Joe's Creek Trail - Hiking trail near Boise, Idaho, United States - Description

The Joe’s Creek Trail climbs steadily through high brush and thick pines to the top of a ridge. Much of this section of the trail has been severely eroded, making for a rough walk. Near the top of the ridge, the trail has been rerouted across a rocky drainage. It continues to the top of the ridge, where it fades on an open, brushy hillside. At this point, the trail becomes an old road. Follow this road along the bare ridge and down into a large, open saddle. The trail ends here at its signed junction with West Mountain Trail.

Joe's Creek Trail would be a good day hike in conjunction with Tripod Peak Trail and West Mountain Trail, which connects the two trails. From the intersection of Joe's Creek Trail and West Mountain Trail, turn north on the West Mountain Trail and travel approximately 0.4 miles to the well-signed intersection to Tripod Peak. Turn east on the Tripod Peak Trail and travel approximately 0.3 miles to the lookout. There are good views of the surrounding countryside in all directions from the lookout.

Start at Smith's Ferry on State Hwy 55. Go west on NF-644 for 1.9 miles to the junction with NF-626. Turn right onto NF-626 and travel 7.5 miles to NF-614. Turn right onto NF-614 and travel 4.1 miles around the east and north sides of Sagehen Reservoir to unmarked NF-622 (this road is 0.3 miles east of the junction of NF-614 and NF-609 on NF-614). Turn right onto NF-622 and follow this road 3.9 miles to its end. There are two directional signs along this road to the trailhead. The trailhead is at the end of NF-622. Parking is available for 1-2 cars at the trailhead. There is little turn-around room. Trail users may want to part their vehicles 0.2 miles from the trailhead where there is room for 3-4 cars and room to turn around.