Rapid River Trail #177

Rapid River Trail #177 is located in the Wild and Scenic Rapid River Corridor, one of the first rivers in Idaho to gain this designation, on the northern edge of the Payette National Forest. The absence of roads and other development has helped keep this river one of the clearest and cleanest in the area. Chances are good you will encounter poison ivy on this trail, which is a waxy, three leaved plant with leaves like inverted tear drops.

The 14 mile trail follows the Rapid River from Lick Creek Lookout on the south end to the border of the Nez Perce Forest on the north end. Keep an eye out for rare Pacific Yew trees.

Many trails lead down to the river and join the Rapid River Trail: at 2.5 miles the Cub Creek Trail #362 and the Indian Spring Trail #184; at 5.5 miles the Twin Lakes Creek Trail (Echol's Ridge) #328, the North Star Trail #183, Black Lake Creek Trail #188; at 8 miles the Frypan Creek Trail #279, the Lonesome Ridge Trail #329; at 10.25 miles near Paradise Cabin the Paradise Creek Trail #186 and Paradise Creek/Trail Creek Trail #185, and at 12 miles the Copper Creek Trail #190. The trail is open to the following uses: Hiking, Horseback Riding

Directions: Travel southwest 8 miles from New Meadows on Hwy 95 to Pine Ridge Road. Turn right and go west on Pine Ridge Road (Forest Road 089) for 2 miles to the fork. Take the right fork and continue 4.5 miles on FS 089, turn right onto Lick Creek Lookout Road (Forest Road 139) for 7 miles. The Lost Creek Trail #358 trailhead is on the north side of the road. Follow this trail north 2.5 miles to Lick Creek Lookout. The trail leaves to the northeast 1/2 mile past the lookout.