The untrained eye may dismiss the cities of Hagerman and Wendell, Idaho as no more than agricultural land and diary pastures, but to the adventure minded explorer the area is riddled with natural wonders. A perfect example of this is Box Canyon State Park. A secluded canyon filled with natural springs and crystal clear water lies tucked away hidden in an unsuspected field of farmland.
Trail Details
- Type: Out and Back
- Trailhead: Box Canyon State Park
- Length: 5 miles
- Time: 3 hours
- Nearest City: Wendell, ID
- Best time of year: March-May
Getting Through Farmland
To get to Box Canyon State Park, just search for it on google maps. The directions are pretty easy but slow down when you get close to the park. It is incredibly easy to miss the teeny-tiny parking lot with an equally small sign. And because the parking lot is so small, your going to want to get there early before it fills up.
From the parking lot take the only trail to your first view of the canyon.
Canyon Overlook
When you first start the trail its hard to believe that anything impressive is in this area. But before you know it, you will lay eyes on the head of the canyon and the pool of light blue water that emerges from the ground and starts its journey towards the Snake River.
Be on the look out for lots of critters and birds relaxing and nesting in the canyon walls. There is no trail to get to the large pool at the bottom. But if you are dying for a quick dip in the water there are better opportunities further down the trail.
Hold on Tight
Once you’ve gotten your views from the top of Box Canyon its time to begin your descent to the next viewpoint within the canyon. Follow the rim of the canyon to a sign saying un-managed trail. From here you will have steep switchbacks and lots of rock hopping. You’ll notice there is steel cabling bolted into the cliff-side as a makeshift handrail. Use this to keep your balance and go slow.
The trail gets easier once you get to the bottom. Long pants are recommended for the rest of the hike. Since the trail isn’t managed, there is typically some overgrowth and you’ll want to watch out for poison ivy in these sections.
Caribbean Blue Waterfall
The water features of this hike are incredible. Once you hit the canyon floor the trail will take you right next to a gorgeous waterfall. There is a wooden viewing platform at the top of the falls but a few steps down from the deck will allow you to be right at the base. There are lots of great spots here to sit for a moment on the rocks and maybe soak your feet in the water if it’s hot out.
As you continue on the trail you’ll have a lot more opportunities to enjoy the water. You’ll cross a large wooden bridge over the water flow and reach a swimming hole before the canyon ends and empties the spring water into the Snake River.
Once you reach the end of the canyon you can turn around and head back the way you came. There isn’t much to see after this point but there is another mile or so you could go until you hit Private Property.
Trail Tips
- Go early to avoid a packed parking lot and a crowded trail
- Be careful on the way down to the canyon floor
- Spend some extra time admiring the waterfall
- Wear Long Pants to avoid a brush with poison ivy
- There is not much to see after the canyon ends but feel free to keep going
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.