December 21 Trail Report

With rain forecast for the entire day, the Foothills are saturated. Because of Boise’s clay-heavy soil, hiking or biking on muddy trails will cause deep ruts and permanent damage. Why does this matter so much? Boise's trails are fragile. One person hiking on a muddy trail today creates damage that takes trail crews hundreds of hours to repair in the spring. Remember If you leave a track, turn back. Most singletrack trails (like Table Rock, Hulls Gulch, and Polecat) are strictly off-limits today.

All-Weather Alternatives
If you need to get outside while it's raining, stick to these "all-weather" surfaces that can handle the moisture without eroding:

• The Boise River Greenbelt: 25+ miles of paved path.
• Harrison Hollow: The first section is graveled and holds up well.
• Mountain Cove Road: High-resistance gravel road in Military Reserve.
• 8th Street Extension: The dirt road remains passable for hikers even when the singletrack beside it is too muddy.

Pro-Tips for Rainy Recreating

1. Check the Live Map: Before you head out, check the Ridge to Rivers Interactive Map. It is updated frequently by trail rangers.
2. The "Boot Test": If you step on the trail and mud sticks to the bottom of your shoe or you leave a visible footprint, the trail is too wet.
3. Don't "Go Around": If you encounter a puddle on an otherwise dry trail, walk or ride straight through it. Going around the edges kills vegetation and widens the trail (creating "braiding").