Idaho Vacation: Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area



Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area
June 15, 2011

 Here is another Idaho vacation destination that is somewhat season sensitive.  In spring and early summer, the Camas Prairie Centennial Wildlife Management Area is a 3,000+ acre wetland but is usually dry by mid-July and thereafter.  During the wet season, the area is home to thousands of waterfowl.  In late May through mid-June the area is a huge sea of incredible azure blue/purple as the Camas Lily (Camassia quamash) blooms.

My wife and I visited the marsh this past week and the camas bloom had peaked for the year but there is still fantastic color throughout the marsh.  The sun was setting as we approached the marsh so we were limited in the photos we were able to capture. 


Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area
June 15, 2011


As incredible as the camas bloom is, viewing waterfowl is equally as impressive.  There are many species that allow one to get very close and bird watching and photography is popular.  Early and late in the daylight hours are best for this activity.  I won't try to list all the waterfowl that visit this oasis. 



Yellow-headed Blackbird
(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
 at Centennial Marsh



The marsh gets its water from Camas Creek which overflows from spring snowmelt.  The water level drops considerably by mid summer and the marsh is mostly dry the remainder of the year.  Numerous animals use the marsh and it is common to see antelope, deer, and elk grazing in the marsh at any time of the year.  We saw antelope when we visited this week. 



American Avocet
(Recurvirostra americana)
 at Centennial Marsh

 The marsh is located just SE of the Hill City townsite.  If traveling from the west, go 45 miles on US 20 NE of Mountain Home to Hill City.  Just past Hill City is the sign for the Centennial Wildlife Management Area (WMA).  Turn south on Swamp Road for approximately 4 miles to a T intersection on Stokes Road, turn left (east) and go approximately 3 miles,  the road turns north for the last mile.  There is an rough single lane road leading to the center of the marsh.  Passenger cars will have no trouble on the road.  If coming from the east, go 8.7 miles west of Fairfield and watch for the WMA sign near Wolf Lane, turn left onto Wolf Lane and go approximately 5 miles to 500 South, turn left (west) and go another mile to the marsh.



Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area
June 15, 2011

 Click here and here for additional information.  Because of the relatively remote location, this site is not crowded.  There are few tourist services between Mountain Home and the  marsh so be prepared with any supplies needed.  All services are available in Fairfield.





Sunset Over Centennial Marsh june 15, 2011



Idaho Vacation: Shoshone Falls

Spectacular!  In years with an abundance of moisture, Shoshone Falls is a tremendous waterfall.  This is the year to put this on your Idaho travel and vacation agenda.  Shoshone Falls is also known as the Niagara of the West. 

Shoshone Falls in a High Water Year, June 2011

Shoshone Falls is over 900 feet wide and cascades 212 feet, making it higher than Niagara Falls.  Unlike Niagara Falls, Shoshone Falls has the water flow controlled and is often a falls with little water flowing.  Not so this year, the flow is high and the sight is spectacular.  Later this year the flow over the falls will be reduced and the falls will be pretty mundane.  Now is the time to trek to the Twin Falls area to see this sight.

Visitor Overlook at Shoshone Falls

There are actually two waterfalls near Twin Falls that should be visited this year.  Twin Falls, the namesake for the city of Twin Falls, is about four miles upstream from the more well known Shoshone Falls.  In years like 2011, this falls also gives a pretty spectacular show. 

There are other falls along the Snake River in this general area but most are harder to access and don't provide the spectacular show of Twin Falls and Shoshone Falls. 

Water in the Snake River is harnessed for both irrigation and electrical power generation.  There is a power plant operated by Idaho Power on the north side of Shoshone Falls.  Irrigation water is diverted farther upstream.  During dry years and later in the summer, the flow over the falls is reduced to just a small fraction of the natural river slow. 

Upper Portion of Shoshone Falls, June 2011

At both Twin Falls and Shoshone Falls there are parks and picnic facilities.  The area near Shoshone Falls is the better developed and has very nice shaded grassy areas for picnics.  There is also a gift store at the site.  The area is owned and operated by the city of Twin Falls.  Just a quarter mile up the road from the Shoshone Falls parking area is Dirkes Lake and more picnic areas.  These areas are very popular with locals and are worth a visit. 

Picnic Area in Park at Shoshone Falls

If traveling on I-84, take the Twin Falls exit and go about four miles south to cross the Snake River canyon on Perrine Bridge.  Stop on either the north side or south side to view this sheer walled canyon.  There is a visitor center on the south side.  Follow Blue Lakes Boulevard south a little over a mile to Falls Avenue East, turn left and go east three miles to 3300 E road, turn left and head north to the canyon.  Stay on this road to the Falls.  The canyon road is paved and is fairly steep and narrow in a few spots but is negotiable with any vehicle type.  There are large parking areas near the falls.  Click this link for a map of the area.  From May to October, there is a $3.00 fee for access and parking at the falls or to use the picnic areas.

Another great park in this area to visit is the Twin Falls County Centennial Waterfront Park.  This park is located just a mile from the south end of Perrine Bridge.  View the blogpost here.
Shoshone Falls is worthy of an Idaho vacation any time but at high water, it is a must see.  To check water flow rates, call the city of Twin Falls at 208-735-4357 for information.  Click here for additional information about Twin Falls and the surrounding area.