Cougar Creek
- 18.5 mi
- round trip
- 3,563 ft
- climb
- 7,774 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is Cougar Creek open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Payette National Forest.
Over Snow Vehicle Closure
Agency alert covering Payette National Forest · Order 0412-638 · USFS · Payette National Forest
Brundage Mountain Resort Snowcat Route Closure
Agency alert covering Payette National Forest · Order 0412-637 · USFS · Payette National Forest
Lost Valley Log Hauling
Agency alert covering Payette National Forest · USFS · Payette National Forest
Granite Mountain Over Snow Vehicle Closure
Agency alert covering Payette National Forest · Order 0412-635 · USFS · Payette National Forest
Gordon Titus Upper Elevation Parking Lot Winter Restrictions
Agency alert covering Payette National Forest · Order 0412-543 · USFS · Payette National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Payette National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Cougar Creek is a hard hike in Idaho's Payette National Forest, within the Krassel Ranger District. The trail is an out-and-back that climbs from about 4,110 feet to 7,774 feet, a total gain of 3,563 feet over 18.5 miles. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is open year-round. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows both horses and bikes. That makes it a versatile option for riders and pack animals, and the route's length and climb mean planning for a full day. The high point of 7,774 feet sits at the top of the climb, and the trail starts close to two other hikes, Martin Ridge and Teapot Mountain, each about 0.1 mile away. Reed Ranch Airstrip Developed Site and Camp Creek campground are both within a mile, so there are places to camp nearby.
Local outfitters
- Black Bear RV Park18 mi away
- Arrowhead RV Park30 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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