Statewide - Idaho

Southeastern
| Official Idaho State Travel Guide
72
American Falls
When the hills along I-86 begin to emit
the perfume of aromatic juniper trees,
you’ll be nearing American Falls and
Massacre Rocks State Park, a place
whose history is more than the name
suggests. The great Bonneville Flood,
which drained the lake that once
covered much of Utah, surged through
Red Rock Pass and into the Snake River
more than 16,000 years ago. In those
few months, the flow was four times
that of the Amazon River, making this
cataclysmic event the second-largest
flood in the geologic history of the
world. Eons later, a quarrel between
emigrants and local Indians happened
near here, leading to the name “Massacre
Rocks.” Today, it’s the site of
a popular state park, where you can
explore the Oregon Trail, camp, hike,
or view wildlife. More than 200 species
of birds, including Canada geese, blue
herons, pelicans, and bald eagles, have
been spotted here.
The pleasant town of American Falls
is peacefully located on the southern
banks of the state’s largest reservoir,
American Falls Reservoir. With three
boat ramps north of the dam, the recreational
opportunities are abundant.
Come and plAy
in adventure’s
BacKyard.