State officials announced on Sept. 3 that the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Board is seeking a route modification for the Idaho Centennial Trail to address safety concerns, as first reported by idahocapitalsun.com. The proposed change aims to eliminate a dangerous creek crossing in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, offering a safer alternative for hikers traversing the state’s extensive trail network.
Safety Improvements on the Centennial Trail
The Idaho Centennial Trail (ICT) stretches more than 900 miles from the Nevada border to Canada, passing through protected areas including the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, Sawtooth Wilderness, and Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. While the original route was approved in 1990, current conditions at a specific segment have prompted officials to reconsider the path.
The proposed adjustment adds approximately nine miles to the trail’s total length. This extension allows hikers to avoid an unbridged ford of Big Creek, which has been identified as hazardous. Instead, the new route directs travelers along Milk Creek Trail 064 and Monumental Creek Trail 005, culminating in a bridge crossing near the junction with Monumental Creek. Salmon-Challis National Forest officials have expressed support for the modification.
Public Comment Period Open
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has opened a 30-day public comment period regarding the route change. Residents and trail users are encouraged to submit feedback to Hailey Husband, the nonmotorized trails coordinator, via email or by calling 208-514-2419.
Susan Buxton emphasized the practical reasoning behind the longer path. “A longer trail isn’t always a better trail, but in this case, the additional miles provide a significant safety benefit,” Buxton told the Idaho Capital Sun.
For Canyon County residents who utilize the ICT for recreation or long-distance hiking, the change represents a shift in infrastructure priorities toward user safety over brevity. Similar to recent local infrastructure projects, such as the Caldwell Bridge replacement on U.S. 20-26, state agencies are addressing specific hazards that have emerged since original construction or approval dates.
The comment period allows stakeholders to weigh in before the Board finalizes its decision. No timeline for implementation was provided beyond the current feedback window.