In Idaho

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The falls of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Idaho Falls in the city of the same name is created by a man-made diversion dam used for hydroelectric power. Before the dam was created, this was just a bunch of small rapids. Now, the Snake River makes a drop of about 20 ft. or so over a width of 1200 ft. It is an interesting location, and there is a beautiful walkway along the river here, so one can stroll along the whole length of the falls.
The falls of Idaho Falls.  Idaho Falls, in the city of the same name, was created by a man-made diversion dam used for hydroelectric power. Before the dam was created, this was just a bunch of small rapids. Now the Snake River makes a drop of about 20 ft. or so over a width of 1200 ft. It is an interesting location and there is a beautiful walkway along the river here so one can stroll along the whole length of the falls.

This past Sunday we drove from Brigham City, Utah, to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Idaho Falls seems to be a nice town and the countryside is beautiful.

A view of the Snake River from just off Idaho Hwy 26 near Swan Valley, Idaho.
A view of the Snake River from just off Idaho Hwy 26 near Swan Valley, Idaho.

Yesterday we did a days’ scenic drive from Idaho Falls over to the western Grand Tetons then up  towards Yellowstone and back to Idaho Falls. In addition to the rolling hills and mountains there’s lot of farmland…yes, we did see some farmers setting out potatoes.

The bright green of Spring from across the Snake River, Hwy 26, Swan Valley, Utah
The bright green of Spring from across the Snake River, Hwy 26, Swan Valley, Utah

There’s still a good amount of snow on the Tetons and the promise for even more accumulating in the nest day or so down to possibly as low as the 7,000ft level.

Idaho Hwy 31 just west of Victor, Idaho, with the Grand Tetons in the background.
Idaho Hwy 31 just west of Victor, Idaho, with the Grand Tetons in the background.

We are in Idaho Falls for the next couple of days and they’re calling for rain, possibly hail (I hope not), and 20-40mph winds as a strong cold front passes through.

Idaho Hwy 33, near Driggs/Tetonia
Idaho Hwy 33, outside of Victor, Idaho.

There are many large and beautiful farms in this area. Some seem to grow grain and of course there are some who grow the famous Idaho potatoes.

Rolling, rich, and beautiful farm land for as far as the eye can see on Hwy 33 West the Grand Tetons Mountains.
Rolling, rich and beautiful farm land as far as the eye can see on Hwy 33 West the Grand Tetons Mountains.

We leave this coming Sunday, moving further north in Idaho. You can see our schedule and route on the 2016 Travel Page. One thing is for certain–Idaho is a beautiful state and we already know we have to come again a spend a lot more time here.

Another view of the beautiful and wandering Snake River, east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Another view of the beautiful and wandering Snake River, east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

7 Comments

  1. Steve Skinner
    2016-05-19 @ 7:56 pm

    I lived and worked in Idaho in the late 1970s. The state is incredibly beautiful!

    • E. Brooks Moore
      2016-05-20 @ 7:54 am

      Were you working for the forestry service when you were in Idaho, Steve? From what we’ve seen of it so far, it is a beautiful place. In the late 1970’s I joined the USAF and was doing an 18 month tour in San Vito, Italy. :-)

  2. Paul Maxim
    2016-05-20 @ 7:46 am

    We drove through Idaho Falls a couple years ago when we were heading out of Yellowstone. I remember stopping at Craters of the Moon National Monument – not a terribly interesting place unless you’re a fan of black volcanic rock. I noticed your next stop is Island Park, ID. Looks to me like that’s about 30 miles south of West Yellowstone, MT, which also happens to be the western entrance to Yellowstone. Any plans to visit Yellowstone?

    • E. Brooks Moore
      2016-05-20 @ 8:04 am

      We considered swinging over to seen Craters of the Moon National Monument but from looking at some of the images and such, it seemed the name might be a bit of an oversell for the actual attraction. :-) Yes on Yellowstone. The two weeks we’ll be at our next stop will be our closest approached and a good place to stage visits. I’m hoping for a little better stability with the weather but we’ll take what we’re given…at least it hasn’t snowed on us yet.

      • Paul Maxim
        2016-05-20 @ 11:31 am

        It’s unfortunate that your trip west has been so unusual with respect to weather – much cooler and wetter than normal. Not to mention the wind. I think it’s safe to say that a “normal” spring out there would have had you worrying a bit about the heat!

        My most highly recommended point of interest in Yellowstone is Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s right along the road that heads south to Old Faithful and is probably the most colorful spot in the park. A big parking lot there, but you’ll have lots of company. The canyon area – where the main waterfalls are – is also really nice.

  3. Monte Stevens
    2016-05-22 @ 8:14 am

    Yes, that is “God” country as they say. My sister use to live in Driggs, Idaho. They built this beautiful straw bale home just outside of Driggs. During the winter both of them worked at the ski resort in the Teton Village, driving over that pass each day. Not something I would want to do. Sounds like you’re on the road today so drive safe and enjoy the scenery.

    • E. Brooks Moore
      2016-05-23 @ 7:53 pm

      We’re wonderfully out in the “wilderness” for the next two weeks and have a very questionable Internet connection so I’ve not been able to read and reply as quickly as I’d like, Monte. It’s a beautiful area around Driggs but I can imagine the winters could be a little rough. Still I’d never get tired of looking at those Grand Teton Mountains.