Wilson Peak and Reynolds Creek Canyon

This is a pleasant drive on all-season gravel roads that winds around a little visited area of Owyhee County.  Along the way, there are some beautiful buttes to visit, a minor stream crossing, and an amazing canyon overlook.

Begin the excursion at Walter's Ferry on the Snake River off 12th Avenue South out of Nampa.   On the south side of the river, the road splits.  Take the right fork.  At the Stop sign, turn right.  After 3.2 miles turn left on Wilson Creek Road.  

Continue driving for approximately 10 miles to reach coordinates: 43° 17.38' north, 116° 46.70' west. 

There is a jeep trail heading downhill to the left.  If you have appropriate equipment, take this trail for 1.6 miles to coordinates: 43° 17.80' north, 116° 45.07' west. 

Safety notice:

Do not take the trail which goes straight ahead and drops down into Reynolds Creek Canyon unless you are an expert dirt bike rider.  

Take the jeep trail to the left to the top of Wilson Peak.  It is a drive of about .65 miles to the top where you are awarded with an amazing view of Reynolds Creek Canyon.  I was up here one time and was privileged to watch a snowstorm sweep down Reynolds Creek and over the top of Wilson Peak.  It was cold, but amazing.   Note that this final ascent to the top is very rocky.  

Return back to the main road and turn left.  After 1.5 miles at coordinates: 43° 16.69' north, 116° 47.65' west. you encounter a creek crossing at Salmon Creek.  Depending on the time of the year, this may or may not be a challenging crossing.  Decide if you should return the way you came or if you will challenge the creek.

If you cross Salmon Creek, continue on the main road for 7 miles to the intersection with Reynolds Creek Road at coordinates: 43° 13.07' north, 116° 44.79' west.   

Turn left (north) and drive for 5.1 miles to coordinates: 43° 16.51' north, 116° 41.57' west.  

There is a jeep trail going off to the left (west) which heads up a fairly steep hill.  Take this trail 1.1 miles to the Reynolds Creek Canyon overlook.   

Return to the Reynolds Creek Road and turn left.  Continue driving until passing the Hemmingway Butte Recreational Area.   Continue driving and you will pass right through the middle of a ranch.  Watch for kids and dogs.  Once past the ranch, you have two choices; you can go either left or straight.

If you decide to go to the left, then turn right at the Stop sign.  

If you decide to go to straight, then turn left at the Stop sign.  

Return to Walter's Ferry at the next intersection.  After crossing the Snake River, turn right into Dan's Ferry Service.   Before reaching the main parking area, turn right again and go down a small, steep driveway marked as Private.  

Find your way to the parking area and enjoy the Fairy Walk along the river.