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Hike to Lower Cedar Springs

Mackay, Idaho

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3.4 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Bob Hollywood

Beautiful natural springs. Stunning roaring creek. Easy canyon trail, surrounded by some of Idaho's tallest peaks. Historic 1920s hydrolic dam 1 mile into hike. Old wooden pipes. 3.4 miles roundtrip, 200 foot elevation gain.

This is one of the easiest, yet scenically rewarding, hikes in the Lost River Range. Traveling only 1.2 miles (3.4 miles round trip) with an elevation gain of about 200 ft. You travel in a canyon surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Idaho. Mt. McCaleb is the giant 11,682 ft peak on the left thoughtout the hike. The trail meanders along side Lower Cedar Creek. At 1 mile, you will come upon an old hydroelectric plant that supplied electricity to the town of Mackay from 1912-1940. Old wooden pipes, reinforced by mental wiring are found following the creek. Just past the plant the creek forks, follow to the right and cross the creek. The trail will be obvious. All the elevation gain starts here. It's a short 0.2 mile push up to the "hole in the wall" waterfall.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike to Lower Cedar Springs Reviews

This hike to the Lower Cedar Falls spring is beautiful, but to classify it as easy - well at least some parts are moderate, such as the last 1/4 mile to the spring which are switchbacks covered in loose lava rock. We got super hot - so take water. The stream is roaring this time of year (June) so we could not let our dog loose for fear she would be swept away! We had to open two gates to get to the trailhead, and the road to the canyon is one lane. It's ok for a higher clearance car if you go slow. Anyway, it was harder, hotter and more tiring than we thought it would be. But go anyway, beautiful Idaho canyon and rock walls and lots of history.

It's a great and relaxing hike! It's not to steep and it is very beautiful the whole way!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Climb Mount Borah

Backpack through Surprise Valley to Lake 10148

Visit Idaho

Idaho is a picturesque state filled with beautiful scenery and warm, wonderful people. It's an ideal destination for family travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or those just looking for a relaxing getaway.

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