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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Idaho Vacation: Cave Falls

Cave Falls is not actually in Idaho but in the western edge of Wyoming and also in the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.  I list it under Idaho vacations as the only road to the falls is through Idaho. 

Cave Falls in Yellowston National Park on Fall River

Cave Falls at 250 feet wide is the widest of Yellowstone's many waterfalls.  The falls is only about 20 feet high but is a beautiful waterfall on the Fall River.  It is perhaps the easiest waterfall to access and enjoy in the southwestern portion of Yellowstone.  Due to the large number of waterfalls in this region, this corner of Yellowstone is commonly referred to as "Cascade Corner".



Couple Enjoying View of Cave Falls in Yellowstone
National Park on Fall River
 From Ashton or Island Park, the falls is accessable via the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, ID-47, and the 16 mile long Cave Falls Road (FR 582 after entering the Targee National Forest).  Winter access is by snowmobile.  The western end of the Cave Falls Road (also known as the Marysville Road) is paved but that lasts only a few miles before the road turns to gravel/dirt.  The road was quite washboardy when we traveled it and I suspect it is that way most of the time it is open.  When the road crosses into Wyoming, the road is again paved, a welcome relief.  Shortly after entering Wyoming, you are greeted by an "Entering Yellowstone National Park" sign. 


Fishing Below Unnamed Falls on Fall River in
Yellowstone National Park
 At the parking area for the falls there is another unnamed falls that stretches across the Fall River that is only 8-10 feet high.  From the parking area, it is a walk of 100 yards or so to Cave Falls.  Cave Falls is named after the cave that is at the base of the falls.  A rock slide currently has the trail blocked for the last 50 feet below the falls. 


Fishing Below Cave Falls on Fall River in
Yellowstone National Park
 Fly fishing is very popular in Fall River in this area.  Much of the upper end of Fall River is in a canyon and difficult to access.  Also in this area is the junction of the Bechler River and the trailheads for several other trails that provide access to Yellowstone backcountry.  Fishing inside the park requires a National Park permit.  Fishing outside the park but on the Wyoming side of the border requires a Wyoming state licence. 

The Bechler Ranger Station is just a couple miles from Cave Falls and there are National Forest campgrounds in the area.  This is bear country so travel and recreate accordingly.  It is recommended that you have a bear bell and pepper spray with you at all times.  The campgrounds are supplied with bear proof food storage containers. 

This is a beautiful area with lots of water features, wildlife, and wildflowers.  Because of the remoteness and ruggedness of the area, visitors should take precautions to make sure they have planned for the unexpected.  Use common sense and visits to this area will create memories to last a lifetime. 

Information Sources:
Yellowstone National Park -
Mammoth Backcountry Office
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Phone: 307-344-2160
http://www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/bechler.htm

Ashton - 
Ashton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 351, 714 Main St., Ashton, ID 83420
email: info@ashtonidaho.com, Phone 208-652-3355, Fax 208-652-3567
http://www.ashtonidaho.com/,

Caribou/Targhee National Forest, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, ID  83401, (208) 524-7500.
Ashton/Island Park Ranger District - Hwy 20 in Ashton, website is here


Monday, August 29, 2011

Idaho Vacation: Malad Gorge State Park

Malad Gorge State Park is just one mile off of I-84 but most travelers do not know it is there.  As you travel on your Idaho vacation, make this a stop for impressive canyon views and a beautiful grassy area with picnic tables and rest rooms for a mid-day picnic.  Younger travelers will appreciate the opportunity to stretch their legs and play on the playground equipment before getting back in the car. 


Interpertative Center At Malad Gorge
State Park

Looking Upstream from Overlook
Footbridge at Malad Gorge State Park

Malad Gorge is one of six units that comprise the Thousand Springs State Park.  It is the only unit directly accessible from I-84.  The park is 652 acres and has hiking trails as well as a nice interpretative center near the canyon overlook.  The picnic tables, playground, shade trees and restrooms are separated from the overlook but only a quarter mile or so away.  Camping is not allowed in the park but private campgrounds are located nearby. 


Covered picnic Tables and Grass
Playground at Malad Gorge State Park

To acccess the park, take I-84 exit 147 (Tuttle exit) and proceed north and west one mile to the canyon overlook.  A sturdy footbridge crosses the canyon for excellent views of the river crashing over boulders approximately 175 feet below.  The footbridge is very close to the highway bridge.  From the footbridge, one can look upstream at the staircase rapids.  Immediately under the bridge is Devils Washbowl, a large basin of wild water.  Looking downriver, the gorge deepens to over 250 feet as the river flows toward its confluence with the Snake River just 2 1/2 miles away. 


