Highway I-84 in Idaho: What a trucker might miss as you drive by

Snake River - Lindsay Godfree

If you think there is nothing to see while you drive through Idaho on I-84, look again. The road through Idaho follows the Snake River for most of the trip and there are ever changing views of this winding river as it passes through canyons and gorges that offer many photo opportunities in different seasons and lights. The scenery gets more interesting keeping you alert, the more that you know about the area, the geography, history, rock formations and the wildlife.

Highway I-84 and the Snake River follow the north shore ledge of the ancient Lake Bonneville, so many of the formations of the land are due to the thousands of years of water flow of rivers and the tides of the Lake. Ancient Lake Bonneville crested at Red Rock Pass creating what is known as the Bonneville Flood. As the soft soils eroded at the pass, the lake poured into the volcanic plain of the Snake River and its canyons. Today it is the evidence left behind by this tremendous flood to the Snake River area that left us the house-size boulders, box canyons, and other formations to explore.

The Snake River is a major tributary arm of the Columbia River flowing through the states of Wyoming, Idaho, into Oregon, and Washington. For those who like statistics; the river’s length is 1,040 miles, its watershed drains 108,000 square miles, and the average discharge at its mouth is 56,900 cubic feet per second.

Keep your eyes open for flying raptors as you make your way to the next stop. The ecosystem of the Snake River supports extraordinary numbers of predators and prey. More than 700 pairs of raptors, representing 15 different species, nest on the canyon walls. Along 81 miles of the Snake River is 484,873 acres of The National Conservation Area located 35 miles south of Boise which is home to the largest concentration of nesting raptors in North America.

The Snake River Canyon is a large canyon formed by the Snake River in the Magic Valley region of southern Idaho and is best seen in Twin Falls where there is a view of a beautiful golf course deep in the canyon. There is truck parking near the visitor center in an empty dirt lot where you can stop to look into the canyon. It is well known as the site of an unsuccessful 1974 attempt by Evel Knievel, to jump over the canyon. After exiting the Snake River Canyon, the Snake receives the waters of more tributaries including the Malad River that is also seen from the highway.

The Malad River Canyon is 250 feet deep and only 2.5 miles long. As you drive by, you can see the Malad Gorge State Park, located right off Interstate 84 at Exit 147 where you can view the canyon and walk along the rim. The highway crosses over Malad Gorge, but the angle of view hides the deep gorge where the river cascades into Devil’s Washbowl. Views of the gorge are best from the slender-but sturdy-bridge that arcs across the canyon from the parking area, but there is no room for a trailer. If you can make it there, take a short hike to discover nearby fingers of the gorge where crystal clear springs produce ponds and streams. I always say – a hard driving trucker needs every excuse to get out and get some fresh air and exercise in natural surroundings.

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