Malad Gorge State Park

Hikes: D.
Total Distance, D: 3 miles.
Difficulty: Level I.
USGS Map: Tuttle.
Season: Year around.
Dirt Road Miles: None.

Introduction: Idaho has five major state parks in its high desert: Bruneau Dunes, Hellsgate, Malad Gorge, Massacre Rocks, and Three Island Crossing. Malad Gorge and Massacre Rocks offer a brief hiking diversion while motoring across southern Idaho, with Malad Gorge surprisingly good. Although portions are close to I-84, the hiker soon leaves its noise behind, and the sights and sounds of deep canyons and running water take over. The hike takes about 50 minutes round trip.

The Hike: Start across the footbridge, but halt at its midpoint. Directly below you is a fine waterfalls, the Devils Washbowl, which you'll soon get a better view of. Once on the other side, a dusty trail moves left along the rim. Note the cracks parallel to the rim, where sections of rim rock are beginning their journey to the Pacific Ocean (or maybe to the pool of the next dam downstream).
  Much of this area has burned, and all has been heavily grazed. The range quality is not much to brag about--this would be a great place for a long-term program to restore excellent condition grasslands. (Probably, the west side would be most protected from fire hazards.)
  Very soon, the sound of water pounding its way through boulders masks the road noise. Turn around now, and observe Devils Washbowl falls from a distance. The waters of the Malad seem quite brown near the falls, but much bluer downstream. Is clear spring water diluting the silt?
  Things really pick up when an irrigation wastewater channel reaches the rim and creates a falls. Soon after, an alcove appears to the right, with a fabulous spring-fed pond. One must see how clear this water is to believe it... Not long after, you reach the very end of the rim. Below is Idaho Power's solution to the problem of the Thousand Springs area.

Extensions: One day State Parks will acquire a hiking right of way along the east side, which offers a much longer walk. Watch for this…

Access: Take I-84 Exit 147, and follow signs to Malad Gorge State Park. Turn right for the hiking/camera area, and park. Be sure to read the displays in the shelter--they're well done. There is a nice picnic area to the left.