Idaho Vacation: The Western Heritage Historical Byway

The Western Heritage Historic Byway is one of the shorter scenic byways in Idaho.  This tour makes an easy Idaho vacation with a chance to view beautiful raptors and awe inspiring views of the Snake River canyon.

This historic byway leads into the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, home of the largest concentration of nesting raptors in North America.  Some 24 species of raptors inhabit this area.  The weekend of May 13-15, Kuna hosts the Birds of Prey Festival.  More information is here.

This byway begins on the south side of I-84 exit 44 as ID-69 begins its journey towards Kuna.  Coming from the east or west, take exit 44 and head south on the five lane highway that traverses the eight miles to Kuna.  The road takes you past subdivisions, agricultural fields and a hint of the vast sagebrush plains to come. 

In Kuna, turn onto East Avalon Ave, heading west, to Swan Falls Road .  Turn south on Swan Falls Road.


Boundary of Birds of Prey Area with Kuna
 Butte on right background



Almost immediately on the right is the Kuna Visitors Center.  The center is staffed seasonally by the Kuna Chamber of Commerce and happily provides information and orientation on the attractions of this byway and the surrounding area.

Located near the visitors center is the Pioneer Cemetery which holds about twelve graves.  Also in this area are remnants of Silver Trail, the stage and freight route linking Idaho City to the NE and Silver City to the SW with the newly established town of Boise. 

Swan Falls dam and powerhouse is located about twenty-one miles south of Kuna and is the termination of the byway.  Heading south from Kuna, Swan Falls Road is a good two lane highway and is paved all the way to the dam. 

About three miles south of Kuna is the boundary of the Birds of Prey Conservation Area.  There is a pullout with signs and information about recreation in the area.  Not far to the west, Kuna Butte rises from the plains and provides a good overview of the sagebrush plains to the south and the agricultural area to the north.  A 2-track dirt road leads onto the butte.

Slightly over another mile south is Kuna Cave Road .  Kuna Caves is an underground lava tube that the Bureau of Land Management recommends not be visited by the general public.  The area has no maintenance and is reportedly quite trashy, dusty, and smoke stained from repeated bonfires and irresponsible littering.  Because it is not recommended I will not give additional information except to provide a web address.



Initial Point



Initial Point Road is on the left, another 3.5 miles south.  Initial Point is located one mile east on a dirt road.  A short hike to the top of the hill gives an unrestricted commanding view of the Owyhee Mountains to the south and of the vast plains of the 482,000 acre Birds of Prey area in all directions.  The towns of the Treasure Valley are visible as are areas of eastern Oregon. 



Mores Mountain behind Bogus Basin,
view from top of Initial Point



Initial Point is significant as it is the starting point for Idaho’s first land survey, begun in 1867.  Map coordinates in Idaho all take reference from this point.  A brass survey cap set in concrete marks the spot.  A rudimentary 2-track 4-wheel drive road is accessible all the way to the top.  This is a great spot to have a picnic lunch but there are no tables or restrooms.  The walk from the bottom to the top is only about 1/4 mile.

Return to Swan Falls Road and continue south another 7.5 miles to a pullout with restrooms.  Dedication Point is a short ¼ mile walk to the rim of the Snake River Canyon.  The nature trail is packed gravel and  wheelchair accessible.  Picnic tables and rest benches are located along the trail along with interpretive signs. 

Snake River Canyon, view from Dedication Point

Dedication Point overlook gives spectacular views of the huge Snake River canyon.  Raptors are easily seen from this point as they glide on thermal updrafts looking for prey.  Interpretative signs provide information on the geology, flora and fauna of the area.  It is impossible to not be impressed with the majestic power of the great Lake Bonneville flood that shaped and contoured the canyon.  Binoculars are recommended as the raptors nest in the crevices of the rock walls and are particularly active from early-March to late-June. 

Swan Falls Dam and Power House, view from Three Pole Overlook
Sinker Creek Butte is in background

Continue in a southeasterly direction for another 3.5 miles to another smaller pullout for another overview of the canyon and Swan Falls Dam and powerhouse.  Three Pole overlook is aptly named as you will see from the power poles adjacent to the overlook.  There are no guard rails at this location.  Be careful of the canyon edge. 

The road quickly makes a sharp right turn and starts down the canyon toward Swan Falls Dam.  Although the road is paved and 2-lane, it is steep and has several sharp turns.  Use caution especially in cold weather when ice can be on the roadway. 

In about one mile the paved road ends at Swan Falls Dam.  The original powerhouse, constructed in 1901, was decommissioned in the mid-1990s after a new powerhouse was constructed.  The old powerhouse in now a historical display and tours can be arranged through Idaho Power.  Tours must be arranged in advance due to security reasons. 

Park at Swan Falls Power Plant and Dam, maintained
by Idaho Power

Idaho Power  maintains a nice shady park with ADA accessible restrooms adjacent to the dam.  There is no overnight camping at the dam but there are numerous camp areas along the river both upstream and downstream from the dam.  A dirt road follows the river downstream approximately four miles.  The area is  popular with outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, boating, rafting, mountain biking, and upland and waterfowl hunting.  The dock area below the dam is a popular put in for watercraft.  Beautiful views of the canyon walls and impressive and unique rock formations are found in the canyon bottom. 

A 17 mile state designated scenic byway extension of this route leads to Celebration Park, Idaho’s first archeological park, and further west to highway 45 and Walters Ferry.  Loop tours can be incorporated with this trip. The Idaho designated extension of the Western Heritage Historical Byway is covered in a separate Idaho vacation guide here.

Contact and additional information:

Kuna Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center – (208) 922-9254, http://www.kunachamber.com/

Bureau of Land Management – (208) 384-3300, http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/four_rivers/Snake-River_birds_NCA.html

Western Heritage Historic Byway: www.byways.org/explore/byways/2593

Idaho Power- (208) 736-3458, 
http://www.idahopower.com/OurEnvironment/Recreation/swanfalls/default.cfm
Idaho Tourism: 1-800-VISITID, www.visitidaho.org/