BOISE, Idaho — The Boise Foothills are seeing rain throughout the week, prompting Ridge to Rivers to put out a warning Wednesday to stay off muddy trails.
Officials said using trails when they are muddy is the leading cause of trail damage in the Ridge to Rivers Trail System due to the clay content in the soil.
"If you're leaving tracks, it's time to turn around and find another place to recreate," Ridge to Rivers said in a news release.
For those still looking to recreate, Ridge to Rivers' interactive map highlights all-weather trails for people to still get out there and use paths. The Ridge to Rivers website also has a list of all-weather trail recommendations for bikers and hikers alike. Paved park paths and the Boise River Greenbelt also offer alternative options to trail recreation.
Ridge to Rivers also recommends using the recently improved Harrison Hollow Loop as one of the newest all-weather trails for recreation on rainy days.
Ridge to Rivers is a partnership between 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. Ridge to Rivers employs one of the few full-time trail crews in the whole country.
The Ridge to Rivers staff has more than 70 collective years of trail experience with the U.S. Forest Service and private contractors. More than 2,000 volunteer hours are applied each year in caring for the foothills – a sure sign that this area is important to Treasure Valley residents.