The Hiking Astronomer

Jump Creek Canyon: A Challenging Hiking Experience

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I didn’t intend to visit Jump Creek Canyon – I was looking for a place to hike on the Idaho/Oregon border before realizing that my original plan was going to have something like 40 miles of rough terrain that I wasn’t quite thrilled about. So I amended my search and came across this location and thought, “Hey, what the heck, why not.”

It turned into one of my favorite landscapes ever: at the top of the canyon, vast plains of grass and shrubs spread over rolling hills as far as the eye could see, without any society in sight.

Me being me, for better or worse, I pushed myself to the top of one of those hills and took in an awe inspiring view at the top of the rear canyon. Then, again for better or worse, I embarked on a nearly 1200 foot descent to the creek below. The descent was easy enough – but don’t take kids or pets on this, trust me. However, at the bottom where you follow the creek? That turned out to be one of the most difficult hikes I have ever endured: two miles of rough, boulder-filled terrain, stream crossings, tall grass, unmaintained trail, and even a bout of crawling on all fours.

You’re granted a view of the Jump Creek Falls near the end of the hike, though I’d say the view is better at the bottom. And getting down? Holy hell, man. You have to scale a narrow flute for about 60 feet, relying on sheer stamina to keep your grip and pressure. One slip and you’ll end up in the hospital, or worse.

Experienced hikers ONLY should do that loop. It’s hardcore. Do not bring kids, and do not start too late in the day, else you’ll risk shunting around in the dark canyon.

The front hike to the falls are perfectly easy, good for anyone, and you can swim in the stream or scale the opposite wall of the canyon for fun.

Knowing all that…sit back, relax, and enjoy the video above, which I took at sunset.

This world is beautiful.

Alex