Silver Creek – Quartz, Mica, and Gold in Boise National Forest

Silver Creek flows through the wooded valleys of Boise National Forest, northeast of Garden Valley, Idaho. The creek begins high in the forested mountains near Peace Valley and winds its way toward the Middle Fork of the Payette River.

This quiet mountain stream has been known since the 1800s, when early miners explored it for gold and other minerals. The name “Silver Creek” likely came from the shiny mica and quartz pieces that sparkle in the gravel, giving the water a silvery look in the sunlight.

Collecting rocks along the creek is permitted because the area is located on U.S. Forest Service land; however, it is essential to check for active mining claims before collecting. Some old and new claims still exist around Garden Valley and Peace Valley.

If you stay on open public land and collect only for personal use, you can freely explore the gravel bars and forest clearings for interesting stones.

Sometimes mica flakes cling to quartz fragments, or tiny bits are embedded in quartzite, reflecting how these minerals were originally part of the granitic and metamorphic rocks upstream.

Other rocks you might see include schist and granite fragments, which break down into smaller pebbles and gravel along the creek. These rocks often carry mica or quartz veins, adding sparkle to the gravels.

Tiny traces of gold have also been found in the creek, usually as fine flakes in the black sand. Panning in slow-moving pools or bends may reveal a little color if you are patient.

The Peace Valley area, where Silver Creek flows, is full of outdoor adventures. There are many trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV exploring. Popular nearby routes include the Peace Creek Trail, Silver Creek Summit Trail, and Bull Creek Trail, which wind through forests and meadows with beautiful mountain views.

Fishing is also excellent in this part of Idaho. Silver Creek, Peace Creek, and the Middle Fork Payette River all offer good fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout. In the fall, hunters visit the surrounding mountains for deer, elk, and bear.

The Silver Creek and Middle Fork Payette River area also boasts several scenic hot springs.

Silver Creek Plunge is the most popular. It’s a family-friendly resort about 23 miles northeast of Crouch, surrounded by pine-covered hills in the Boise National Forest. The large pool is filled with natural hot spring water that flows from a nearby cave-fed spring.

Rocky Canyon Hot Springs, along the Middle Fork Payette River, is another beautiful place to soak. You’ll need to ford the river to reach it, which is safest when the water level is low.

Farther along the river, Boiling Springs is one of the hottest geothermal spots in the Boise National Forest. This area is popular with those who enjoy scenic hikes and relaxing in natural pools surrounded by wilderness.

Silver Creek Campground offers 57 sites nestled among lodgepole pines. The campground is situated alongside Silver Creek, providing a serene setting for campers. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to nearby hiking trails.

For those seeking a more comfortable stay, Silver Creek Plunge Resort offers a range of accommodations, including cabins and RV sites. Guests can enjoy the geothermal pool, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities, all within the beautiful Boise National Forest.