Jump Creek Falls — Local services in Caldwell

WARNINGPLEASE READ* The permissible hours of the Jump Creek Recreation area are STRICTLY enforced. An Owyhee County Sheriff officer said this is because of criminal and/or dangerous incidents that have occurred here in the past: accidental death, officer impersonation, attempted kidnapping, etc. The current fine for trespassing off-hours is $156 and I’ve heard the judge rarely dismisses them, regardless of the reason. Several times I’ve seen an Owyhee County Sheriff truck parked above the parking lot waiting to issue tickets to anyone who lingers beyond the closing time. I posted a pic of the hours sign. Although it is large it can be easy to miss on the drive in if you’re not looking for it. That being said, the area is lovely during daylight, although it is popular. A lot of families, groups of teens, and young adults frequent here. Most users leave no trace, but you will likely see some litter. It’s a short, easy hike to the falls/swimming hole. Some sections of the trail are sandy and it’s easy to slip .. watch your footing. The drive to the area is beautiful, particularly in the Spring. The falls are bigger in the Spring as well, however the trail is likely to be wet and therefore slippery...

Worth the drive from Boise! It was a little tricky to find because the roads are not all clearly marked. Some tips before you go- bring shoes you don't mind swimming in. The floor of the swimming hole is covered with rocks, big and small. Painful to walk on. There water is very cold until you go numb. Shade is limited! Wished I had an umbrella. Bring bug repellent! The hole has bugs that will bite you repeatedly. I watched a bug land on my friend bite, jump somewhere else, bite again.. The repellent seemed to help after applied. I found detailed, accurate directions on world of waterfalls site. My GPS was not useful once I got to the unmarked roads and the parking lot is not visible until you arrive so there are no landmarks to aim for. There are two parking lots. If you are there to swim, I recommend you drive past the first lot, down a narrow road to...

Jump Creek is an awesome little area! I photographed a senior portrait session here and I’d easily go back. It’s got a short hike from the parking lot, I think .25 miles, and it’s relatively flat. Then at the end, there is a small waterfall and watering pit that you can swim and jump in. It’s usually pretty crowded, so I’d try to go at a time where you think it might be less trafficked. There are some surrounding grounds that you can hike around, although it gets a bit steep. I’d be careful when hiking around! The area outside of Jump Creek is also really pretty, although less interesting. It features some tall grass and open land which is a nice change of scenery from the tight space of Jump Creek. If you’re up for the drive, I’d recommend it as a nice day trip with the...