APRIL 2014
 |
| NIAGARA SPRINGS |
 |
| NIAGARA SPRINGS |
 |
| RITTER ISLAND WATERFALL |
 |
| RITTER ISLAND WATERFALL |
I have mixed feelings about Thousand Springs State Park. At first I was surprised to find out it existed as I had driven past it on the I-84 dozens of times before realizing it was there. But after visiting the area, I just kept thinking about what an amazing place it could have been if it had been protected earlier. If all the waterfalls had been preserved in their natural state with natural buffers surrounding them and public trails leading to them, I believe this place could have been a very popular National Monument with people driving from all over to visit. The amount of water pouring out of the sides of the cliffs is very impressive considering the desert surroundings. There are many waterfalls, though some have been piped by Idaho Power, others have their flows controlled, some are blocked from public access, some have cattle farms and power lines right above them and some have large fish hatcheries right below them. There are some cool features, but not much ambiance.
We visited Niagara Springs first, which requires only a short walk to the viewing area from the parking area. It is a really cool waterfall, but there is large fish hatchery located just below it that kills the atmosphere a bit. From Niagara Springs we continued on to the end of the road to a large pond with wood docks extending out into it for fishing. There were three waterfalls located on the far side of the pond that would have been cool to see, but they were blocked from public access by the fish hatchery, which also had a facility directly east of the pond. Next we decided to visit Ritter Island, and were very shocked to find a locked gate blocking the entrance to it. We didn't expect it to be closed on a Saturday afternoon in April. To be safe, you will want to verify it will be open before you visit. While the island was closed, there was a nice park located just before it at a wide spot on the Snake River that we played at for a bit. We were also able to find a dirt path leading a short distance up the river to a nice waterfall. However, there was a sign telling us not to get too close because the water pressure could go up or down abruptly depending on the water use of the facilities above it.
We ended up leaving Thousand Springs a bit disappointed. But I guess instead of focusing on what could have been, I should just be happy that people are attempting to make it a more enjoyable place for the public. I enjoyed visiting Malad Gorge on a different trip, and would still like to check out the Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs sometime. While not an awe-inspiring place, it can make a fun stop for kids if you are traveling along the I-84. As long as you don't get there hopes up too high before visiting.
