The Park Today
July 12 Centennial Celebration at Thousand Springs—R itter Island 10am-3pm
• ACTIVITIES IN THE PARK: Join us at Ritter Island for interpretive tours of the Rock House & Barn, hay rides around the island and over to Minnie Miller Springs. Then check out the cool ATV education trailer set up for tours and let the 4-H club show you their calves (you can pet them, too).
• REFRESHMENTS IN THE PARK: Birthday Cake for everyone, along with milk provided by the Dairy Association.
• CONDITIONS IN THE PARK TODAY
July 3, 2008
Malad Gorge: We have had unseasonably warm temperatures. The holiday weekend the temperatures are expected in the high 90’s to low 100’s. There are No Fireworks allowed in the park over the 4th of July.
Billingsley Creek: The hay is being watered again and will be ready for a second cutting soon. The trail around the park is much more visible and a nice place for morning walks. A recent fire in the area has the fire danger as Extreme, No Fireworks allowed in the park over the 4th of July.
Ritter Island: The trees and the creek will provide a welcome respite from the heat as the weather warms up. Lots of work is being done to prepare for the centennial celebration. The Rock House is prepared for painting and that will be occurring starting 4th of July weekend. No Fireworks allowed 4th of July.
Niagara: Primitive Group camping with prior Park Managers approval. Things are very hot and dry. No Fireworks allowed.
Crystal: Fishing is still slow as the lake has not been stocked yet. However we do expect it to be stocked but do not have the schedule yet.
Thousand Springs State Park, with its nine beautiful units, is a testament to why the area is called the Magic Valley. Visitors can view wagon ruts and bridge abutments at Kelton Trail, explore the magnificent Malad Gorge, access the riding arena at Billingsley Creek, get writing inspiration at Vardis Fisher, step back in time and tour historic structures at Ritter Island and Bonnieview, take in the scenery at Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, view Niagara Springs, or fish at Crystal Lake. Day use opportunities abound within the units of Thousand Springs State Park.
Malad Gorge
This 652-acre park is located just off Interstate 84 at the Tuttle exit. People pass the park in an eye blink, never suspecting the spectacular canyon views that await them just a mile off the highway. Malad Gorge is open for hiking, picnicking and day outings. Guided tours can be arranged by calling the park. As of 11 April 2008, Malad Gorge gate is open from 8:00am till 4:00pm.
The Magnificent Gorge
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.
History
Most of the history at this park is on the geologic scale. The cracks and folds of rock along the canyon cliffs record the movements of earth, lava and water.
The shorter history of humans in the area starts with the Indians, who piled rocks along the rim to capture bison and other game animals. The historic Kelton Trail runs through the park, providing Western-history buffs with excellent wagon ruts and traces of the Kelton Stage Stop.
FAQ's
- Is there a trail down to the Malad River?
- No, but you can access the lower river via the Idaho Power service road off of Highway 30.
- Can you camp at Malad Gorge?
- No, but there are several private campgrounds in the area.
- How high is the footbridge over the Malad Gorge from the river?
- Approximately 150-175 feet, but the canyon deepens to 250 feet as it gets nearer the Snake River Canyon.
- How long is the Malad River?
- The river is about 12 miles long and is formed when the Big and Little Wood Rivers combine near Gooding, Idaho, northeast of the park.
Billingsley Creek
Billingsley Creek is located in the Hagerman Valley. The lower portion of the site sits along the U.S. Highway 30, on the northern edge of the City of Hagerman. The property was purchased for state park use in 2001.
Before it became an Idaho State Park, it was known as the Emerald Valley Ranch, used primarily for agriculture.
You can enjoy Billingsley Creek from sunrise to sunset. The park offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, an indoor horse riding arena, excellent fishing and featured events throughout the year.
Call the park for details oon the local Farmer's Market and Blues in the Park. (208) 837-4505.
Horse Clinic on 19 April 2008. For information contact Mike Walker at 208-222-2222.
Community Potluck on 27 April 2008 at the Garden Center. All are welcome to come and join.
Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve
Box Canyon flows at a rate of 180,000 gallons per minute. The natural area offers views of the springs, a hiking trail and viewing platform that overlooks a 20' waterfall. Hiking is available, but equipment and vehicles are there as part of Native Grass Re-Seeding.
Ritter Island
The newest addition to Thousand Springs State Park, Ritter Island offers excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Nestled alongside the picturesque Snake River, between two magnificent springs, the property provides a sense of serenity and solitude - the perfect venue for small events and someday, small retreats.
The site will continue to host the annual Thousand Springs Art Festival that it has become famous for, while also offering the public the opportunity to tour the existing historic structures. It is anticipated that the homes onsite will convert easily into overnight accommodations for families wanting to experience the property’s charm.
Take a Tour
Ritter Island will be closed for the season on September 30, 2007. You can contact Thousand Springs State Park staff to schedule a tour: (208) 837-4505.
Niagara & Crystal Springs
Tumbling down the canyon side at 250 cubic feet per second, Niagara Springs is a sight you won’t soon forget. The churning water is the icy blue of glaciers. The springs are a National Natural Landmark and part of the world-famous Thousand Springs Complex along the Snake River.
The park provides your best opportunity to drive into the 350-foot-deep canyon, but be cautious: The road is narrow and steep. We advise you not to risk it in a motorhome or while pulling a large trailer.
Once inside the canyon, you’ll find year-round fishing in Crystal Springs Lake, including a handicap-accessible site. Wildlife—especially waterfowl—is abundant. The park also features modern restrooms, picnic tables and a group picnic shelter.
Kelton Trail
Here on the Kelton Road you can see the abutments for the bridge that carried wagons traveling the Oregon Trail. From about 1864 to 1883 this was on the regular route that carried mail, freight and passengers between Boise and the railhead at Kelton, Utah. The trail had so much traffic that grooves were cut into the rocks, but by July 1884, a traveler on the old route noticed that "grass grows over the defunct overland Kelton stage road where a weary traveler once traveled in clouds of dust..."