Idaho · Hiking · Near Oakley

Ross Falls (Interp. Trail)

0.4 mi
round trip
105 ft
climb
6,382 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Sep
best months

Caution at last check

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 21 h ago

Is Ross Falls (Interp. Trail) open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 4 alerts for Sawtooth National Forest.

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

Ross Falls (Interp. Trail) is a short, easy hike in the Minidoka Ranger District of Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is an out-and-back of about 0.4 miles, with a low point of 6,263 feet and a high of 6,382 feet, so the climb is a gentle 105 feet one way. The route is natural-surfaced and open to bikes, which makes it a simple outing for hikers or riders who want to stretch their legs close to the falls. It works well as a quick stop or a link to other trails in the area. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Jackpot, Nevada, show July highs around 89°F with lows near 48°F, while winter highs there stay in the upper 30s. That station sits roughly 1,150 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the falls run cooler. Several other trails and campgrounds lie within a short drive. Thompson Creek Loop and Rimview Loop are cross-country ski routes about half a mile away, and Wagonwheel Springs Loop is a hike under a mile off. For an overnight stay, Lower Penstemon and Upper Penstemon Campground are both about 1.5 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Lower Penstemon

    Campground

    Campground · 1.5 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Oakley Valley Historical Museum

    Museum

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Oakley

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Ross Falls (Interp. Trail)

    Best months: May–June and September. 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

      39° / 12°

    2. Feb

      41° / 16°

    3. Mar

      50° / 22°

    4. Apr

      56° / 27°

    5. May

      66° / 34°

    6. Jun

      77° / 41°

    7. Jul

      89° / 48°

    8. Aug

      87° / 46°

    9. Sep

      77° / 37°

    10. Oct

      63° / 26°

    11. Nov

      48° / 19°

    12. Dec

      38° / 13°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Jackpot, NV, 25 mi away at 5,233 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.