The Park Today
November 2, 2009
Our 2009 Annual Passes are in, come to the office at Malad or see one of the Park Rangers and get yours today. Remember all of the Parks with in Thousand Springs have a “Pack it In Pack it Out” policy. We do have Idaho Invasive Species Fund Stickers available. You can purchase them at the office at Malad Gorge Mon-Fri 7:30am-9:00am. The rangers have some in their trucks as well.
Malad: The weather has been cold and is expected to remain that way until spring. The quail are bunched in large coveys and their calls can be heard from the brush around the park. The back gate is closed for the season. The water level in the lake is dropping but the ducks and geese are still frequenting it.
Billingsley Creek: The Fantastic Flea market will continue through the holidays. There will be no flea market on Saturday the 14th of November. Ducks Unlimited will be holding a banquet on the 14th at 6pm with dinner at 7pm.
Ritter Island: Ritter Island is now closed and will remain so until Memorial Day weekend 2010, but if you would like to schedule a tour call the park office and set one up.
Box Canyon: It is wonderful to see the rugged beauty of the desert and then hike down to the overlook in the canyon. The path is steep so use caution. For those who cannot hike the steep trail the overlook near the portable toilets give a phenomenal view of the springs from the top. Keep watching this page and we’ll update you when the Bald and Golden Eagles arrive toward the end of the year.
Niagara/Crystal Springs: The picnic area is now closed for the season and the restrooms are winterized. Crystal Lake is still open but we have had no recent reports of how the fishing is here. The road has been graded so be on the lookout for fish trucks as they rumble up and down the road.
Scroll down to find out more about the beautiful units at Thousand Springs State Park: Malad Gorge, Billingsley Creek, Earl M Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Ritter Island and Niagara Springs.Thismap of the Thousand Springs units will help get you there.
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.
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..."
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.
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, with wonderful vistas year round.
Ritter Island
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, 2008. You can contact Thousand Springs State Park staff to schedule a tour: (208) 837-4505.
Niagara 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.
Crystal Springs Lake
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.