Go explore Big Jacks Creek canyon in Owyhee Wilderness; plus new full-color plant guide

Big Jacks Creek ... a hidden crack in the desert

Succor Creek State Park

Big Hart Creek Canyon

Hi all,

The weather looks dicy Friday, but much better Saturday afternoon and Sunday for a sunny hike in the desert. For my tip of the week, I'm recommending three primo family friendly hikes in the Owyhee Canyonlands:

• Big Jacks Creek Wilderness from the Parker Trailhead - 2.5 miles out and back. The trailhead is remote and spectacular. 2-hour drive from Boise.  
• Succor Creek State Park - Easy hiking near a campground. You make the call as to how far you go and explore. There are some cool caves in the vicinity. Great for kids.  
• Big Hart Creek-Little Hart Creek Loop - Easy hike near a primitive campsite. It's a 3.5-mile hike to tour the two canyons located close together. Good trip for kids. This one is closest to Boise.

Click on the links above to get the details and maps for each trip.

You'll notice that Leslie Gulch was not on the list. That's because about 90 people are heading there this weekend for a big campout and lots of hiking with the Idaho Outdoors Yahoo Group. If you're not part of that group, you might find the whole scene a little overcrowded. You make the call.

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The second thing I wanted to highlight this week is a new Backpack Guide to Idaho Range Plants by the University of Idaho Rangeland Center and the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission. I bought one at a conference earlier this spring.

I like the full-color, 173-page guide because it provides a way to identify native grasses, including different types of bunchgrasses we see in the shrub-steppe ecosystem in the Boise Foothills, Snake River Plain and the Owyhee Canyonlands. It also details the kinds of native shrubs, forbs (wildflowers), and trees you'll find in the state of Idaho.

I've got several wildflower guides, but I've always wanted a plant guide that provides more detail about plants! You can buy one online at this web site for $15, plus shipping.

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The first of two used whitewater equipment sales coming up is happening this weekend at Alpenglow Mountainsport a.k.a. McU Sports Highlands store at the junction of Bogus Basin Road and Hill Road. The used equipment sale occurs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. If you're looking for a used kayak, raft, Stand-up Paddle Board, check it out!

The following weekend, the Idaho Whitewater Association is putting on a used equipment sale at Idaho River Sports. This sale is typically the biggest one in the local area, and it will have some great deals as well on kayaks, rafts, SUPs, canoes, clothing, and parts.

Have fun!
- SS