Trail Highlight: Jones Creek Loop

Our most popular hike is the Jones Creek Loop, a 1.7 mile trail that follows Jones Creek on the north and takes you through the forest in the south. The trail is shaded by large Jeffrey Pines, accompanied by Aspens, Mountain Mahogany, Douglas-firs, and Cottonwoods. Though it is very popular, the trail maintains a small environmental impact, being unpaved and relatively narrow; the perfect size for a pair of hikers or a hiker and a pup. This is also a great connector trail, taking hikers to the Jones-Whites Creek Loop, the Whites Creek Trail, and down to the Bitterbrush Trail in the southern part of our park. The signs posted throughout the trail make it hard to get lost, but fellow hikers will always lend a hand in directing you where you need to go.
Because this trail is mostly along a creek, it’s a great place to see wildlife (or evidence of wildlife) and many of the plants we have in the park. It’s also a great place to splash around and check out aquatic invertebrates in the summer. This is a great trail to do with rambunctious kids; the hiking will keep them physically busy and the ecology, geology, and natural history will keep their brains busy. When they (finally) need a break, you can stop at one of the picnic areas right off the trail or plop down on a log and eat some snacks and drink water. If you haven’t done the Jones Creek Loop, check it out the next time you are here!