Hike In To Crown Creek In The Danskin Mountains

Biking, Hikes and Fish Idaho, Tracking Sheet

(May 19, 2019 / Author: Tim Bondy) Crown Creek is located in the Danskin Mountains of southwestern Idaho and on May 18, 2017, I hiked into this little stream to scout out the area for some trout fishing. I’ve never heard of anyone fishing this portion of the creek. 

Featured Image Info: 43.349570, -115.703756 ///  https://photos.app.goo.gl/873asdBNjqQvz1cSA  /// Looking about 850 feet down into Crown Creek from the ridge just to the west of the creek.

Where, What and How – Crown Creek

Crown Creek is a little-visited river valley located below Danskin Peak about 32 miles from Boise, Idaho. A lot of trout live in the creek and the scenery was exquisite during this spring green-up period. The total hike mileage into the “Crown” wasn’t daunting but my path took me on some pretty steep slopes. In addition, there are no trails into Crown Creek so it’s a full-on cross-country hike … Just the way I like it.

The Hike in to Crown Creek

The trailhead for this hike is located on BLM land and one just needs to load up the daypack and head up the ridge to east. Then, just keep walking until you encounter the Crown Creek river valley. You’ll have to navigate the very steep slope down to the creek before choosing to explore either upstream or downstream. It’s that straightforward.

 
The trailhead at 43.352793, -115.719223
 
Crown Creek isn’t a very substantial creek and that is why I was surprised by the sheer number of trout that live in the waterway. Even after years of drought, the trout are still thriving. It was because of the drought that I decided against bringing my fishing pole. I didn’t expect there to be any fish in the stream.

The hike back to the trailhead can go numerous ways. All of them involve a healthy climb out of the canyon. Take your time and enjoy the scenery as you head back to your vehicle.

FYI: Private property hems in the lower portions of Crown Creek and road access to the valley halfway to its headwaters. I had to get a little creative in finding a 100% public lands route access in there. But I did.

Crown Creek, Idaho
 

Alternate Routes in to Crown Creek Exist

Earlier in the year, I tried to find an easier route into Crown Creek that involved driving my truck and just a short hike. The BLM researched my idea that I should be able to legally trespass to get to public lands on the other side of fenced-off roads. It was eventually ruled illegal to trespass even though I was just passing through. The best way to motivate me to find an alternative route into a fishable creek is to tell me …

“You can’t get to that public land because there is private property between our lands and their lands.”

Crown Creek Hike Stats

  • Date Of Hike: May 18, 2017
  • Name of Hike: Scouting For Trout in Crown Creek of Idaho’s Danskin Mountains
  • Trailhead: 43.352793, -115.719223 on FSR #167
  • Turnaround Point or Furthest Out Point: 43.347624, -115.699143
  • Mountain Range(s) Involved: Danskin Mountains
  • Link To Photographs: https://goo.gl/photos/zF5fBQHQA3PZx6gz8
  • Mileage: 3.77 miles
  • + Vertical Feet: 1,250 feet 
  • Average Slope: +10.4% / -11.6%
  • Elevation Ranges: 4,142 feet / 4,816 feet
  • 7.5 Topo Maps: Syrup Creek
  • Hike Time: 3 hours 12 minutes
  • Facilities At Trailhead: None
  • Land Ownership: 98% BLM and 2% Idaho State Lands
  • Rockhounding Potential: Zero
  • GPX File Name: 20170518-124138.gpx (local file only)
  • Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 45 miles
That poor sap didn’t bring his fishing pole.
 
Update: Since this May 18, 2017 hike in, I have fished Crown Creek a few times. It’s a tough creek to fish but there were plenty of trout. If you wish to head down there, email me and maybe we can arrange a weekday trip. 

This story was originally published elsewhere on November 6, 2017. It was updated and republished on May 19, 2019. 

Thanks,

 
 
Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

“My soul lives in the Mountain West … It’s where I fish for trout.” ~ Tim Bondy

 

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