Cress Creek Nature Trail 

Meandering along the scenic South Fork of the Snake River, the beautiful 1¼ mile Cress Creek Nature Trail journeys through sagebrush-grass communities, over juniper covered slopes, and along a lush perennial creek.  The creek derives its name from the watercress plant, a favorite food of the moose that live in this area.  With clear skies, prepare for an expansive view of the Snake River, volcanoes and farmland. The site offers ample parking, restrooms and trail accessibility, which attract a wide spectrum of trail users to the area.

You will become familiar with life in the Cress Creek area as it is now and as it was long ago.  If you hike quietly you may see deer, rabbits, small lizards, or possibly an eagle or a moose. The nature trail is self-guided with many interpretive signs posted along the way. The first half-mile of the trail is accessible by wheelchair.  The Cress Creek Nature Trail website has detailed information about animals, plants, people and geology.

Location (print map):

About 20 miles northeast of Idaho Falls above the Snake River. From Idaho Falls, take the North Yellowstone Highway north through town. Follow Highway 26 northeast towards Ririe and Jackson. About 3 miles past the Ririe exit, follow the signs to Heise. Immediately after the road crosses the Snake River, turn left onto the gravel road headed towards Rexburg. Travel 1¼ miles to a small parking area on the road’s right side with a Cress Creek sign and restroom. 

A conservation easement from the Bybee Family, funded by the Land & Water Conservation Fund and facilitated by The Nature Conservancy as part of the Snake River Land Conservation Partnership, allowed the BLM to add a segment to this trail.

Rexburg, Idaho Chamber of Commerce - Cress Creek Nature Trail