The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Big Jacks Creek natural area comprises 52,000 acres managed by BLM. The agency sustains the health, productivity, and diversity of such public areas for the use and pleasure of both future and present generations. Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area is part of the bigger Owyhee Canyonlands, a massive and remote region with canyons developed by the Bruneau, Jarbidge, and Owyhee River systems. Big Jacks Creek normally flows north into Bruneau's River system, and Little Jacks Creek's natural area is situated on the wilderness area's northwest border. Around 35 miles of the creek is designated a scenic and wild river. The river systems offer natural areas with serene pools and turbulent whitewater spots.
Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area's elevations range between 2,808 and 5,872 feet above sea level. Its terrain is characterized by extremely high plateaus, including deep canyons with a maximum depth of 655 feet. The steep grass elevations support wild animals like bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats, pronghorns, sage grouses, and mountain lions. This BLM property also offers travelers an ideal environment to enjoy outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, whitewater rafting, hiking, and primitive camping.
This lightly trafficked route is located near Bruneau, ID. It goes through Holman Cabin, Wickahoney Crossing, Zeno Canyon, and Buncel Crossing. The loop trail provides visitors with an opportunity to see wildlife and is primarily used for off-road driving, mountain biking, and bird watching.
Length: 43.18 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This path is situated near Bruneau. It's a loop to the wilderness border returning via the potholes on the creek. The trail is mainly used for off-road driving and bird-watching, and travelers can use it between April and September.
Length: 58.9 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Situated off Wickahoney Road, the Parker Trail is among the most common hiking routes within the Big Jacks Creek area. It goes through dense sections of Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area. Although this hiking path is not long, it's usually intense with extremely sharp slopes and deep valleys. Hiking enthusiasts will discover scenic views along the route and areas that wildfires have extensively impacted over the years.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing opportunities in Big Jacks Creek are available but limited. That's because 35 miles of the river are considered scenic and wild with turbulent whitewater. Fishing is also limited here because the river is home to redband trout, one of the protected species in Idaho. However, visitors can fish brown trout in the nearby Owyhee River.
Although whitewater rafting isn't allowed within the Big Jacks Creek area, there are popular spots for water-based activities in the nearby river systems. The Owyhee River has incredible hot springs, interesting geological formations, and petroglyphs that interest boaters along the ride. Many class V rapids in the river provide a good challenge to experienced rafters. The nearby Bruneau-Jarbidge is also a renowned whitewater rafting destination with something for every boating enthusiast regardless of their experience level.
Big Jacks Creek natural area provides endless opportunities for wildlife spotting and sightseeing. A wide range of wild animals thrives on this BLM land, including mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats, pronghorns, and sage grouses. You'll also get the chance to see different bird species such as bald eagles, falcons, and hawks as well as amphibians and reptiles.
The nearby Bruneau State Park is home to the biggest single-structure sand dunes in North America. This park provides a unique terrain for a wide range of recreational activities. You can rent a board at the park's visitor center and ride down the hill. The best time to enjoy this activity is in the fall or spring when the sand temperatures are cooler.
Several private ski resorts to the north of the wilderness area offer winter sports enthusiasts the opportunity to snowshoe, cross country ski, downhill ski, snowboard, and tube in the winter. Although these developed mountainous areas may not have remote wilderness features, they provide accessibility and established winter alpine playgrounds.
There are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds within the Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area. However, RV camping fans can park their trailers or recreational vehicles in Bruneau Dunes Park during their trip. This park has 98 Bureau of Land Management camping sites, 82 of which offer water and electric hookups. Recreational facilities at this camping area include a swimming area, equestrian corrals, sandboarding hill, two small lakes, a visitor center, and a picnic shelter. You'll also find restrooms, showers, and an RV dump station on site, but water is turned off when the temperatures drop below freezing.
BLM allows primitive camping within the Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area. There are limited overnight camping sites in this Bureau of Land Management free camping area, and stays are strictly limited to 14 days. Travelers are encouraged to set camps in the previously used areas to prevent vegetation damage and disturbance to the wildlife. However, there are no amenities apart from a vault toilet.
As you plan your road trip to Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area, check the local BLM website to know the area's road and climate conditions to help you prepare appropriately. Also, check if there are any seasonal, fire-related, or recreational closures before you embark on your journey to avoid disappointments. Poison ivy is pretty common across Idaho, and its oil causes rashes once it comes in contact with human skin. To safeguard yourself, wear long sleeves and long pants. Also, pack calamine lotion or cream with cortisone to help alleviate any rash symptoms.
Summer temperatures in Idaho can go above 100 degrees. So remember to drink water more frequently to retain high energy levels and avoid dehydration. There's plenty of water in this wilderness area, but it's only good for bathing. Therefore, if you don't plan to carry some drinking water, you'll want to boil the creek water before consumption. If you search "BLM camping near me," you will find that Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area has a lot to offer. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM encourages all visitors to the Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area to maintain cleanliness to help preserve the natural resources on the site. Bury human waste deep in the ground and far away from the water sources to prevent pollution. Also, avoid interfering with rocks, vegetation, and historical objects to allow other nature lovers a sense of discovery.
To reach the area from Bruneau, drive south on State Highway 51 for approximately 25 miles until you reach milepost 45. Continue for another 0.1 miles to the south. Drive west or right for five miles on Wickahoney Road until you reach the wilderness kiosk.
Ready to visit the Big Jacks Creek Wilderness Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
