Idaho Centennial Trail: Section 11

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

In a land of cattle ranches and alfalfa fields, this section provides hikers with ample skyline. As adventurers climb up the southern slopes of the Bennett Hills, they will be rewarded with an ever-expanding view of the Snake River Plain and the surrounding countryside, dotted with windmills, pivot-irrigated farmland, and ranch houses. Birds of prey soar overhead, while sparrows, wrens, and thrushes chirp throughout the surrounding sagebrush.

This area seems so removed from the world, yet a major interstate is just a few miles away. Water isn't common in this stretch, though the trail does cross Cold Springs Creek, which could have water in the spring. Most of this section is on a paved or improved gravel road, so the hiking is straightforward, if not a little monotonous.

Hawks and other birds of prey, songbirds, jackrabbits, grouse, mule deer.