Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Silver Creek Preserve is a privately protected conservation area located in central Idaho near the town of Picabo. The preserve encompasses approximately 3,000 acres of high desert rangeland, wetlands, and the pristine Silver Creek, a spring-fed stream well-known for its world-class fly fishing, particularly for rainbow and brown trout. The creek’s clear, oxygen-rich waters support a rich aquatic ecosystem, making it an anglers’ paradise and a critical habitat for a variety of wildlife. Ecologically, the preserve includes wet meadows, sagebrush steppe, riparian areas, and surrounding volcanic soil landscapes. It supports numerous species including trout, beavers, river otters, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and a diverse range of migratory birds. Historically, the land was traditionally occupied by Shoshone-Bannock tribes before becoming ranchlands and eventually being acquired for conservation in the late 20th century. The preserve offers limited public access through guided fly-fishing trips, birdwatching tours, and seasonal educational programs focused on conservation and wildlife. Visitors are drawn to Silver Creek Preserve to enjoy controlled recreational fishing, wildlife photography, and to experience the tranquility of a protected natural wetland in the high desert. Its combination of aquatic and upland habitats creates a unique environment for outdoor recreation and environmental study. Preservation efforts are coordinated by the Nature Conservancy, ensuring continued protection of the creek’s water quality and surrounding ecosystems.
