Marble Creek NRT

Pack up your pawtastic pup and get ready for a great hiking adventure in the mountains of Calder, Idaho! You will love being in the great outdoors in the Panhandle National Forest where you will find Marble Creek National Recreational Trail.

Also named by the Forestry Department as Forest Service Trail #261, you can pick up the trailhead on the forestry road just past the bridge over Marble Creek. This 11-mile hike is one trail within the Marble Creek Trail system, used by loggers in the 1920’s. 

The trail is rated as difficult as there are many steep sections however, you will also encounter easily-traversed lands as well. Crossing Marble Creek is a highlight of this hike, with many beautiful spots to let Fido swim and to throw in your line and try to catch lunch! Naturally placed scenic picnic spots are abundant along this hike, as are places to take photos of Lookout Mountain.

Most pup-abilities can enjoy this trail which is open from June through November. For those not so athletic, just take it slow and let your pup take extra rest breaks. There are no leash requirements, just use good judgement as you are hiking through the forest where you can encounter various wildlife species, so keep the leash handy just in case. 

Pack plenty of water, and note there are no restrooms to be found here. This is a shared-use trail with horseback riders, but you will not see many travelers along this route. Twists and turns can be expected with the footing to be either dirt or pine needles. Hike when the huckleberries are ripening for an extra special treat! Or why not take an extra day and spend the night camping here with your fur-ever friend?

Check out Marble Creek NRT for a great hiking experience with your pup!