Ranger Peak (Idaho)

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We will be traveling along Highway 21, known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, which snakes along Mores Creek, through historic Idaho City and on to the breathtaking views of the Salmon River Mountains of the Boise National Forest. This trip starts from Boise, Idaho and goes for approximately 60 miles reaching elevations above 6,000 feet. We will pass the National Forest Lucky Peak Nursery about 15 miles from Boise which grows evergreen conifer trees and deciduous shrubs in an expansive growing field and four large greenhouses to supply reforestation material used for planting throughout the Intermountain area. The Grayback Gulch Campground is the first recreation facility, about 36 miles from Boise. It is located on a hillside in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest where summer flowers abound. The campground has two group sites and 14 individual campsites. Each has a table, campfire ring and a lantern post. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. A campground host is on site. Mores Creek can be accessed from the campground and the one mile Grayback Loop trail begins at the facility. "We love its close proximity to Boise and the convenience of the space. It's easy for families who are new to camping or who have come year after year." Just east on the highway is the Idaho City Ranger District which can provide helpful recreation outing information. The historic community of Idaho City offers a sense of its mining past with a museum, old buildings and wood sidewalks. About 10 miles east of Idaho City is the Ten Mile Campground with 16 campsites in a thick ponderosa pine forest. It is a relaxing and cool spot on a hot summer day. The campground is not on a reservation system and is first-come, first-served. Just up the highway is Bad Bear Campground with 6 campsites. These sites have paved parking spurs and sites can be reserved. One mile further east is Hayfork Group Campground. The campground can accommodate up to 50 people and is a great location for a family reunion or even a small wedding. It has multiple tables, a grill and a campfire circle with benches and is available by reservation. We continue our journey over the summit of Mores Creek and Mores Creek Summit Trail, a popular winter recreation site. At the summit, look for the Sunset Mountain Lookout road which is a rugged route suitable for high clearance vehicles. About 5 miles east of Mores Creek Summit is the Whoop Um Up Equestrian 6 unit campground. It has features to unload your horse, with an area to feed and overnight them. The nearby Whoop Um Up Trail provides immediate riding opportunities. This site is not on the reservation system. Nearing the end of our journey we arrive at the 9 unit Edna Creek Campground located 56 miles northeast of Boise. Picnic tables, BBQ grills and a fire ring with benches are provided in the open and partially shaded area. Edna Creek and nearby Crooked River provide fishing opportunities. Our last campground is Willow Creek with just 4 campsites. This is a more primitive site with no water provided, but vault toilets are available. It is not on the reservation system. Located at the confluence of Crooked River and Willow Creek it offers rainbow and brook trout for those who want to fish. At our last stop, we will visit the Beaver Creek Cabin. The quaint cabin, built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps for administrative use is open year round. The cabin offers many creature comforts and can accommodate a maximum of 6 people with one double bed, one set of bunk-beds and a futon, all with mattresses. A wood stove provides heat. There is an indoor bathroom in the summer and a vault toilet available for winter use. The cabin does not have electricity, so guests must bring their own light sources, bedding and towels. Supplies such as pots, pans and utensils are only available during winter months. "The nice thing about the cabin is when you rent the cabin; you also get a small campground around in the back. So it's a great place for family reunions, weddings or all of that kind of thing. It's got lots of room for up to fifty people." Reservations for the cabin and most of the facilities are available through the www.recreation.gov website or calling 1-877-444-6777. Further information is available by calling the Boise National Forest at area code 208-373-4007.