Cress Creek Nature Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Cress Creek Nature Trail

The United States features a near-infinite number of scenic, peaceful camping areas, and many of them are located on federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In fact, the majority of sites maintained by the BLM offer public campgrounds where any traveler can select a quiet campsite for a small fee or no cost at all. Because of this convenience, BLM camping is a common activity for many who enjoy getting close to nature and outdoor recreation. Some avid campers will even make trips of visiting and utilizing one BLM campsite after another, traveling all over the western United States in the process.

Not all BLM-protected sites contain campgrounds. However, those that don't, such as the Cress Creek Nature Trail, still have plenty to offer visitors. The picturesque trail is located in eastern Idaho along the South Fork of the Snake River, roughly 20 miles northeast of Idaho Falls. The main attraction is the hiking trail itself, but those who journey to the site will also find opportunities for nearby fishing, wildlife observation, and more. If you're in search of a BLM site that does feature a campground, searching online for "BLM camping near me" should provide the info you require.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Cress Creek Nature Trail

The Cress Creek Nature Trail offers a gentle hike amidst a lush, idyllic setting. The trail will take you through fields of sagebrush grass, over slopes covered in juniper, in and out of shady wooded areas, and along a peaceful perennial creek. The trail is particularly known for its breathtaking views. On a clear day, visitors will have amazing views of the nearby Snake River, miles of open farmland, and volcanoes to the east. The self-guided trail features interpretive signs along its route, and the first mile is wheelchair accessible.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Twentymile Lava Trail

Located within the Hells Half Acre Wilderness Study Area, the Twentymile Lava Trail offers the unique and memorable experience of hiking through lava fields. If you've never done so before, be prepared for rough terrain, unforgettable scenery, and a strange, surreal landscape. Since the trail is in a wilderness study area, you won't find any permanent trails. However, the unimproved routes for hiking are marked with different-colored poles. This out-and-back trail is open all year and tends to see quite a few visitors, especially from March until October. You can bring your dogs along with you to the trail, and you can even let them go off-leash in certain areas.

Length: 9.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

Fishing enthusiasts visiting the Cress Creek Nature Trail will be thrilled to learn that the nearby South Fork of the Snake River is considered one of the best trout-fishing rivers in the country. The river is home to native Yellowstone cutthroat trout as well as rainbow trout and brown trout. Visitors to the river will also find several concrete boat ramps and raft launch facilities at the nearby Conant Boat Access BLM site. After you've finished hiking the Cress Creek Nature Trail, you'll always have the option of hopping into the clear water of the river to enjoy a refreshing swim and cool down.

Climbing

The best climbing near the Cress Creek Nature Trail is found at Pointless Crag, a southwest-facing basalt crag located above the South Fork of the Snake River. The crag offers numerous sport climbing routes with difficulties ranging from 5.8 to 5.11. Some of the routes climbing enthusiasts can take on include Orbit, Sleepwalker, Fly By Night, and Hungry Eyes. Another option is to head over to Massacre Rocks, where you'll find several climbable walls.

Wildlife Viewing

The Cress Creek Nature Trail offers visitors the chance to see several interesting creatures. The trail was named for the watercress plant, which is a favorite snack of moose. If you're lucky, you might see one of the majestic creatures wandering the area and chewing on the tasty plants. There's also a good chance you'll see deer frolicking or rabbits hopping around near the trail. You'd also be wise to check the skies now and then, as you might see an eagle fly overhead!

Picnicking

Because the Cress Creek BLM site is primarily a hiking trail, you'll likely need to create your own makeshift picnic site if you want to enjoy a snack or lunch. Consider bringing a blanket and whatever other picnic supplies you need and hunkering down near the Snake River or at the site's trailhead.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are quite a few great places for RV camping near the Cress Creek Nature Trail. There aren't any official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area, but camping areas that accommodate RVs are abundant. For example, the nearby Mountain River Ranch offers 64 RV campsites with electric hookups and an on-site dump station. Another option in the area is the Heise RV Park, where you can rent an RV site with full hookups for $50 per night.

Free Camping

Provided you're willing to put in the effort to find a suitable camping area and put together your campsite, you're free to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping near the Cress Creek Nature Trail. You can head southeast along the Snake River to look for a pleasant clearing, but you'll need to find a place outside of the established campgrounds to put up your site. If you do decide to partake in dispersed camping, remember to only camp on durable land surfaces.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Cress Creek Nature Trail BLM trip

When you're planning a BLM RV camping trip to the Cress Creek Nature Trail, try to plan ahead of time whether or not you'll be staying in the area overnight. If you do have camping plans, remember that this BLM site offers no camping accommodations. Most of the official campgrounds in the area are found in the nearby town of Heise, Idaho to the southeast, which boasts both modern RV parks, as well as more minimalist, primitive options. If you need to make any type of supply run, the nearest major city is Idaho Falls to the southwest. The city is about a 30-minute drive from the trail and contains various retail outlets, restaurants, and lodging destinations. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM needs your help to keep the Cress Creek Nature Trail pristine. While you're exploring the area, you'll probably encounter other people and/or wildlife. Treat your fellow hikers with respect, and refrain from interacting with the animals other than observing them from a healthy distance. Leave everything in nature just as you found it, as removing or disturbing anything could disrupt the area's ecosystem. Additionally, please avoid leaving any trash or waste around the trail. If you do find yourself with garbage and can't locate any proper receptacles, please take it with you when you leave and dispose of it elsewhere.

Cress Creek Nature Trail Location

To reach the Cress Creek Nature Trail from Idaho Falls, take North Yellowstone Highway through the town, then hop onto Highway 26 and follow it northeast toward Ririe. After you pass the turnoff for Ririe, continue on the highway for three more miles, and then follow signs for the town of Heise. After you cross the large irrigation canal, bear right. Once you cross the Snake River, take an immediate left onto the gravel road. After about one mile, you'll reach the site's trailhead on your right side.

Ready to visit Cress Creek Nature Trail? 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.