Closest city to the trailhead:
St. Maries, Idaho
Average Distance of hike:
1 mile
Why do you recommend it?
It’s a great family adventure to hike to the steam donkey (an old engine designed to move logs) and help kids learn about the history of the logging industry in the St. Joe and Marble Creek area.
What was most noteworthy?
Scattered around the Marble Creek area are dozens of other relics of the early logging era, including splash dams, logging camps, cabins and an incline railroad complete with trestles and a railroad engine.
Are there restrooms?
No
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Know before you go?
Stop at interpretive signs at the intersection of St. Joe River Road and Marble Creek Road to study the maps for other steam donkeys in the area as well as the trailhead to the Cornwall steam donkey.
Where to celebrate after?
Main Street Bistro in St. Maries
How do you get there?
From St. Maries, turn north on State Highway 3, the White Pine Scenic Byway, and cross the St. Joe River. One mile later, at the intersection of Highway 3 and the St. Joe River Road (also known as Forest Road 50 and as the St. Joe Scenic Byway), turn right toward Avery. Follow that road for 35 miles as it parallels the St. Joe River to the Marble Creek Interpretive Center, located at the intersection of the River Road and Forest Road No. 321.
Nspire Challenge Rating:
- Lazy Sunday Stroll
- Family Adventure
- Average Outdoor Enthusiast
- Bring Your A-Game
- Master Adventurer
Photography By Stephanie King
As Featured In: Summer/Fall 2021
1 Comment
Ok, so we attempted this trail today, August 24, 2022. The last bit of road was extremely overgrown. My husband scouted the trail and said there were many fallen trees and lots of puddles. He never made it as far as the donkey. We decided not to attempt it with our small children in tow. We will have to try again someday, but not sure how often the trail maintenance is done out there. If you go, prepare to bushwhack!!!