The Nature Conservancy in Idaho - Silver Creek Preserve Revised

Silver Creek Watershed

The Nature Conservancy has been working in the Silver Creek watershed for 30 years. Learn more about its conservation success, and how easements have benefited people and nature here.

For the Birds

Download the Conservancy's bird list for Silver Creek Preserve.

Preserve Map
Download a free preserve map.

Silver Creek Preserve: 30 Years
Silver Creek Preserve: 30 Years tells the story of the project through artwork, photographs and reflections by those who know it best. Request your free copy today.

Maybe it will be the trophy trout that draws you to Silver Creek: always just so abundant, always feeding, but never interested in your fly. Maybe you'll come to hear the cry of the sandhill cranes as they return in the spring, or the flocks of waterfowl whistling overhead on their fall migration. Or perhaps you'll make the trip to see that legendary, glorious light: A light that seems designed by a photographer, or an artist, with its rich pastel of purples, reds, yellows and blues.

Whatever the reason, we know your heart will be captured by this special place in Idaho's high desert.

Each year, the preserve draws visitors from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries. The fly fishing is legendary, of course, but the preserve offers many other outdoor activities.

Flowing at the base of the Picabo Hills, this high-desert spring-fed creek attracts an abundance of wildlife including eagles, hawks, songbirds, waterfowl, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, deer and elk. Silver Creek's globally unique aquatic ecosystem features one of the highest densities of stream insects in North America, which supports the world-class fishery.

As many as 150 species of birds have been identified along the self-guided nature trail, which begins at the preserve visitor center. The Conservancy owns 883 acres along Silver Creek and has protected another 9,500 acres through conservation easments, making this one of the most successful private stream conservation efforts ever undertaken for public benefit.

To do: bird watching, hiking, hunting, canoeing, fly-fishing.

Facilities: Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Silver Creek Visitors Center to view our interpretive displays and get more information. A self-guided nature trail also points to the ecological values of the preserve.

Directions: The visitor's center is 33.1 miles from Ketchum. Drive south on Highway 75 through Hailey and Bellevue for 26 miles. Turn left at the flashing light onto Highway 20. Drive 7.1 miles to Kilpatrick Bridge Rd. (There is a brown sign on highway saying “Silver Creek Preserve”). Turn right, go over the bridge and follow the road to the visitors center on the hill.

Contact: Dayna Gross, Preserve Manager at (208) 788-7910 or dayna_gross@tnc.org