Malad River Flows Through 250 Ft
Deep Gorge at Malad Gorge State Park

Just a 1/4 mile upstream from the footbridge, is Kelton Crossing.  This was the bridge over the canyon where the Oregon Trail crossed the gorge.  Fortunately the canyon was narrow at this place and only 35-40 feet deep.  This bridge on the Kelton Road carried wagons, freight, passengers, mail, and everything else on the Oregon Train from about 1864 - 1883 when the railroad was built through the area. 

The Malad River is only about 12 miles long and is formed when the Big Wood River and Little Wood Rivers join near Gooding.  The Malad River drains into The Snake River.  From this overlook, there is no trail to the bottom of the gorge. 


Malad River Flows into Devils Washbowl
Photo is Looking Straight Down From Footbridge
 The other units of the Thousand Springs State Park include:
Billingsley Creek -
Vardis Fisher -
Ritter Island -
Earl M Hardy Box Canyon Springs -
Niagara Springs -

Click here for descriptions of all six units. 
Click here for a nice area map showing all six units.


Sunset , View From Malad Gorge State Park
 More information about Idaho State Parks is found on the Idaho State Parks web pages - http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks or contact them at PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720, 888-922-6743.

The fee to enter Idaho State Parks is $5.00/day, season passes are available. 

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Idaho Vacation: Idaho City

Gold!  That was the cry as gold was discovered in the Boise Basin in 1862.  By 1864 some 20,000 miners had flooded to the Idaho City area making this the largest city in the Northwest.  More gold was mined from the area mountains than from all of Alaska.  Visit this historic town and relive the feeling of the 1860's on your Idaho vacation.   

Idaho City Visitors Center

 Idaho City is located less than 40 miles from Boise making this an easy drive and a nice day trip.  The road from Boise to Idaho City follows ID-21, which is also the southern 38 miles of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway.  The Byway continues past Idaho City to Lowman and on to Stanley in the beautiful Stanley Basin and the Salmon River.


Idaho City Ice Cream Shop
 Stop at the attractive Idaho City Visitors Center for helpful information and brochures to be sure you don't miss the many historical sites.  Traverse the wooden sidewalks, enjoy old time shops, and top it off with a delicious ice cream cone from the ice cream shop. 


Idaho City Main Street

Caption on Idaho Territorial
 Penitentiary Idaho City
 Idaho City buildings to visit have many firsts - the 1863 Idaho World building housed Idaho's oldest newspaper.  The Idaho Territorial Penitentiary, a handhewn log prison, housed  the killer of Idaho City's first marshall.  The Boise Basin Mercantile, built in 1865, was Idaho's first general store.  The 1867 St Joseph's Catholic Church replaced an 1863 structure that was Idaho's first Catholic church for whites.


Idaho City Building
 Stop at the Boise Basin Historical Museum to view old photographs, mining tools, and many other artifacts and memorabilia.  On the west end of town is Pioneer Cemetery.  It is reported that of the first 200 graves dug, only 28 were occupied by people who died of natural causes. 


US Flag With 45 Stars
Idaho City Museum
 Today Idaho City is a mix of old and new.  Modern convenience stores, eating establishments, and lodging are available while exploring the old.  motels and RV parks are available.  Idaho City refused to die as have many mining towns even after devastating wildfires destroyed most of the town on two separate occasions. 


Water Cannon Used in Placer Mining
Idaho City Mines

Miners Cabin Idaho City Museum

Idaho City is surrounded by history and mountains, and today boasts about 300 permanent residents.  It is close to hunting and fishing and boasts a newly reopened sledding hill as well as a hot spring and pool 1 1/2 miles southwest of town.  Forest Service campgrounds are located a few miles southwest of town and more northeast of town along ID-21.  Idaho City should be your Idaho vacation destination.  Many events are scheduled during the year as it doesn't take much of an excuse for Idaho City to throw a party. 

Contact Information:
Idaho City Chamber of Commerce - 208-392-4159,  http://www.idahocitychamber.com/,
Boise National Forest -    1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 373-4100,
r4boiseinfo@fs.fed.us, http://fs.usda.gov/boise, (Idaho City Ranger District 208-392-6681)
Warm Springs Resort - 208-392-4437,

Idaho Vacation: Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway


Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway Sign
 Scenic byways don't have to be long to be memorable.  Such is the case for the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, a great option for a quick Idaho vacation.  This scenic byway is one of 27 scenic, historic and back country byways scattered throughout Idaho.

