West Fork of the North Fork
Hike along a stream in the Boulder Mountains to see some spectacular wildflowers.
- Location: Boulder-White Clouds
- Status: Proposed Wilderness
- Distance: 7 miles round trip
- Elevation: 1,700 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Maps: Sawtooth National Forest, SNRA, Ketchum & Fairfield Districts; USGS Amber Lakes
- More information: Day Hiking Near Sun Valley
At the north end of the parking lot is a sign for the West Fork trail. From there, it’s a short walk to a trail sign and stream. Cross the stream (a log should be in place to cross it), and sign in at the registration box.
At 1 mile, pass the junction to the left for the Amber Gulch trail. Hiking very close to the stream, stay on the main trail; it then turns away from the stream and goes uphill.
At 2.5 miles, the trail appears to cross the river. Continue on the same side you've been hiking, turn away from the river and climb a dry creek bed just beyond a group of trees. Continue cross-country for about 150 yards until you reach a cairn (mound of rocks) that brings you back to section of well-defined trail.
Continue upstream (west) at the rocks and hike through the trees on a good trail. At 3.5 miles, the trail fades in the glacier-carved upper valley. Find a place to stop near the creek or in the wildflower filled meadow.
Directions
From Ketchum, drive north on Highway 75 for 8 miles to the main building of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Take a right onto North Fork Road and continue past the parking area for 5 miles. The road ends in a parking area by the river. Begin your hike here.
