Cress Creek Nature Trail - Hike near Rexburg, Idaho
11761-11895 S Snake River Rd, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA,Rexburg,Idaho
43.659230361808824, -111.71824268996716
11.9 miles S of Rexburg, Idaho
Address: 11761-11895 S Snake River Rd, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
GPS: 43°39'33.2"N 111°43'5.7"W
Maps | Directions
State: Idaho
Trails/Routes: 0.3-0.6 mi

Hike

Meandering along the scenic South Fork of the Snake River, the beautiful 1¼ mile Cress Creek Nature Trail will lead you on a journey through sagebrush-grass communities, over juniper covered slopes, and along a lush perennial creek. Cress Creek derives its name from the watercress plant, a favorite food of the moose that live in this area. With clear skies, prepare for an expansive view of the Snake River, volcanoes and farmland. The site offers ample parking, restrooms and trail accessibility, which attract a wide spectrum of trail users to the area. You will become familiar with life in the Cress Creek area as it is now and as it was long ago. If you hike quietly you may see deer, rabbits, small lizards, or possibly an eagle or a moose. The nature trail is self-guided with many beautiful interpretive signs posted along the way to assist you. The first half-mile of the trail is accessible by wheelchair.

On the northeastern corner of the trail, there's an overlook trail. Parts of it are pretty nice like the rest of the loop but some is barely recognizable as a trail. Parts of the trail are steep and parts of it go over some pretty loose rock. It goes for about a ½ mile all the way to the top of the hill. Just below the rim, there are several really cool caves. From the top, you can see from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.

More Information

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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Rexburg, Idaho

  1. Head south on S 3rd W toward W 2nd S (0.4 mi)
  2. Turn right onto W 4th S (0.3 mi)
  3. Continue onto S Yellowstone Hwy
    Pass by McDonald's (on the left in 1.1 mi)
    (2.0 mi)
  4. Turn left onto S 2000 W/Archer Rd
    Continue to follow S 2000 W
    (5.3 mi)
  5. Continue onto W 7800 S (2.4 mi)
  6. Slight right (0.1 mi)
  7. Continue onto S 600 E (1.2 mi)
  8. Turn left onto E 9000 S (0.6 mi)
  9. Turn right onto S Snake River Rd (0.8 mi)
  10. Keep left (0.1 mi)
  11. Continue straight onto S Snake River Rd (0.3 mi)
  12. Continue straight to stay on S Snake River Rd
    Destination will be on the left
    (2.2 mi)
or

From Idaho Falls, take Hwy 26 northeast towards Ririe, follow the signs to Heise. Turn left onto the gravel road and go 1¼ miles to a small parking area with a Cress Creek sign and restroom.

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Guest Review/Comments

/5
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gnau

4/27/20 11:35 am 8/2/19
I've done this trail twice. The first time I did this trail was during sunrise and it was beautiful.
Reply

hjmarshall18

10/16/17 11:25 am 4/7/16
Easier hike, and not too long.
Reply

kworthen

9/11/17 12:49 pm 5/21/17

jasminchadwick

8/11/17 8:17 am 7/2/17

netjim1

7/13/17 12:41 pm 12/31/69

endovereric

6/23/17 9:04 am 6/21/17

cteicheira

4/24/17 10:27 am 3/25/17
It was a good trail, not too difficult for people to hike on. The views of the river and the farm fields were really pretty as well. I'm sure in the fall, when all the leaves change, it will be beautiful out there. Along the trail there are plenty of rest stops if you need a break. There was a lot of information too about the area on different signs along the trail.
Reply

katiemia

9/10/16 2:24 pm
My only problem with this place is that I've been here too many times! It's fun, it's educational, and it's beautiful. Easy enough for kids and packs, but hard enough to feel like I've done something. Love it here!
Reply

shelton4e

6/24/15 9:28 am
We went on this hike with our five kids for a family activity on the weekend. The youngest is one and he was on my back in a backpack like carrier. The hike was fun for us all but not to difficult while backpacking my one year old. My three year old was able to complete the hike by himself. The older kids(ages 10-7) had a lot of fun reading the educational placards that were placed about. We will definitely be coming back again it was just so much fun and so close to Rexburg.
Reply

endovereric

5/30/15 8:52 am
We've done this hike before but we hiked it last weekend and the overlook trail totally changed it for me. The extra 1/2 mile to the summit made it more of a hike and the view from the top was incredible. Our 7 and 5 year olds had no problem but it was a little steep in places. Strongly recommend.
Reply

endovereric

6/16/13 10:56 pm
This was an awesome hike for a small family. It's very short and easy and the views of the Snake River Valley were amazing. We loved how the trail takes you back and forth between the arid desert and the more moisture rich area by the stream. The plaques were simple and informative. I think it would be a great little field trip hike.
Reply
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The main junction and bridge on Cress Creek added by endovereric The main junction and bridge on Cress Creek added by endovereric
Paved trail added by endovereric Paved trail added by endovereric Bridge along the trail added by endovereric Bridge along the trail added by endovereric View of the River and Trail added by endovereric View of the River and Trail added by endovereric View From The Top West View From The Top West

Trails

Distance ?

0.4 miles

Elevation Gain ?

133 feet

Real Ascent ?

159 feet

Real Descent ?

26 feet

Avg Grade (4°)

7%

Grade (-19° to 36°)

-35% to 74%

Distance ?

0.6 miles

Real Ascent ?

180 feet

Real Descent ?

180 feet

Grade (-20° to 24°)

-37% to 45%

Distance ?

0.3 miles

Elevation Gain ?

420 feet

Real Ascent ?

424 feet

Real Descent ?

4 feet

Avg Grade (17°)

31%

Grade (-4° to 33°)

-8% to 65%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

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