Weekend Trip to Pole Creek Wilderness

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/7/5/3/event_24845971.jpegOur first trip takes us into the Pole Creek Wilderness – newly designated in 2009 – of Owyhee County. The wilderness is composed of 12,553 acres of sagebrush steppe, dramatically carved by basalt canyons up to 300-ft deep. The sagebrush plains and scattered juniper provide excellent habitat for Antelope, Mule Deer and Sage Grouse; while the canyons provide nesting ground for raptors such as hawks, eagles and falcon. The absence of designated trails nearly guarantees solitude (less than 10 visitors/week average), and the distance from major cities will provide excellent stargazing opportunities on a clear night.

We will hike into Camel Falls, a seasonal waterfall in a deep grotto tucked into the sagebrush hills. From there, we will have the option to day hike (~6.5 miles) to the 300-ft deep Camas and Pole Creek Canyons, grab a seat on top of Avery Table to watch the sun set, or just hang around camp and enjoy the solitude.

Please Note: Anyone attending our trips must have a signed Waiver & Release form on file with us. This waiver covers all trips and activities for 2011, so you only need to sign it once. If you have not already signed this form, it can be downloaded from our "Files" section and turned in to the organizer when you arrive for the trip.

Please read our RSVP Policy located in our "Pages" section.

Trip Dates: June 10 (Friday night) thru June 12 (Sunday hike out)

Drive time to Friday night camp: 2 hr 35 min from Boise

Friday night camp location: Primitive camp along Mud Flat Road (exact location to be determined. . .stay tuned)

Directions to Trailhead:
From Meridian, Boise and Points East: Head East on I-84 toward Mountain Home. Take exit 74 for Simco Road. Head south (right) on Simco Road 20 miles to ID-67/Grandview Road and turn right (south/west). In about 10 miles, shortly after crossing the Snake River, turn left (east) onto ID-78. In about 2 miles, ID-78 will veer east, and you will have the option to continue straight (south) on Mud Flat/Shoofly Road. Follow this road 45 miles to a corral on the left side of the road. The hike begins just below the corral. Look out for meetup signs.

From Nampa, Caldwell, and Points West: From exit 38 on I-84, Follow Franklin Blvd to the intersection with 11th Avenue in Nampa. Turn right on 11th avenue heading into town. After crossing under the railroad tracks, turn left on 3rd Street, then immediately turn right on 12th Avenue/ID-45. Continue to follow ID-45 south for 17 miles. Shortly after crossing the Snake River, you will turn left (east) onto ID-78. Stay on ID-78 for 42 miles. 2 miles after the ID-78/ID-67 intersection, , ID-78 will veer east, and you will have the option to continue straight (south) on Mud Flat/Shoofly Road. Follow this road 45 miles to a corral on the left side of the road. The hike begins just below the corral. Look out for meetup signs.
These are directions to the TRAILHEAD. Keep in mind we will be car-camping Friday night along Mud Flat Road. When I know the exact location, I will post a mileage and, of course, we’ll have meetup signs on the road.

Difficulty (*please see note on difficulty ratings in the message board (General TVB Discussion):
Trip Rating: Class 1
Trail Length: 3.5 miles one-way, with optional dayhikes from camp.
Elevation Gain: Approx. 350’ up/down each way
Elevation Range: 5,300 ft to 5,500 ft
Expected Temps: Highs in the 70's, lows in the 40's

Dogs are allowed

4 wheel drive is not required to reach the trailhead or camp, but wet conditions could make Mud Flats Road difficult to navigate in a passenger car, according to the BLM.

BRING ALL THE WATER YOU NEED FOR FRIDAY NIGHT AND THE HIKE TO CAMP ON SATURDAY. There is no water source at our campsite Friday night. There is a reliable water source near our campsite at Camel Falls, but water may not be available during the hike there. Water is also usually available in Pole Creek and Camas Creek.

Notice: Disregard the info/map directions link as it may be incorrect!

Please contact Mark or Tory with any questions