Fun Idaho Hikes: Jump Creek Falls
![a sign with a trail in the background](https://heelsfirsttravel.boardingarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Trailhead-Jump-Creek-Falls-Owhyee-ID-feature.jpg)
If you find yourself in Boise or Nampa, Idaho or visiting Sunnyslope wineries and in need of a hike, check out Jump Creek Falls! Located south of Marsing, ID, Jump Creek Falls recreation area offers a lovely waterfall and gorgeous views.
It was later in the afternoon when we arrived but still quite busy and the parking lot was rather full. Note: there is a vault toilet there, which is only slightly better than a porta potty, so if squeamish, consider stopping somewhere on the way there.
![a dirt road through a valley](https://heelsfirsttravel.boardingarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Access-road-to-Jump-Creek-Falls-Owhyee-ID.jpg)
The waterfall is a really easy hike — if I could make it in a dress after wine tasting, almost anyone can. The 1/4 mile trail meanders over streams and through the rocks until you arrive at the waterfall (which is a perfect place to picnic and cool your feet).
![a stream in a rocky area](https://heelsfirsttravel.boardingarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/stream-crossing-Jump-Creek-Falls-Owhyee-ID.jpg)
If you’re in good shape and want some amazing views, head to the upper parking lot and take the steep road/trail to the top of the trail. I hadn’t adjusted to the heat or the altitude, but the scenery was worth the view.
![a winding river between hills](https://heelsfirsttravel.boardingarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/View-of-lower-parking-lot-Jump-Creek-Falls-Owhyee-ID.jpg)
![a landscape of a field](https://heelsfirsttravel.boardingarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Scenery-from-upper-trailhead-Jump-Creek-Falls-Owhyee-ID.jpg)
![a landscape of a valley with a rocky hill and blue sky](https://heelsfirsttravel.boardingarea.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/view-from-ridge-trail-Jump-Creek-Falls-Owhyee-ID.jpg)
The area is only open during daylight and can get quite crowded on the weekends, so plan to go on a weekday or early in the morning or later in the day. The Bureau of Land Management website no longer features information about it, but thanks to Archive.org I was able to find a PDF of the Jump Creek informational flyer.
More from this trip
Idaho City in Pictures
One of the Most Unique Cemeteries I’ve Seen
Awash in Fun: Whitewater Rafting the South Fork Payette River
Great pix… they make you want to be there