The infamous Snake River runs 1,076 miles (1,732 km) east-to-west through Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The largest portion of this unique stream, 769 miles (1,238 km), flows through Idaho and serves as a significant portion of the Idaho-Oregon border. Contrary to popular belief, the Snake River is not called the Snake River due to its windy shape. The Shoshone tribe’s name, in sign language, was the hand moving in a swimming motion. The first European explorers mistook the meaning of this sign, mimicking the movement of a snake, as the name of the river, not the Shoshone people.
Following are some of the more notable parts of the Snake River in Idaho easily accessible by car starting from the north along the Oregon border, going south then eventually east towards Wyoming.
Arguably the most famous stretch of the Snake River in Idaho is Hells Canyon. Ironically there is no official designation of precisely where Hells Canyon begins and ends but it comprises a good portion of the northern shared border. Hells Canyon covers approximately 75 miles featuring a unique combination of whitewater, including several class II-III rapids and two class IVs, and calm scenic beauty making it ideal for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hunting and hiking. It is also the deepest river canyon in the country with plunges that average 5,500’ (1,676 m) and even reach 8,000’ (2,438 m) below the Seven Devils Mountains on the Idaho side of the river. From the Snake River you can encounter wildlife like bears, bald eagles and bighorn sheep as well as Nez-Perce petroglyphs and numerous small homesteads.
While there are many places to see the Snake River in Idaho, our favorite is the Dedication Point Overlook. Located just as you enter the Morely Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Wildlife Refuge, Dedication Point is just a short walk from South Swan Falls Road in Melba, Idaho. Pictures and video cannot do justice to the magnificence of the 600’ (183 m) drop down into the canyon. Sheer cliff walls provide the natural border on the other side of the Snake River with the snow-capped Owyhee Mountains rising to the south. Dedication Point is also home to local birds of prey. If you visit in the spring you can expect to see numerous raptors like red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and prairie falcons.
A few minutes down the road is the heart of the 485,000 acre (196,273 ha) Morely Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Wildlife Refuge. More than 800 pairs of raptors nest here every spring including the highest breeding density of Prairie Falcons in the world. You’ll also see the raptors ample food supply in abundance including ground squirrels, black-tailed jackrabbits and badgers. You can experience magnificent views down into the Snake River Canyon or drive down into the canyon floor to gain a different perspective. Along with the Swan Falls Dam you gain a respect for the power of nature in the Crater Rings and massive boulders rising on the opposite side of the Snake River.
One of the best overlooks is a US-30 roadside pullover, in Bliss, Idaho, called Fossil Beds. This stop is notable for fossil bones found dating back 3,400,000 years ago when this area was a large pond. Among the species found were zebras, beaver, otter, pelicans and other water birds. There is a sign that explains the geological formations and results from lava flows in preserving the area. Another reason to stop here is the sheer beauty as the Snake River horseshoes around a flat bluff on its way upstream. Though not visible from the stop, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Archie Teater Studio, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, is accessible off of River Road. Tours can be arranged through the Hagerman Valley Historic Society.
One of the more frequented areas along the Snake River in Idaho is the Snake River Canyon. Specifically, this includes the “Niagara of the West” Shoshone Falls, the Evel Knievel jump site and the Perrine Bridge. The base of Shoshone Falls represents the deepest portion of the Snake River in Idaho as it works its way north towards the Columbia River. A bit downstream is the site of Knievel’s much ballyhooed unsuccessful 1974 Snake River jump. A less known event in 2016 saw professional stuntman Eddie Braun complete the jump albeit further up river. The Perrine Bridge is the 2nd tallest bridge in Idaho and the most recognizable. The bridge rises 486’ (148 m) above the Snake River spanning 1,499’ (457 m) across. It’s a favorite of BASE jumpers as the only location in the country that allows year-round BASE jumping.
The Hansen Bridge is a 350’ (110 m) high, 762’ (232 m) long, concrete bridge on I-50 that crosses the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, Idaho. While the bridge is impressive, it’s the Snake River views that garner your attention. On the southwest side of the bridge there is a parking area with a plaque commemorating the original structure. If you follow the chain link fence you are rewarded with spectacular views down into the canyon. Please be careful as the fall over the side would certainly be fatal.
Another of our favorite overlooks of the Snake River in Idaho is the Clark Hill Rest Area. It’s one of the more popular stops along the US-26 (Swan Valley Highway) just before you enter Wyoming on your way to the Grand Tetons. You get an almost perfect view of the south fork of the Snake River and the Swan Valley. The rest stop also features full accommodations like clean restrooms and vending machines plus a wonderful wooden viewing platform as well as grassy areas perfect for kids and dogs.
While all of the above are convenient stopovers there are countless other ways to experience the Snake River and all of Idaho’s other countless natural wonders. The Visit Idaho website is a great starting point to start your exploration.
Do you have a favorite river or waterway? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
it is beautiful