Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop Hike
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Single Creek and Dry Creek Loop Hike is a pleasant trail that explores Boise’s forested foothills. Contrary to its name, this adventure is anything but dry, instead, it demands several creek crossings—few of which are equipped with bridges. Exhibiting a variety of flora and fauna in addition to wonderful views of the forested mountains, this is one of, if not the best hike that the Boise National Forest has to offer.
Route Description for Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop Hike
Explore Boise's unspoiled wilderness along the Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop Hike. This epic expedition explores perennial streams in the Boise Foothills. While the trail is well maintained and well-signposted, the natural environmental shifts cause some inherent challenges. During peak run-off season, many of the flat-top log bridges are inundated, requiring hikers to ford the fast-moving creek. When doing so, take your time and use your judgment—if it's too fast, turn around! Even in the summer and fall, you can expect to get your feet wet! Additionally, the terrain becomes quite muddy and precarious in spring and after rainfall, demanding careful footing. Note: those exploring in the winter months will likely need a pair of microspikes to safely navigate the slippery path.
Enjoy a peaceful adventure along the Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop. Boasting a pleasant experience, you will relish the opportunity to relax and unwind as you explore a diversity of landscapes, including sagebrush grasslands, stands of Douglas firs, ponderosa pines, and blossoming meadows that frame the streams. These lovely creeks are fed by the mountain springs near Bogus Basin. Oh, don't miss out on the incredible hike by the name of Bogus Basin Loop Trail that is worthy of your exploration assuming time permits. Anyway, this topographical variation attracts plenty of wildlife, including deer, foxes, coyotes, and waterfowl. This beautiful but challenging day hike is an incredible expedition, and we cannot recommend it enough.
Embark on your journey along the Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop from the trailhead off N Bogus Basin Road. Setting out from here, the Dry Creek Trail tracks eastward into the preserved creek canyon. Not long after your departure from the trailhead will the path cross the footbridge over the southern side of the stream. Traveling through exposed grasslands and tree stands, the route will ultimately reach a fork in the road at the convergence of Dry Creek and Shingle Creek. Here veer right, and you will be diverted onto the Shingle Creek Trail.
This route tracks eastwardly up the drainage, alternating through green groves and meadows blossoming with arrowleaf balsamroot and lupines. Intersecting with the stream on several occasions, you will contour the ridges that are loose and uneven in section—so we advise you to take your time and mind your footing. Eventually, the path will divert away from the creek and up the wooded ridge. Using the trail GPS or your judgment, you will be directed up and over the ridge and down the sunny hillsides that offer great views of the surrounding foothills.
After some hiking, you will be delivered into the Dry Creek Canyon. Here, the westbound trail crosses the log bridge over to the north side of the creek, progressing through dense communities of sagebrush interspersed with vibrant wildflowers and numerous backcountry campsites. Enjoy the sounds of the babbling water flowing over incredible beaver dams. The further you travel west, the more barren the landscape will become. Ultimately, you will reach the bridge at the convergence of the perennial creeks. Beyond this point, you will retrace your footing along the Dry Creek Trail back to the trailhead, marking the end of your awesome adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop?
The Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop is a 22.2 km lollipop hike.
Is the Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop muddy?
The Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop is muddy at times, notably in the spring after rainfall during peak run-off season.
Insider Hints for Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop Hike
- Bring bug repellent, the mosquitos are relentless
- Come prepared to balance on logs and get your feet wet
- Sheep migrate down the Dry Creek Trail twice a year
- Pack water or a water filter to stay hydrated
- If you take your dog off leash make sure they are under strict voice command
- Be mindful of your footing when fording the creeks or crossing the flat-top log bridges
- Hike in the spring for a wildflower display
- If you are hoping to hike in the winter months
Getting to the Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop Hike Trailhead
The Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop starts from the Dry Creek Trailhead off N Bogus Basin Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Backcountry Camping
When to do:
Year-round
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Good
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Lollipop
Shingle Creek and Dry Creek Loop Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Mores Mountain Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Mores Mountain Loop Trail
Boise National Forest
![Around the Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Around the Mountain Hike
Boise National Forest
![Dry Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Dry Creek Trail
Boise National Forest
![Pat’s Trail Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Pat’s Trail Loop
Boise National Forest
![Snowshoe Hare Loop via Ponderosa Pine Overlook Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Snowshoe Hare Loop via Ponderosa Pine Overlook Hike
Boise National Forest
![Shafer Butte Loop via Lodge Cat Track Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Shafer Butte Loop via Lodge Cat Track Hike
Boise National Forest
![Five Mile Gulch Loop Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Five Mile Gulch Loop Hike
Boise National Forest
![Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail
Boise National Forest
![Sweet Connie Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Sweet Connie Trail
Boise National Forest
![Bogus Basin Loop Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Bogus Basin Loop Trail
Boise National Forest
![Homestead Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Homestead Trail
Colorado Springs
![Dry Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Dry Creek Trail
Olympic National Park