Bruneau Dunes State Park

Hikes: D.
Total Distance, D: 5-8 miles.
Difficulty: Level I.
Season: September 15-May 15.
USGS Map: Bruneau Dunes.
BLM 100K Map: Glenns Ferry.
Dirt Road Miles: none.
PLSS Location: Section 26, T6S R6E.

Introduction: Bruneau Dunes State Park has tremendous potential. A 1985 federal grant dramatically increased the park's area, from 2840 to 4640 acres. The park's boundaries, moved up to the ridgetops surrounding Eagle Cove, became much more manageable. If the State Parks Department can finally end trespass grazing in the park, it can become a true showcase: an area whose ecological purity mirrors the scenic beauty of its intensely white sand dunes.
  These very high dunes exist here for two reasons. First, the area's bedrock is loosely consolidated, sandy lake sediments, which are easily eroded by wind and water. Second, Indian Cove is an abandoned meander of the Snake River, a circle inset into the foothills of the Owyhee Plateau. Winds lose velocity and swirl as they pass over the Cove, depositing sands and reworking them into dunes. This erosion and subsequent deposition have probably increased in the last century due to farming and grazing.
  The two biggest changes involving the dunes area have both involved water. Some 14,000 years ago, the Bonneville Flood undoubtedly wiped out the dunes. Much more recently, the raised water table from C.J. Strike Dam, modified by agricultural activity on adjoining properties, has created and drained ponds and marshes around the dunes.

The Hike: You have two choices. First is to walk the traditional Sand Dunes Trail, which is five miles long. Second is to walk a proposed extension to that trail, which leads to a superb view of the dunes and to some proposed campsites. Both trails are relatively easy and level. However, beware: walking on sand on a hot day can quickly tire you out!! Start early, before the wind wipes out the tracks of the night creatures, before the wind starts blowing sand into your camera, and before the sun gets too hot. (And this is a great late fall, winter, or early spring hike.)
  Both trails leave the back side of the visitor center and head south to a red topped post. You will pass this way on your return, so mark well the two tall trees that shade the visitor center. Continue south, paralleling a fence, to a second post. This area burned in 1984, and is recovering nicely. There is lots of Indian ricegrass and needle and thread.
  During the author's first edition research in 1986, these native perennials seemed to be outcompeting the cheatgrass. The 1987 drought was so severe here that the area's cheat never greened up--it just sent up small brown plants with sparse seed of doubtful vigor. Unless the drought hurt the bunchgrasses, too, this favorable trend will continue.
  From the second to the third post, stay 50 to 100 feet east of the fence, and observe the marsh to the east. Before C.J. Strike Dam was constructed, the only water in the Cove came from a spring at the base of the dune. The lakes, marshes, and ponds are the result of a rising water table, mostly due to flood irrigation. The shift to sprinkler irrigation lowered the water table again, and forced State Parks to begin pumping water into the area's lakes. When you leave the burned area, you pass through Basin big sagebrush.
  At last, you near a fence corner with low cliffs visible to the southwest. The original five mile Sand Dunes Trail, for which brochures may be visible at the visitor center, cuts left a bit before here and heads to the north of some ponds to the base of the tallest dune. For the longer loop, duck under the fence and walk to the cliffs, of lake sediments. In the time needed to take one photograph here on a moderately breezy day, a lot of sand filtered into the author's camera lens!
  Your next goal is a bench about 100 feet above the valley floor, due south of the tallest dune (D). The easiest walking is along the firmer sands of the gentle slopes below the cliffs. As you walk, you'll probably see signs of trespassing cattle, and you'll probably see how they are able to enter the park--drifting sand can quickly defeat the best fences. One of the proposed backcountry campsites is on a slight bench that enjoys a fine view of the knife-edged dune. Another is further east and lower, on the other side of the drainage shown on the map.
  On your return, you have three choices. First, you can pass to the east of the big dune, following a faint trail which is now receiving horse use. The route becomes unclear when you reach the north end of the dune. The best route seems to go around the north side of the northern (smaller) lake. Second, you can pass to the west of the big dune, and follow the lake side. Third, you can go right over the top of the dune. You ought to try that at least once! With the second or third choices, you can go around the north side of the big lake.
  The route back to the visitor center has been severely impacted by fire. It's best not to worry too much about trail marker posts--just head for the two tall trees at the visitor center. They make excellent landmarks.

Access: Drive south of Mountain Home on ID-51, and turn left (east) on ID-78. (Or, from the east, take the Hammett exit on ID-78). The park entrance is well marked. Park in the visitor center parking lot, and check to see if a new trails brochure has been printed.