On the way to Wyoming, if you get a chance, do spend a day driving the 350 miles of potato farms and visit the marvels of Idaho. Snake River, the reason for Idaho’s fertile land for producing a variety of delicious varieties of potatoes crosses this state from the northwestern to the southeastern region further running through Wyoming. Unlike many states in the US, Idaho does not have many national parks or skyscrapers sprinkled in the cities, but it does have an interesting geological landscape.
I stayed in the city of Idaho Falls, beautifully located on the banks of the Snake River and is a charming laid-back town with restaurants and activities within easy reach.
The 350-mile backcountry road trip covered the following places:
Craters of the Moon Preserve National Monument
Shoshone Falls
Idaho’s Potato Museum
Idaho Fall River Walk
Stop 1: Craters of the Moon
About 15,000 years ago, large volcanic eruptions caused a great rift in the plains of the Snake River and are occurring thereafter in every 2000 years. In 1923, scientists had claimed this 750,000-acre surface to be out worldly wilderness, resembling the surface of the moon seen via telescopes. Today, NASA astronauts are trained at the craters of the moon to experience the surface of other planets and create a simulation.
The national park is well preserved and has an entry fee of $20 (one day, one vehicle) which can be avoided if you have a national park pass ($80, one year, all NPS, multiple entries). One can explore the craters and the surface of the moon by driving the 7-mile loop that offers 7 different geographic sights. The loop starts from the visitor center. There is a 20 min introductory movie on the origin of the craters of the moon which provides a good perspective into the land formations. Make sure you watch the video before driving the loop. There are trails at each of the 7 spots to view craters and monoliths more closely. Number 4 and 6 in the map below are highly recommended.
Stop 2: Shoshone Falls
It is known as the Niagara of the West. This mesmerizing 212 ft high and 900 ft wide waterfall joins the Snake River near the Twin Falls area of Idaho. Today, the waterfalls are a big part of the Shoshone hydroelectric project.
There is a lookout point, a min walk from the parking area. One can go down the staircase for another lookout area as shown. The entry to the Shoshone Falls park is $5 cash (national park pass are NOT accepted). There is a small beverage shop/cafe and restrooms at the park.
Stop 3: Potato Museum
Being the potato capital of the world, Idaho contributes nearly 30% of America's potato produce. Situated in the town of Blackfoot, the potato museum provides an interesting blend of learning the history of Idaho potatoes and understanding where the Mac Donald's fries are coming from! Consistent warmer days and cooler nights add on to the fertile Snake river that crosses this region. The weather is best suited for potatoes.
The museum showcased more than 100 varieties of potato smashers, machinery, peelers and the world's largest potato Pringle (Guinness World Record). Do not miss the huckleberry potato ice-cream in the cafe.
Stop 4: Idaho Fall River Walk
The greenbelt river walk offers a treat to the photographer enthusiasts for capturing the reflections of the famous Idaho church in the Snake river.
Alongside, there are many walking trails with great views of the Idaho waterfalls, due to water flowing down the dam, due to the hydroelectric projects put in place in 1920. I spent a few hours for an evening stroll. Note that there are many overlook points so walk around the banks and the overlooks are easy to locate.
The majority of Idaho region has been formed due to lava eruptions 30 to 50 miles upward forced from the earth's eruptions making Idaho a geographic marvel. The interesting fact that remains is the increasing vegetation on this cooled and hardened lava in the form of sagebrush and other shrubs that you will spot throughout the drive are still a mystery!
~Nomadic Traveler~
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