The small town of Hailey in central Idaho is a hot spot of recreation and natural beauty. This area, along with the regions of Ketchum and Sun Valley, comprise the natural paradise known as the Wood River Valley. Boasting sweeping valleys, stunning mountain peaks, dense forests, meandering rivers and streams, you could honestly spend weeks exploring what the Wood River Valley has to offer. The valley’s beauty is undeniable and many people have made it their life’s passion to preserve this pristine area. There are a ton of ways to explore the valley, but one of the most popular is via the Draper Wood River Preserve. Notable for the Bow Bridge and an endless boardwalk through the marsh, this preserve is the perfect way to get lost in nature.
The Wood River Valley is a popular recreation spot for good reason. The area is brimming with an abundance of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. A great place to experience everything the valley has to offer is Draper Wood River Preserve.
The preserve consists of 84 acres of pristine, untouched beauty. The forested park is located right along the Big Wood River and contains some seriously heavenly hiking trails.
This place seems almost too beautiful to be real. Instead, it looks like something out of a storybook. The iconic Bow Bridge is a notable feature of the park, stretching for 160 feet over the Big Wood River.
The bridge was built not that long ago; back in 2012. The unique bow-like design of the bridge is downright mesmerizing among the wooded landscape. The bridge is just one of the preserve's beautiful treasures. There's a lot more to see!
For instance, the Croy Creek Wetland Boardwalk makes it possible for you to explore a breathtaking portion of the preserve. You'll find yourself mesmerized as you stroll along it, taking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding wetlands.
Visit the boardwalk during the early morning and you'll be blown away. It's during this time of day that the preserve is best viewed. Stop and listen to the sounds of the birds greeting each other and soak up the tranquility of this incredible area.
Moose and other wildlife are often seen around the preserve. The Big Wood River is an important resource for many creatures and the preserve allows visitors to see what an untouched habitat looks like. The boardwalk allows pedestrians to get an up-close and personal view of an area that is usually inaccessible.
It's places like this one that remind us how lucky we are to live in a state that prioritizes natural habitats like this one. Draper Wood River Preserve is a popular spot for school field trips and it's a great introduction to learning about our state's natural areas.
Who can resist spending the day strolling along the boardwalk and soaking up the beauty? This is a fantastic place to slow down and unplug from civilization. It's a little slice of paradise hiding in central Idaho and it's a must-visit for any nature lover.
Have you explored Draper Wood River Preserve? This place looks like heaven on earth. Did you know that Idaho is home to the world’s longest floating boardwalk? Trust us, it’s just as stunning as the boardwalk featured here!
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