ISU Bengal

Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Outdoor

Nestled just beyond the entrance to Caribou National Forrest from Mink Creek is the Cherry Springs Nature Area. This nature area features a network of paved trails meandering alongside a gentle flowing stream.

While the area, during winter months, is blanketed in snow, both the parking lot and trail system remain generally accessible. The snow on the pathways is well compacted from the steady foot traffic the area receives, although, I rarely see more than two or three other people using the trails during the colder months.

The trail system, which extends to the west end of the nature area, features a gentle slope from the parking lot, which soon levels out and continues with no perceivable gradients through the thickets of trees and shrubs. The stream wanders closer to the pathway and is more visible along this stretch of trail.

Veering to the east end of the nature area, the trail slopes slightly steeper from the parking lot and continues to wind downhill for approximately 40 yards. Afterwards, the trail levels out and continues for nearly a mile. The descent is gradual and relatively gentle when compared with other trails in the Pocatello area.

Besides the lovely contrast of glistening snow and turquoise water with rows of red dogwood, the area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. During the winter months, many locals utilize the area to try out snowshoeing and cross-country skiing before planning longer trips in more remote locations. In warmer months, people at Cherry Springs can be seen picnicking, wadding, swimming, fishing and walking. Cherry Springs is only open during the daylight hours, so camping at this locale is not an option.

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