The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The BLM provides various protected natural areas throughout Idaho and the rest of the country. King Hill Creek Wilderness Study Area is one of these locations with over 29,000 acres of public land. This area is very popular for backpacking, hunting, fishing, rockhounding, nature photography, and even horseback riding.
Idaho is surrounded by three national parks. These include Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming as well as Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.
This is a lightly trafficked in-and-out trail that provides some scenic views of the landscape and wildflowers from atop the Teapot Dome.
Length: 2.4 Miles
Intensity: Moderate
This is a lightly trafficked in-and-out trail. It showcases beautiful wildflowers as you follow across a creek into the rocky hills of Idaho.
Length: 2.1 Miles
Intensity: Moderate
This is an out-and-back trail that is best utilized from April to October. This lightly trafficked trail winds by a river and is open to horseback riding.
Length: 3.1 Miles
Intensity: Moderate
This point-to-point trail follows a river and has some breathtaking skyline views from the top. This is a multi-use trail, so expect to see off-road drivers.
Length: 16.4 Miles
Intensity: Moderate
This is a loop trail at Three Island Crossing State Park. It features hiking along the Snake River and miles of barren prairie land.
Length: 5.6 Miles
Intensity: Moderate
All Idaho waterways are open year-round for fishing unless otherwise posted. The King Hill Creek offers miles of fishing opportunities where you can catch trout, salmon, speckled dace, redside shiner, northern pikeminnow, chiselmouth chub, bridgelip sucker, and rainbow trout. Some other popular fishing locations include the Blair Trail Fishing Pond, Little Canyon Creek, Alkali Creek, West Fork King Hill Creek, and Cold Springs Creek.
There is an abundance of opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the highly convoluted terrain of the King Hill Creek Wilderness Study Area. There is a plethora of big game, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, black bear, mountain lion, wolf, elk, and mule deer. When it comes to birds, you may find a horned lark, hummingbird, or even a rosy finch. Wolverines, pine marten, red fox, weasel, snowshoe hares, red squirrels, pine chipmunks, and lynx have been known to frequent the area.
Picnicking opportunities in the wilderness study area are non-existent. However, there are various reservoirs surrounding the study area that have picnicking opportunities. Some popular locations include the Mountain Home Reservoir and CJ Strike Reservoir.
There is an abundance of big game through the mountainous landscape, including moose, elk, and deer. One of the most popular hunting areas is K Bar T Ranch Shooting Preserve, which is situated in the Magic Valley WMA. You can also enjoy a plethora of upland game, including river otter, muskrat, and mink.
Developed RV camping sites are a fair bit away from the King Hill Creek Wilderness Study Area. A great option is the Cove Recreation Site at CJ Strike Reservoir. These are first-come, first-served spots that cost $12 per night. You can enjoy potable water, picnic shelters, fire rings, picnic tables, an RV dump station, a small boat ramp, and fishing docks. Some other non-BLM options include Fort Running Bear RV Camping Resort, the Spillway Campground, and Little Wilson Creek Campground.
Due to the rugged terrain of this wilderness study area, there are various locations for primitive camping. The Emigrant Reservoir Dispersed Recreation Site, Morrow Reservoir, Hot Springs Creek Reservoir, and Blair Trail Reservoir are four popular options that are conveniently situated on the Oregon National Historic Trail. The Adin Hall Reservoir is situated off the trail and near the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
You should be prepared for unmaintained backcountry two-track roads. The condition of the two roads leading into this wilderness study area varies depending on the weather. They may be washed out or even impassable at times. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is always recommended when visiting this study area.
There is an abundance of sagebrush throughout this wilderness area. This is perfect for deadly Great Basin rattlesnakes, prairie rattlesnakes, and North Pacific rattlesnakes. Get immediate medical attention if you're bitten.
Before you head out on your trip, check our blog for all you need to know about BLM Camping.
The Bureau of Land Management works hard to preserve these wilderness study sites. When visiting BLM public land, it's crucial that you follow the Leave No Trace initiative. This means properly disposing of your waste, traveling and camping on durable surfaces, respecting wildlife, minimizing your campfire impact, leaving what you find, being considerate of others, and always planning ahead.
This wilderness study area is located in Elmore County, 40 miles east of Boise, Idaho. When traveling from the north, you'll need to access Dempsey Meadows Road. When traveling from the south, you'll want to access BLM road near King Hill.
Ready to visit King Hill Creek Wilderness Study 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.
