wonders that await you by looking at the maps of this area. Even the beginning of the trail has you second guessing whether this is even an actual trail of just an overgrown valley. Keep exploring and you won’t be sorry. Wilson Creek offers you a plethora of little waterfalls, an excellent view and more wildflowers than you can shake a stick at.

Trails Tips

• You’ll want to wear long pants as you may have to bushwhack through certain areas of the trail.
• Bring Bug Spray
• The trail doesn’t get much human activity so wildlife is frequently spotted around the area

Chad Albright

Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.