Jump Creek Recreation Area is a favorite spot to visit in southwest Idaho whether you want to swim, hike or picnic. Jump Creek Falls and the pool below attract a lot of people to Owyhee County. I like the area to hike the trails on the hills along the canyon. Many people bring their chidren to play in the creek which is shaded by trees crowding the banks. The rock formations, falls and shaded creek also offer some great photo opportunities. Caution: Jump Creek Canyon is home to rattlesnakes and poison oak. I have included this link to Google Maps to make it easy for you to find your way here.
Jump Creek Recreation Area in Owyhee County, Idaho
So you can get a idea of the overall layout I have included this screen shot from Google Maps.
This is what the road looks like at the end of the pavement. You will see multiple indications that this area is posted and you may not tresspass. The road is public property so don't worry about the signs.
The approach to Jump Creek Recreation Area.
Jump Creek Recreation Area is available for day use only.
I come out here mostly to hike the trails nearby.
Like this one. I like to make a loop by going up this trail for about a mile and a half then take a right turn. There is a four-wheeler trail which follows the next ridge to the west and circles back to your car at about 3.5 miles. You might want to pull up this area on Google Maps to checkout the loop before you go.
One could park here.
This trail starts from the same point and looks at the falls from above.
There is extra parking here.
I took this picture of the main recreation area from the trailhead above.
You will find garbage cans and a vault style outhouse ready for your use.
Keep a sharp eye out for rattlesnakes. They do live here in fact I have killed several in the nearby hills.
There are a few picnic tables and fire rings available to you. Be very careful with any fire you start the dry grass burns very quickly and would be hard to get stopped.
The creek is great for kids to play along. I have not seen a rattlesnake down by the creek below the falls but keep an eye out for them.
Most of the time the trail is wide and level.
However there are a couple steep rough spots.
The rock formations are awesome. This is a very small example.
Crossing the creek is easy however I found the rocks to be slick when my shoes were wet.
I am not sure this is the only mine on the creek.
A view of the creek with the falls in the background.
This is Jump Creek falls which is what most people come to see. You may want to swim in the pool here. I know some like to jump in but I know nothing about where to jump from or how deep the pool is so be careful.
