Big Pine Creek State Park in Idaho offers a rugged mountain environment with spectacular alpine scenery, excellent hiking, and fishing opportunities along pristine streams.
Big Pine Creek State Park is located in the mountainous region of central Idaho, within Custer County. The park features steep forested slopes, crystal-clear alpine creeks, and significant elevation changes, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife such as mule deer, elk, black bears, and diverse bird species. It lies near the Sawtooth Wilderness and offers access to dramatic landscapes shaped by glacial activity and rugged terrain. Established to conserve the unique ecosystem of Big Pine Creek and its surrounding environment, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing in the creek's trout-filled waters, hiking through dense stands of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir, and camping in well-maintained campgrounds. The area also provides opportunities for horseback riding and wildlife observation. The scenic beauty attracts photographers and nature lovers seeking solitude away from heavily trafficked destinations. The park serves as an important corridor linking public lands in the Sawtooth region, supporting conservation efforts for native plants and wildlife. Access points allow for backpacking trips into more remote wilderness areas. Seasonal changes bring vibrant fall colors and winter snow, inviting winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Big Pine Creek State Park appeals to visitors looking for a quieter, less developed mountain experience while still offering essential amenities and well-marked trails.
Big Pine Creek Trail – follows a clear, rocky creek with abundant trout
Old Growth Lodgepole Pine stands providing classic Idaho forest scenery
Panoramic views of the Lost River Range from higher elevation overlooks
Quiet backcountry access to the adjacent Sawtooth and Hemingway-Boulders wilderness areas
A cold, clear creek running through the park supporting a healthy population of cutthroat and rainbow trout.
Expansive vistas of Idaho’s highest peaks, including Borah Peak, visible from select vantage points within the park.
Dense stands of lodgepole pine, some of which are mature and provide critical habitat for wildlife.