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Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area

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

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Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area

As protected areas of unincorporated public lands, BLM sites are a great way for visitors to explore the outdoors and become more in tune with nature. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and photography are popular recreational activities at these sites, and many sites also offer different camping options. Search “BLM camping near me” to find sites in your area and learn about the different amenities and options they offer.

The Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area, which is located outside of Montpelier, Idaho, is a high elevation area that traverses several types of landscape, including forests, basins, and mountain peaks. The area is home to a range of wildlife and also has a diverse plant population. Visitors to the area can spot willow, Douglas firs, aspen, lodgepole pines, pinegrass, serviceberry, snowberry, and Oregon grape. There are many options for hiking, fishing, and free camping in the area.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge Trail

This trail is great for wildlife viewing opportunities and also provides gorgeous views of the landscape.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Bloomington Lake Trail

Located in the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this trail offers excellent views of the lake and the local scenery.

Length: 1.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail

Another of the many trail options in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this trail is the perfect challenge for more experienced hikers.

Length: 6.3 miles

Intensity: Hard

Upper Palisades Lake Trail

Visitors to this trail can expect a peaceful, secluded hiking experience. The trail is long, but hikers can join or leave the trail at various locations.

Length: 15 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Waterfall Canyon Trail

This lengthy trail, which offers gorgeous scenic views, is a good choice for backpackers or those who wish to camp in the area.

Length: 23.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Bear Lake, located in the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest, is an excellent place for swimming, boating, and even SCUBA diving. Montpelier Creek and Montpelier Reservoir are perfect for fishing enthusiasts, and anglers can often catch several types of trout. The reservoir is also a good place for canoeing, kayaking, or boating. If you plan to fish in the area, remember that a fishing license is usually required.

Wildlife Viewing

Both the Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are excellent locations for spotting native wildlife. The area is home to elk, mule deer, grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, pronghorns, bison, mountain lions, lynx, bats, porcupines, martens, and a range of bird species including woodpeckers, gnatcatchers, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, several owl species, and trumpeter swans.

Picnicking

The Howard Springs Picnic Site is a great option for a quiet picnic area. The site offers picnic tables and there is a natural spring that flows through a stone drinking fountain. Harriman State Park also offers picnic tables, picnic pavilions, and easy access to several hiking trails.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There are many BLM RV camping options around the Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area. The Montpelier Canyon Campground is located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and it offers 13 RV sites. There are vault toilets available. The campground charges a small fee during camping season but is free off-season. The Montpelier Creek KOA Journey offers full hookups, a dog park, and easy access to fishing areas. Emigration Campground, which is also located in the national forest, has few amenities but makes for a peaceful, natural camping experience. The campground does offer potable water and flush toilets, and sites can be reserved online or over the phone.

Free Camping

Dispersed camping is available right at the Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area. There are very few amenities, so bring everything you need with you, including water and food.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area BLM trip

The Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area is often most popular during the warm summer months. Temperatures reach into the 70s and 80s, and nights are cool. From October through April, days and nights can both be quite cold, and the area sees a fair amount of snowfall. If you’re planning to explore the area during the winter, dress warmly and prepare for very cold temperatures.

The Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area is home to a wide range of wild animals, many of which are large predators. Spotting any of these animals makes for a fantastic photo opportunity, but it’s very important to always observe these animals from a safe distance. This limits the disturbance to the animals and helps to keep you safe.

Most Bureau of Land Management free camping sites have strict rules about how long a stay can be. In addition, most do not take reservations, so you may want to check ahead to learn the area’s policies and make sure there’s room for your stay. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace practices are essential for protecting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or recreational areas. Dispose of your trash or, if no trash can is available, take your trash with you when you leave. If you see any litter in the area, pick it up and dispose of it properly. Uncontrolled fires can cause extensive damage to wilderness areas, so only ever make a fire in a fire ring or pit, and always ensure that the fire danger rating is at a low level. Don’t take anything, including rocks, plants, or animals, with you when you leave.

Worm Creek Wilderness Study Area Location

From Montpelier, take US Highway 89 South for about 15 miles until you reach the wilderness area.

Ready to visit Worm 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.