Idaho · Hiking

Clear Creek

6.0 mi
round trip
1,412 ft
climb
7,636 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Clear Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Boise National Forest. It doesn't name Clear Creek, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Boise National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Clear Creek is a moderate out-and-back hike in Idaho's Boise National Forest, within the Lowman Ranger District. The trail is about 6 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,412 feet, taking you from a low point of about 6,220 feet to a high of about 7,636 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trailhead is at Red Mountain Trailhead, which is open year-round. The route is natural-surface and allows both horses and bikes, so it works for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. The climb is steady, and the trail is best suited to a day trip rather than a longer stay. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Stanley, which sits about 1,140 feet lower than the trail's high point, show July and August highs around 80°F with only five or six wet days a month. Winter is cold, with January highs near 29°F and lows around 4°F. Red Mountain is about 1.7 miles away, and Catpaw Lake and Lost Lake are both within about 4.5 miles. For paddling, Bear Valley Creek is roughly 6.6 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Clear Creek

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 4°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      35° / 7°

      12 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 14°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 21°

      12 wet

    5. May

      60° / 30°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      69° / 35°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 39°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      80° / 37°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 31°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 24°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 14°

      12 wet

    12. Dec

      28° / 6°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Stanley Rs, ID, 26 mi away at 6,495 ft. The station sits about 1,100 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.