Boundary Creek Trail

Immerse yourself in Idaho’s mountains as you tackle the Boundary Creek Hike. This arduous ascent is a calve-burner and will undoubtedly get your heart rate up, but the views from the ridgeline are well worth the sweat. As this route travels through exposed terrain up to high altitudes, it is important to be mindful of the weather. Head up in the early morning to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon lightning storm on the crest, and make sure to dress in layers as insurance against changing conditions. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera; the scenery is spellbinding.

Setting out from the trailhead, the Boundary Creek Trail travels northeastwardly, immediately climbing alongside the creek. The initial section of the trek will progress through an exposed meadow before escaping beneath the tree canopy for a brief retreat from the sun. As you gain the ridge, the path will gently switch back, alternating through exposed and shaded areas. After a tireless ascent, you will summit the exposed ridgeline; turn right onto the Sunny Gulch Trail here. Take the time to indulge in the panoramic views of the snow-capped Sawtooth Mountains dominating the skyline and Redfish Lake below. If time permits, continue hiking along the Sunny Gulch Trail to the intersection with the Martin-Big Casino Trail.

Turn left, and you will descend into a basin decorated with the Casino Lakes and the Big Casino Creek. Refresh your water supply, then head back the way you came, all the way to the trailhead.