Idaho City, ID: Crooked River Trail
Trace the banks of the Crooked River on this 6.6-mile out-and-back in Boise National Forest that links picturesque fishing holes and a sandy strip of beach.
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This scenic, 6.6-mile out-and-back meanders along the Crooked River and boasts abundant fishing holes and a sandy beach. Start at the Crooked River Trailhead and hike south. Almost immediately, the path crosses Edna Creek on a footbridge, then winds through old and new growth forests spotted with clearings.
Near the end of the first mile, the route steepens for a short distance before passing car-sized boulders. (Anglers can scramble up truck-sized boulders to access a deep fishing hole before continuing on.) Half a mile later, cross the river by boulder hopping or fording. After 2 miles, the cool, shaded trail passes a rocky perch overlooking the river—peer down the rocky face for striking views. From here, it’s another mile to a sandy area where you can relax or take a dip in the cool river before hiking back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by John Harlan
Trail Facts
- Distance: 10.6
Waypoints
CRK001
Location: 43.9552902, -115.6053114
Hike south from the Crooked River Trailhead and immediately cross Edna Creek on a footbridge.
CRK002
Location: 43.9462376, -115.6089163
Roughly a mile in, the trail steepens for a short distance before passing car-sized boulders. Anglers: Scramble up the boulders to access a deep fishing hole.
CRK003
Location: 43.943024, -115.6069422
The trail continues to parallel Crooked River. Ahead: Hike past the confluence of Summit Creek and Crooked River.
CRK004
Location: 43.9410464, -115.6059122
Ford or boulder hop across Crooked River, then continue south along the river.
CRK005
Location: 43.9353062, -115.6037772
Peer over a sheer vertical overlook to see the river below.
CRK006
Location: 43.928955, -115.6011701
Pass a creek drainage on the right. From here, the path travels another mile to a sandy beach (listen to the sounds of the river as you hike).
CRK007
Location: 43.9162428, -115.5951619
Relax on this sandy strip of beach or take a dip in the cool river. For more solitude, hike farther south on a lesser-traveled section of trail. Follow the same route back to the trailhead.
Crooked River
Location: 43.943024, -115.6067061
Crooked River Trailhead
Location: 43.9552747, -115.6050754
The trailhead is located 1.5 miles from Edna Creek Campground. Five parking spots are available here.
Overlooking Crooked River
Location: 43.9353139, -115.6036699
Sandy Beach
Location: 43.9162428, -115.5949903