This short 33 mile byway follows the South Fork of the Payette River on the Banks-Lowman road.  Access is at either Banks (US-55) or at Lowman (ID-21).  At Banks, the South Fork of the Payette and the North Fork of the Payette come together creating a major waterway often topping 8,000 cubic feet/second during spring runoff. 


Floater With Pontoon Boat in Staircase Rapids
 A popular loop drive from Boise follows US-55 north through Horseshoe Bend along the south half of the Payette River Scenic Byway to Bend. Turn east and travel along the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway to Lowman.  Turn south on ID-21 and go through Idaho City along the south half of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway and back to Boise.  Depending on the number of stops, this loop can be made in 1/2 day.  Of course, the loop can be traveled in either direction. 


Rafters Enjoying South Fork Payette
River Whitewater

Banks is a center for whitewater sports.  The greatest flows but tamest waters of the Payette are from Banks south to Horseshoe Bend.   Portions of the North Fork are not run commercially due to the violent nature of the river.  Above Smiths Ferry is popular for day trips.  Perhaps the most sought after river runs are found on the South Fork, the route of our scenic byway. 


Kayak in South Fork Payette
River Whitewater

There are many companies that provide guided trips on the Payette (see contacts below).  Excursions are varied from relatively short and tame all the way to multi-day trips with class IV and V rapids.  Some trips require portage around the largest waterfalls.  Regardless of skill level, a trip is available to fit your time schedule and ability level.  Many of these companies give lessons and sell whitewater equipment. 

There are several turnouts to allow viewing of floaters as they make their way down river.  One of the most popular is the turnout at Staircase Rapids.  Here one can view a relatively long stretch of river as floaters make their way through class IV rapids.  It is exciting even if you are only on the river bank.

Whitewater Action on the South
Fork of Payette River


About seven miles east of Banks, the canyon view opens to wide meadows where the Middle Fork joins the South Fork of the Payette.  One mile north of this junction is the small town of Crouch.  Crouch is mostly a supply town for the few year-round residents and the many summer visitors.  A number of Forest Service campgrounds are located along the Middle Fork and other tributaries.  A special treat is the Starlight Mountain Theater, an outdoor theater, performing professional Broadway shows.  Click here for information about the theater schedule, prices, dinner shows, etc.

Another mile or so east of the Crouch junction is the small town of Garden Valley.  Gas and limited groceries are available here.  Just east of Garden Valley is a Forest Service Ranger Station, another source of information  about the area. 

There are numerous hot springs in this area and continuing east along the highway and river.  Between Garden Valley and Lowman the highway goes past the Danskin wildlife viewing area.  During the winter and  spring large herds of elk use this area for their winter range.  Two pullouts with viewing telescopes have been installed for viewing the numerous elk, deer, chukars, wild turkeys, eagles, osprey, and other wildlife. 


South Fork of Payette River Viewed From Highway Overlook
 Past Danskin, the highway gains elevation to traverse the steep and rugged canyon.  The views for the next several miles are some of the most awe inspiring canyon views in the entire state.  The highway hugs high canyon walls while the river rumbles below.  There are several pullouts that have beautiful panoramic views of the river and waterfalls. 

Continuing east, the roadway drops in elevation and is at river level before reaching Lowman, the eastern terminus of this beautiful scenic byway.  The road is open all year but may be snow covered during winter months.  There is much to see and do along the 33 mile stretch of this beautiful byway.  Hot Springs and Pine Flats campgrounds are just off the highway near the Lowman end.  The highway joins ID-21 at Lowman and one can either return to Boise through Idaho City or continue east and north to Stanley and the Stanley Basin. 

Contact and Information sources (not complete):
Boise National Forest Garden Valley Ranger Station 208-462-3241 or the Boise National Forest,
1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 373-4100, http://fs.usda.gov/boise or email contact at: r4boiseinfo@fs.fed.us
Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce: 208-462-5003, http://www.gvchamber.org/ or email info@gvchamber.org
Bear Valley River Co. - 208-793-2272 or 1-800-235-2327, http://www.bearvalleyrafting.com/ or email bearvalleyraft@gmail.com
Cascade Raft and Kyak - 208-793-2221 or 1-800-292-7238, http://www.cascaderaft.com/
Payette River Company - 208-259-3702(summer) 208-726-8467(winter), http://www.payetterivercompany.com/ or email ginger@payetterivercompany.com
Idaho Whitewater Unlimited - 208-462-1900 or 1-800-800-RAFT, http://www.idahowhitewaterunltd.com/, or email idwhtwtr@idahowhitewaterunltd.com
Riverroots, LLC - 208-850-7637, http://www.riverrootskayak.com/, or email john@riverrootskayak.com