Draper Wood River Loop

The Draper Wood River Preserve is a beautiful piece of protected land in Haley, Idaho alongside the Big Wood River. The 124 acre property protects a half mile of the river, and is open for the public to explore and enjoy.

During the winter you can explore the preserve via a lovely 1.3 mile snowshoe loop. The trail is well traveled and you’ll likely be fine with just microspikes unless there has been a recent heavy snowfall.

The loop begins from the large parking area near Lions Park, located off Bullion Street. You’ll walk near the river before crossing it via the Bow Bridge. This beautifully constructed pedestrian bridge depicts a recurve bow with tips that curve away from an archer when the bow is strung. It was designed by Leslie Howa who drew from her passion for archery when designing the bridge. On the far side of the bridge there is a 17-foot tall steel arrow structure, further adding to the archery theme.

Continue along the path now that you’re on the east side of the Big Wood River. There is a short side trail to the river’s edge that is worth checking out. You’ll then come to the Heart Rock Tree, with a collection of heart shaped rocks placed on and around this tree.

The trail makes a small loop through the dense forest then rejoins the original tread and heads back over the Bow Bridge. Once across the bridge continue straight and the trail will turn into a boardwalk as it explores the edge of the Croy Creek Wetlands Area.

The trail then loops back toward Lions Park where you’ll end at the parking area.