Ridge to Rivers Updating Special Trail Management Strategy on Popular Foothills Trail
February 10, 2023 12:00 PM
Ridge to Rivers is changing the special trail management strategy on Polecat Loop Trail #81 for 2023. Polecat Loop, a directional trail, currently requires all trail users to travel in a clockwise direction. Effective Friday, February 17, Polecat Loop will change to counterclockwise directional travel for the year. The change to the direction of travel is being implemented based on user feedback from the Fall 2022 Trail User Survey.
In 2021, the Ridge to Rivers partnership adopted a series of special trail management strategies on four trails in the Boise Foothills. All three other special trail management strategies – Lower Hulls Gulch Trail separation of use, Around the Mountain Trail directional use, and Bucktail Trail separation of use – will continue as is.
“We appreciate the input and involvement of our users as we enter the third year of implementing special management strategies on our trail system,” said Foothills and Open Space Superintendent Lisa Duplessie. “Changing the direction of use on Polecat Loop Trail on an annual basis offers a dynamic and unique experience for users. We are committed to thoughtful management strategies of the Ridge to Rivers Trail System and value the feedback of its users.”
Polecat Loop trailhead signs will be updated, in conjunction with our interactive map, to reflect the direction of travel changing to counterclockwise. Please note, Polecat Loop Trail has a higher clay content and is susceptible to muddy conditions. Regardless of updates to special management strategies, trails should be avoided when wet or muddy conditions are present.
CURRENT TRAIL CONDITION REPORT
The warmer afternoon temperatures and increasing sunlight are progressively drying out trails in the lower foothills. Over the weekend, sandier trails – like Camel’s Back and Lower Hulls Gulch – are good options to explore. All-weather trails are in good shape in locations like Hillside to Hollow, Foothills East, and further out at the Oregon Trail Reserve.
As always, please refer to Ridge to Rivers’ wet weather and winter trail use webpage for more information. The interactive map is also a great tool to view current trail conditions.
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The Ridge to Rivers partnership consists of the City of Boise, Ada County, the Bureau of Land Management Four Rivers Field Office, the Boise National Forest and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.