The Malad River crashes down stairstep falls and into the Devils Washbowl, then cuts through a beautiful 250-foot gorge on its way to the Snake River, 2-1/2 miles downstream. Views of the gorge are best from the sturdy bridge that crosses the canyon. You can take a short hike to discover nearby fingers of the gorge where crystal-clear springs produce ponds and streams.
Thousand Springs State Park is an expansive park with several units to explore: Malad Gorge, Kelton Trail, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Billingsley Creek, Ritter Island, Crystal Springs, and Niagara Springs. Enjoy the gorgeous views as thousands of gallons of water flow from below ground, cascading down the volcanic cliff faces. These springs are the terminus of a massive underground aquifer that flows beneath the Snake River Plain from the Pioneer Mountains of central Idaho.
Begins at Interstate 84 near Bliss and follows US 30 southeast through Twin Falls to Idaho 50, then north on Idaho 50 to I-84. Also US 93 from Twin Falls north to I-84. Attractions include Thousand Springs State Park Complex–a series of five parks; Hagerman Valley; the Snake River; Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument; Thousand Springs; Herrett Center Planetarium, Museum & Observatory in Twin Falls; Perrine Bridge & Canyon Rim Trail System; Shoshone Falls; and historic downtown Twin Falls.
Known mostly for its fossils from the Pliocene epoch Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument contains one of the world's richest known deposits of the fossil horse Equus simplicidens. The Monument has wonderful views of the Hagerman Valley. On the Monument you will see wildlife, flowers, and beautiful scenery. The Snake River dominates the views.
Owsley Bridge is 430 feet long and was originally constructed in 1921 for what was then a whopping $127,000. It’s the only continuous cantilevered through-truss on the state highway system, and according to the Idaho State Historical Society, it’s one of the very few cantilevered structures of any kind in the state. Owsley Bridge crosses the Snake River parallel to Highway 30 approximately 200 yards north of Old US 30 and the Bell Rapids Road junction.
Take in the vivid beauty of the Hagerman Valley and the Thousand Springs area from on board The River's Mist. Travelers and locals alike will enjoy this unique experience on Idaho's scenic Snake River. Your group can dine on some of the finest gourmet food in Southern Idaho while on a lunch or dinner cruise, or simply take in the sights and relax with a beverage on the scenic cruise.
Lower Salmon Falls Park is nestled in the scenic Hagerman Valley along the Snake River. Travel eight miles south of Bliss, ID on Highway 30, then one half mile to the west on Justice Grade. You’ll find five beautiful acres of manicured lawns with an abundance of shade trees. Don’t forget your GPS for family geocaching fun!
Idaho Guide Service, Inc. has been running whitewater adventure trips since 1974, and we were the first licensed outfitter on the Middle Snake River. Our experience, reputation, and quality are unmatched. We promise you an exciting and professional Snake River adventure.
The Hagerman National Fish Hatchery is located about 30 miles west of Twin Falls, Idaho at the Thousand Springs Reach of Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer. Under the Lower Snake River Fish and Wildlife Compensation Plan (LSRCP), over 1.4 million steelhead are produced annually to mitigate for fish and wildlife losses caused by the construction of four dams on the lower Snake River (Lower Granite, Little Goose, Lower Monumental, Ice Harbor). The Hatchery also produces 130,000 Rainbow trout to mitigate for Dworshak Dam in northern Idaho. To get there, look for the Hagerman National Fish Hatchery signs on the Thousand Springs Scenic byway.
The churning, icy blue glacial water is a National Natural Landmark and part of the world-famous Thousand Springs complex along the Snake River. The park provides a great opportunity to drive into the 350-foot-deep Snake River Canyon, but be cautious. The road is narrow and steep and not recommended for either motorhomes or large trailers. Once inside the canyon, you’ll find year-round fishing in Crystal Springs Lake, including a handicap accessible site. Waterfowl and other wildlife are abundant.
South of Buhl in the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon stands the famous Balanced Rock. Over 48 feet tall and 40 tons, the wind-carved rock balances precariously on a pedestal only 3 feet by 17 inches. Nearby Balanced Rock Park is an excellent spot for a picnic, camping, hiking and fishing.
Ritter Island is home to one of the last remaining natural springs in the Thousand Springs complex. There is a two-mile path that circles the island (maintained by state park employees), and Ritter Island is a great place for a picnic. When the weather is warm, it’s an ideal swimming hole or place to paddle a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard around the island. Follow the channel below the springs to the Snake River to tour the island in a clockwise direction.
The Perrine Bridge spans the majestic Snake River Canyon on the northern edge of Twin Falls. The bridge is 1,500 feet long and offers pedestrian walkways with views of the river, lakes, and waterfalls. BASE jumpers can enjoy the Perrine Bridge year-round as the launching point for parachuting to the canyon floor below.
If you're visiting the City of Twin Falls for the first time, Shoshone Falls, also known as the Niagara of the West, is a must-see. With a 212 foot drop and a width of 900 feet, it is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States. The flows over the falls are seasonal runoffs from the mighty Snake River, which carves its way through deep basalt canyons and is the largest tributary to the Columbia River.
Our facility in Hagerman, ID, offers an RV park and camping accommodations, as well as a private Jacuzzi and geothermal-warmed mineral water. From boat docks to the River Room and everything in-between, our hot springs resort provides something for every member of the family and is the only indoor-swimming facility in the area.
Miracle Hot Springs is truly a Geothermal Oasis in the Desert. Rejuvenate year-round in the continuous flow of natural hot spring water that is soft to the touch and odorless with a sensational alkaline pH of 9.6. Come find out why most people say it is the best hot springs they’ve ever soaked in.
The pool has geothermal water, a diving board, and a fun play-log everyone can enjoy. We also have riverside camping available and picnic areas for the whole family.