The Park Today
Come and visit one of the many Units of Thousand Springs State Park for just $5.00 per vehicle per day. This entry fee will get you into any of the State Parks for that day or you can purchase a 2012 Annual Passes, available now, good for the whole year at all State Parks. Come to the office at Malad Gorge or see one of the Park Rangers and get yours today. Be sure to check out all of the sections of the website to find events and happenings in an individual park. You can also check us out on Facebook; it will be listed under pages. Remember all of the Parks with in Thousand Springs have a “Pack it In Pack it Out” policy.
Malad: The back gate is closed for the season but you are welcome to walk or bike the back of the park during this time. The $5.00 entry fee is still in force for the restroom area and “The Devils Washbowl” overlook.
Billingsley Creek: The indoor arena is open and is a great place to get out of the wind and weather to work with your horse. We keep the arena disked up so stop on by and see us. Duck hunters will end their season on Friday January 27, 2012.
Ritter Island: The Park is closed for the season. Idaho Power is done with their remodel project and water is now back to flowing through the power plant. However they are working on fixing so extremely narrow spots in the road. Be on the lookout for the two huge earth mover dump trucks and the track-hoe working on the road.
Box Canyon: It is that time of year again!!! Fewer eagles seem to be here this year which may be a function of the strange weather we have had this winter. However in the evenings I have been counting 40 to 70 birds. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see them roosting in the trees around the West Point Store. Daytime hours they can be seen sitting on pivots around Box Canyon waiting for dead fish to be dumped or to see them soaring looking for hurt ducks and geese. We have a new overlook at the head of the canyon offering a wonderful view of where the water springs from the earth. The new overlook is also a great place for the patient birder that is dressed warmly to catch the eagles eating fish at the near-by “mort” pit. We are hoping that we will be able to get the parking lot moved back making the views more accessible. The $5.00 day use fee is still in effect here.
Niagara/Crystal Springs: The park and picnic area are closed for the season at Niagara but there is still Crystal Springs to see and experience. We don’t have any information as to when the last time Crystal was stocked but when we do it will probably appear on our Facebook page first.
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. Watch a short video.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. Take a quick video tour.
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 open starting Memorial Day Weekend 10:00am til 3:30pm Friday thru Monday. You cantake a self guided tour of the barn and walk to Minnie Miller Springs. Volunteers will be there to answer questions you may have. 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. Take a quick video tour.
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.