Directions: From Stanley, ID 21 N 11 mi; at mp 119.5 turn R (N) onto FR 203 (Marsh Creek Rd) for 5.5 mi to Cape Horn Guard Station; stop along the way to bird and view wildflowers; from Guard Station continue NW on FR 203 and follow directions to Cape Horn lakes (EC20) or continue for 3.3 mi to junction with ID 21; this is a great route to bike.

Description: The Marsh Creek meadow area is carpeted with blue camas lilies in June for one of the most beautiful wildflower spectacles in Idaho. The Cape Horn region contains one of the largest, contiguous, undeveloped wet meadow complexes in the Upper Salmon basin. The landscape mosaic of riparian, wetland, meadow, sagebrush, and mixed conifer vegetation types creates a diverse habitat matrix for a wide array of bird species. During breeding season, the braided creek channels and surrounding wet meadows of Marsh Creek support many waterbirds as well as one of the highest nesting densities of Sandhill Crane in the Upper Salmon basin. Watch and listen for nesting waterfowl (primarily Mallard), Virginia Rail, Sora, and Wilson’s Snipe. Songbirds found among willows, sagebrush uplands, and mixed conifer forest include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Cassin’s and Warbling Vireos, Horned Lark (in the more arid areas), Mountain Bluebird, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Western Tanager, Chipping, Brewer’s, Vesper, Lincoln’s, and White-crowned Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Junco. Watch for raptors, including Northern Harrier, Northern Goshawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and the occasional Great Gray and Northern Saw-whet Owls along the route.

More Information:
USFS (208) 838-3300
Stanley Chamber of Commerce 1-800-878-7950