Left Fork of Fall Creek

The trail parallels the Left Fork of Fall Creek, but the water is often too far away to reach. There are a few crossings where you can refill a water bottle. When you come to those crossings, a filter will come in handy as much of the hike is in full sun and there are sections of hard climb.

From downtown Ketchum, it is a 27-mile drive to the trailhead with 17.7 of those miles being on well-maintained dirt roads.

Click here for directions to the trailhead. There is parking for about 15-20 vehicles. Other hiking options from the trailhead are the more frequently used Surprise Valley, Moose Lake and Waterfall Trail. Upper Fall Creek is another option for those seeking solitude.

There are bathroom facilities at the trailhead.

Late June through early October

The trail immediately crosses a wooden bridge spanning Fall Creek. At .1 miles, come to a gate on your right and squeeze through the fence. Begin walking through a sagebrush field and enter a pine forest after the half mile mark. The woods get thicker and the climb intensifies at about .8 miles. The ascent moderates at the mile mark and nice views open to Fall Creek flowing far below you.

The trail descends briefly at 1.4 miles and you enter a large sagebrush field at 1.6 miles. Come to a creek crossing at 1.8 miles and look for deadfall to ease the ford.

Right after the ford, come to a signed junction with Surprise Valley and Moose Lake. Turn left onto the narrow trail, following the sign to Highline Trail.

The trail intensifies through sagebrush and a switches back several times at it traverses an open ridge. There are excellent views of the Pioneers at this point. A little after the 2.5-mile mark, come to an easy stream crossing and then immediately to a tougher one. Look for deadfall to your right to make the crossing.

The trail rises from the stream and a right turn leads to a boggy aspen grove. At 2.75 miles leave the aspens behind and enter another open sagebrush meadow. Come to another aspen grove at 3.3 miles and pass up and over a small knob. As you crest the hill, a series of beaver ponds lined by healthy willows come into view on the right. Watch your footing on the side-slope loose dirt.

As you continue from the side slope, the trail starts to become less defined. Take your time and resist the urge to move uphill since the trail continues to parallel the creek until it finally swerves left at 3.7 miles and begins to climb through a section of forest. At 3.9 miles, come to an obscure junction and turn left. The trail continues through another open field.

Continue climbing and at 4.05 miles, come to another junction. While a swath of green to the left draws your attention, the trail continues to the right.

Follow the loosely defined path until it connects with another trail at about 4.4 miles. This is the destination. Find a rock to sit and enjoy the wide valley below.