Trail: Cress Creek Nature Trail
National Park: Bureau of Land Management
Features: Climbing area(s)
Geological feature(s)
Grove(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Meadow(s)
Mountain peak(s)
River(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Spring(s)/geyser(s)
Swimming area(s)
Valley(s)/canyon(s)
Wetland(s)
Other (describe below)
Activities: Dogs - On leash
Fishing
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Snow - Skiing, cross-country
Snow - Showshoeing
Wildlife observation - Birds
Wildlife observation - Mammals
Hunting (any)
Hunting - Archery
Hunting - Big game
Hunting - Bird
Snow - Snow play, general
Elevation: 5319 ft
Miles: 1.1 miles
Desc: Cress Creek Nature Trail is a self-guided interpretative trail that highlights the unique natural characteristics of eastern Idaho. The 18 interpretative signs discuss topics ranging from the geologic features that can be seen from the trail such as volcanoes, to the vegetation found in the surrounding wet and dry environments.
During a visit to Cress Creek Nature Trail you may see deer, moose, rabbits, small lizards, and eagles. While traveling through dryer desert environments along the trail, the expansive cottonwood forests are easily viewed below along the South Fork of the Snake River.
These educational interpretative signs accompanied by the fabulous opportunity to experience the beauty of eastern Idaho attract a broad audience. The trail attracts many local visitors as well as BYU geology students and hundreds of grade school children.
It is not surprising that many students visit the trail since the idea of an interpretive educational trail was first proposed to the BLM by school teachers from the local town of Ririe. The BLM state office is currently developing an interactive website for Cress Creek to assist in the learning process for students.
Three miles past the town of Ririe following the signs toward Heise. After road crosses the Snake River take a left. Trail is located 1.25 miles on the right.