At the bottom of the Snake River Canyon near Wendell, Idaho lies a secluded State Park that is literally bursting at the seams with clear, fresh water.
We stumbled upon Niagara Springs State Park by accident. I was searching Google Earth for a new spot in southern Idaho to get a good sunrise photo. As I followed the I-84 Highway corridor East, my eyes jumped to what I thought was a giant waterfall near Wendell. I zoomed in and enhanced the image while doing my best CSI: Las Vegas impression (Las Vegas was the best of the CSI’s, and I won’t hear otherwise). What popped up on the map was Niagara Springs State Park squished between the North Wall of the Snake River Canyon and the bank of the Snake River. If the Idaho State Parks Department deemed this place as a protected environment, we had to see why for ourselves. We were not disappointed.
I was not looking at a waterfall on the map. It was, in fact, a spring. And not just one, but dozens of springs surging from the canyon walls. I hesitate even to tell you how cool this place is for fear of this place becoming crowded.
My Wife, Our Dog and I arrived just before sunrise at Niagara Springs State Park. Much like Box Canyon State Park, Niagara Springs hides in plain sight. Surrounded by agricultural land, it might be hard to believe such a unique landscape exists in this part of Idaho. However, as you approach the edge of the canyon, the landscape transforms. It’s humbling to see the depth and scale of the 350-foot deep gorge. Be very careful driving the dirt road down into the park. It’s not a wide road. You could pull a small boat trailer down it, but I wouldn’t recommend anything more significant.
Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery
At the canyon floor, the first thing you’ll notice is the smell wafting through the air has changed from cow to fish. The Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery raises Steelhead down here. According to the Hatchery, only 5 percent of wild steelhead eggs hatch and survive to migrate to the ocean. At Niagara Springs Hatchery, more than 80 percent of the eggs received from Pahsimeroi and Oxbow hatcheries survive to make their ocean journey. Us fisherman and wildlife lovers owe this hatchery a massive debt of gratitude for the work they do for protecting this species of trout for generations to come. You can visit the Hatchery, but there isn’t a prominent visitor center. As you head through the chain link gates, enter the offices on the right, and they will help you out.
If the thought of 2 million fish splashing around you weirds you out, keep left at the fork to continue towards the park entrance. Just past the Hatchery, on your left is the largest spring in Niagara Springs State Park. Pictures don’t do it justice. Bright blue water pounds out the rocky wall at 250 cubic feet per second. The vegetation squeezes its way next to the spring, trying to grab a drink of the clear water. There is a stone path you can follow to the viewpoint of the spring. There is no sign directing you to the pathway, but there is a small pullout just past the spring on the left. Look for the trash can, and you’ll see the path.
Niagara Springs
The first spring is the main attraction, but you should continue to explore the rest of the park. You’ll reach the entrance station, make sure you have an Idaho State Parks Passport to get in for free otherwise pay the few bucks and continue through. The next spot to check out is the picnic area. Turn right at the open gate before the sign for Crystal Springs. Granted, we were here before breakfast, so we didn’t stay long in this area. We did spend some time wildlife watching though. Niagara Springs is a bird watchers paradise. I am no waterfowl expert, but we probably saw 7 or more species of birds in our short time here. Plus we saw some chubby Yellow-bellied Marmot and signs of Beaver in the area. If I had the money to afford one of those giant $5,000 zoom lenses, I would’ve gotten some sweet wildlife photos.
Crystal Springs Lake
After your lunch (or breakfast) proceed to Cyrstal Springs Lake. The small lake is another great spot for wildlife watching. It’s also a choice spot for trout fishing. There are a couple of sturdy docks to fish from and a few others that may or may not hold your weight. Your call here.
Once you reach Cyrstal Springs, you have seen everything in the park. The road keeps going, but it enters Crystal Springs Farm, a business I googled and mysteriously found zero information. So I don’t know what they do back here, but it’s probably best not to disturb them.
Niagara Springs is part of the Thousand Springs State Park System. If you want to turn your visit into a full day trip, consider visiting Box Canyon and Malad Gorge State Parks.
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.
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