Jump Creek Falls, Stage Stops, Petrified Wood

Owyhee County in Idaho is the classic American desert.  It is very dry here, especially in the summer.  Just about the last thing you would expect to find is a waterfall; but there are a few.   Most of them run only during the spring runoff but Jump Creek Falls typically flows year-round.  This always amazes me in that there are no upstream reservoirs which feed Jump Creek, only the aquifer.  By late summer and throughout the winter the flow rate is greatly decreased, but it does continue to flow.

Jump Creek Falls is located west of Marsing, Idaho.   Drive west out of Marsing on Highway 55 to where it intersects with US 95 which turns south at this point.   Continuing approximately 3.5 miles further west and you will reach Jump Creek Falls Road.  Turn to the left and drive south about 6 miles.  Follow the signs to a gravel parking lot.

At the west end of the parking lot there is a pair of hiking trails.  The trail to the right circles around to the top of the ridge and provides nice views from above the falls.  The trial to the left allows a front view of the falls from a front view with an elevated position.

At the south end of the parking lot is a very steep road which drops down to a lower parking lot equipped with picnic tables and a restroom.  This parking area is closed in the winter and you will need to park at the top and walk down the hill.  Please stay on the trails.

The trail to the falls follows the creek west from here.  It is a short walk of maybe 1/4 mile.  There is a creek crossing about 3/4 of the way to the falls.   I find this to be a great hike for using treking poles; especially while crossing the creek.

Once you reach the falls, the pool shown above is deep enough to provide a swimming area during the summer.

Safety Notice:

• The hike along the creek is notorious for its poison ivy and rattlesnakes.  Take care.

• Every now and then we hear about someone who is badly injured or killed in this area.  Visitors like to climb on the hillsides and falls are bound to happen.

• A visitor was killed in the recent past when hiking along the creek trail and was struck by a falling rock.

• I have seen broken glass in the bottom of the pool so you may wish to wear shoes if venturing into the water.

When leaving the falls, there is an interesting side trip on the way out.  Approximately 2.2 miles after leaving Jump Creek Falls' parking lot you will intersect with Poison Creek Road.  Turn left on this road and continue driving until you come upon the Poison Creek Stage Stop.  

The Poison Creek Stage Stop and the Rocks Stage Stop below were accommodations on the Caldwell to Winnemucca, Nevada stage-coach route in the late 1800's.

To reach the Rocks Stage Stop location return back to the Poison Creek Road, turn right, and follow it all of the way until it intersects US 95.  The road meanders around quite a bit. Turn right onto US 95 and drive south approximately 18.7 miles and then turn right onto McBride Creek Road; coordinates: 43° 18.57' north, 116° 58.89' west.  

After about 2.5 miles, there is an intersection with a jeep trail going to the right, which is north.  This is at coordinates: 43° 20.46' north, 117° 00.21' west.   Turn onto the jeep trail.  After crossing the first creek, the stage stop location is on the right.  You will have to look carefully to see the remnants of what was the Rocks Stage Stop.  All that is visible is the foundation and part of what looks to be a patio.  Near the creek you will find this well. 

If you continue to follow this jeep trail north, it will come out at the Poison Creek Stage Stop.  This was the old stagecoach route!

FYI:  The area between Poison Creek Stage Stop and The Rocks Stage Stop is within the BLM's Sands Basin Horse Management Area for wild horses.  The BLM maintains this herd at about 33-64 animals.   

Safety notice:

Any large, wild animal can be dangerous.  Wild horses are no different.  These are wild animals, and the herd stallion can be very protective of his ladies.  Do not approach.  I have watched stallions go crazy, rearing, and whinnying when we were a good 1/4 mile away.  I have also had them walk right up to us when we were sitting still on an ATV.    

Turn around and return to McBride Creek.  

Continue on McBride Creek approximately 2.8 miles to coordinates 43° 19.77' north, 117° 03.35' west. and park on the northwest side of the road.  

Note that you are now in Oregon and Oregon laws pertaining to ATV use and firearms use are now applicable.

Hiking up to the top of the ridge on the northwest side of the road provides a good location to find petrified wood.  I have found some wood here which is very colorful and is very solid (not all petrified wood is).  We have found locations where it is obvious that a complete tree fell over and was petrified.   The largest piece found here was about the size of a football.

Return to the Boise Valley by reversing your drive in.