After hours of driving, it’s easy to lose yourself to the highway hypnosis. As your mind wanders you could be missing out on some wonderful roadside attractions. Take for example, Malad Gorge State Park between Mountain Home and Jerome, Idaho.
With a raging waterfall tucked right underneath the freeway, Malad Gorge is a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy some extra nature on your roadtrip.
Finding the Falls
As you speed down I-84 pushing 90mph and bumping that sweet road-trip mix you made, it’s easy to miss the whole gorge as you drive right over it.
From Boise, head southeast for about an hour and a half. You’ll reach the seemingly unimpressive Malad Gorge State Park. Turn off the interstate and you basically find yourself already in the park. Make sure you get an Idaho State Parks Pass if you plan on visiting more than 2 State Parks within the year. It will save you from having to pay $5 each time you visit a state park in Idaho.
The Devil’s Washbowl
Take the first right to get to the main attraction, The Devil’s Washbowl. A steel bridge connects the parking lot to the best views of the waterfall. Head out on the rust-colored footbridge for a great view of the gorge. To see the waterfall 150 feet directly underneath you, you will want to continue over the bridge. Now Put on your big boy pants because you’re going to need to go right on the edge of the canyon to see the waterfall in its entirety. If you are scared of heights, you may want to sit this one out.
The murky water thunders over the chasm into the washbowl as 18 wheelers roll on above it, oblivious to the powerful water just underneath them.
Follow the River
A trail traces the river along the gorge leading to another vantage point with views of a taller yet more peaceful waterfall. Along the trail be sure to have some bug spray! Also be on the lookout for field mice scurrying across the path, and the hawks hunting them from above.
Malad Gorge may not warrant a trip on its own due to the fact that its a long drive for just a few viewpoints And those viewpoints are super easy to get to so you don’t need much time to see everything. I recommend combing this with other parks like Box Canyon, or taking a drive down the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway.
So if you ever find yourself passing through the area, and catch just a glimpse of some natural wonder as you pass over an average ordinary bridge, allow your curiosity to get the better of you and stop and see the Devil’s Washbowl at Malad Gorge State Park.
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.
