Garden Creek Ranch, Hells Canyon

Garden Creek Ranch

Hells Canyon

Learn more about this project with the Online Field Guide.

Reaching remote Garden Creek Ranch is a journey across rough terrain spanning a wide range of elevations. Cleaved by Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in the U.S., Garden Creek is part of the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area, supporting Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, elk, mountain lion, wolverine, black bear, ruffed grouse, partridge and quail. To date, nine rare plant species have been identified in the vicinity, including Spalding's silene, western ladies tress and stalk-leaved monkey flower. The Conservancy and its partners have protected over 90,000 acres here.

To do: hiking, hunting, wildlife and wildflower viewing. Jet boat tours by River Quest visit the preserve; phone 208-746-8060 for more information.

Facilities: Walk-in access only unless prior arrangements are made. Access available to boaters from Snake River. No facilities are available for visitors.

Directions: From Highway 12 in Lewiston, turn south onto 21st Street (Thain Road), then right onto Waha Road #540, right onto ZaZa Road (also #540). Drive 8 miles and turn left at Madden Corral gate.

For more info call: Art Talsma, director of stewardship, 208-350-2204.