Elmore County: Water, Birdlife, and Oregon Trail History

Water, birdlife, and pioneer history give Elmore County a varied range of travel experiences. At Anderson Ranch Reservoir, activities on and around the water take center stage; at C.J. Strike WMA, a waterfowl refuge and the Idaho Birding Trail shape the natural setting. You can also explore the history of the Oregon Trail. When choosing a vacation rental, first consider which of these themes will shape your outings.

Water and Birdlife

C.J. Strike WMA and C.J. Strike Reservoir form a natural waterfowl refuge on the Pacific Flyway. The WMA is also a recognized site on the Idaho Birding Trail. Birdlife is therefore a focus in its own right, alongside the recreational opportunities at Anderson Ranch Reservoir, which include hiking, boating, water skiing, and fishing.

One specific trail option there is the Camp Creek Trail: It is 6 miles long, moderately difficult, and intended for hiking and biking. At the site by the Anderson Ranch Reservoir boat ramps, there are vault toilets, a boat ramp, and a dock. Forest Service campgrounds include Deer Creek, with 30 sites; Curlew Creek, with 25; and Fall Creek, with 20. Swimming areas are also among the listed facilities. This lets you weigh different priorities—from hiking to activities on the water—when planning your trip.

Traces of the Oregon Trail

At the Three Island Crossing Overlook, you can see the point where the Oregon Trail descended toward the Snake River again. The three islands that gave Three Island Crossing its name are also visible from there. The overlook has a short gravel path, interpretive signs, and parking. At the Oregon Trail History and Education Center in Three Island Crossing State Park, you can learn more about pioneers, early settlers, and the history of Indigenous people.

The Oregon National Historic Trail auto tour route also offers a distinct reference point: near Glenns Ferry, it turns west onto State Route 78. Birdlife is reflected in the name of the Elman Goodman Mountain Bluebird Trail. The Elman Goodman Mountain Bluebird Trail, the official name of the Bluebird Trail, runs along Bennett Mountain Road in the Glenns Ferry area. These historical sites and the bird trail offer different experiences from the activities on the water.

Places and Activities with Their Own Character

The Mountain Home Museum building was built as a library in 1908 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For a different kind of outing, there’s the Desert Canyon Golf Course in Mountain Home: The public course has 18 holes and is open year-round. Birdies Bar & Grill at the golf course welcomes golfers and the public for food and drinks in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Willow Creek Trail No. 019 runs along the northern end of Willow Creek Transfer Camp. It is open to non-motorized traffic and motorcycles. The Elmore County Fairgrounds can host a wide range of events. When looking for a vacation rental, these differences can help you decide what to focus on: golf, trail use, events, or historical sites lead to different travel plans, without implying a particular location for your accommodation.

A Broader Regional Perspective

In the Trinity Mountain Region, Boise National Forest and Sawtooth National Forest offer camping, hiking, biking, hot springs, hunting, and winter sports. Regional activities also include those at Anderson Lake and along the South Fork of the Boise River. To reach the South Fork, travel north from Mountain Home on U.S. 20 to Anderson Ranch Dam Road; then cross the dam and continue downstream. This route information adds specific directions to the range of nature and activity options without specifying a travel time.

Discover More Destinations

Mountain Home, Glenns Ferry, Boise, King Hill, Payette County, Lewis County, Teton County, Valley

For the broader travel overview: Idaho.