Wapi Holes

Hikes: D, O.
Total Distance, D: 3 1/2 miles.
Difficulty: Level II.
Season: Yeararound when roads dry.
USGS Map: Rattlesnake Butte.
BLM 100K Map: Lake Walcott.
Dirt Road Miles: 6 gravel, 1 good dirt, 3 fair dirt.
PLSS Location: Sections 21/28, T7S R28E.

Introduction: This is a stupendous, world-class hike. First of all, there isn't a single place in Idaho where the simple act of climbing 30 feet can gain you a more majestic view. Second, this is the easiest lava hikin gin the state: a place where you could almost take your grandmother out on the lava (after you carried her up the initial 30 foot climb!). Third, the windblown sandy soil here is especially thick, supporting a velvety layer of flowers, grasses, and lichens. Fourth, this hike is accessible virtually year around; the author first took it two days after Christmas 1989 (after spotting the Holes while viewing stereo aerial photos). And fifth, the Wapi holes are superb collapse features.
  On his most recent visit, the author was surprised to encounter a rattlesnake out on the lava. Seems like they enjoy the velvety layer of vegetation just like he does.
  The hike is rated Level II because there are places where you must negotiate lava ups, downs, and crack.

The Hike: Start by climbing the pressure ridge at a convenient spot. This 30 foot climb gains you views of: Higgins Butte, on the Flow's west side, to the west-northwest; Pillar Butte, the Flow's source vent, to the northnorthwest; and the green summit of the Old Juniper Kipuka, to the left of Pillar. Your goal, the Wapi Holes, is on a course just between Pillar and the Kipuka--about 1 1/2 miles as the crow flies.
  But not as Man walks! You have three routes to choose from. First is to just roam about to your heart's content. This is fun lava, and you can just goof off. (And besides: the Holes are so darned hard to find that some people who do search for them will come up empty-handed!) One hint: try to find the small grassy stretch (W4) your USGS map shows near the lava edge.
  A second route is to go to the north for a while, following the top of the pressure ridge as long as you want, and only cut off the ridge when you think it's more or less the shortest route to the Holes.
  The third route is to descend the pressure ridge very soon, and head west across an incredibly easy-to-hike stretch of lava. This "left hook" route has abundant junipers, and is the author's favorite. It's longer, but it's faster.
  Perhaps the smartest route is the second route to get you to the Holes--following a compass bearing--and the third route to return. But--whatever you do--before you leave the ridge, take a good look around, especially behind you to the east. You'll see Hill 4645, the road, and your car. Keep all this in mind for your return.
  Once you drop off the ridge and lose some elevation, watch ahead of you for a gentle uplift trending north-south. The Holes are towards the northern end of this uplift. They are visible on the USGS maps, as three very tight sets of depression contours.
  The author came on the southernmost Hole first. Round and steep-sided, it has a curious three-sided rockshelter nearby. The middle Hole is not far to the north. It's just a round depression. But wait.
  The northernmost Hole (D) is incredibly steep. Its sides are concave in, getting ever steeper towards the bottom, which is 80-odd feet down. The descent is very nasty, and not encouraged. From here, look back to Hill 4645. Congratulations on finding the Holes, and have a good hike back.

Access: Drive 2 1/2 miles north of American Falls on ID-39, to South Pleasant Valley Road. Turn left and drive 7 3/4 miles to Wapi Road. Turn left on this gravel road. After 3/4 miles turn right; after 2 miles to left; after 1/4 mile go right; after 1 mile turn left; after 1 mile turn right (west). Drive 1 mile to the end of the gravel, and continue on good dirt.
  After 1 mile, a road bears left to Wapi siding on the Union Pacific main line. (You know you qualify as a true desert explorer when you've been to Wapi siding.) Just past here a poor dirt road heads right (due north); take it (W1). After a short 3/4 miles a road heads due west; take it (W2). After about 1/2 mile, a road will join you from the right; watch for this junction (W3), it's an important one on the way out. Continuing straight, you'll soon encounter several alcoves where you can start the hike or camp; the author's favorites are at 1 1/2 (T1) and 1 3/4 (T2) miles past the W3 junction.