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.