Peninsula, Lily Marsh, and Meadow Marsh Trails Loop

This is a popular loop in Ponderosa State Park for hikers that want a relatively easy but longer hike. This trail offers great views of Payette Lake. It starts at the Activity Center parking lot near the Peninsula Campground. You loop around the campground and then continue north along the western side of the peninsula. The Peninsula Trail is double-track, so hikers can typically walk side by side on this portion. The Peninsula Trail is relatively flat and easy, whereas the trails on the eastern side of the loop are slightly more difficult and narrower. Cross Scenic Drive at the Lily Marsh Trailhead and continue north on Fox Run Trail until the Lily Marsh Trail turns off to the right and crosses a bridge over the marsh. Then continue south alongside the marsh. It will then leave the marsh and climb to the Fox Run Trailhead. Go south on the trail (across the parking lot) to the Meadow Marsh Trail (since Meadow Marsh is a loop you can take the first or second right on the loop). You will end up at the Meadow Marsh Trailhead and will need to take Scenic Drive south to the Activity Center Parking Lot. The Lily Marsh and Meadow Marsh Trails are for hikers only. During this time the park is open to snowshoers and cross-country skiers, most of this trail is for snowshoers only. No dogs are allowed on park trails in the winter, except for Rover’s Round-About for dogs to accompany Nordic skiers or snowshoers on this 1 mile loop trail. This loop connects to other trails along the north and eastern sides of the peninsula, if you wish to extend your trip.