Box Canyon Springs Reserve
Located just 9.7 miles (15.6 km) southwest of Wendell, ID, Box Canyon Springs Preserve is an incredible landmark near the Snake River. It is the 11th largest spring in North America, flowing at a rate of 180,000 gallons per minute. The spring is part of the Snake River aquifer, an underground river that percolates through the porous lava rock of the Snake River plain from rivers far to the north.
Challenges
The hike down into the canyon is steep and narrow in places and can be slick depending on the trail conditions. You should avoid the trail down into the canyon if you have mobility concerns. You can still get into the canyon using the rim trail and following the access road down and in.
There is little shade, so plan accordingly if you are going on a hot day.
Poison Oak, Poison Ivy, and/or Stinging Nettle grow here. Wear appropriate clothing for the hike in/out to protect yourself. Remember that these plants' oils can be transferred if you plan to take your four-legged friend.
Equipment
Water
Snack
Sunscreen (recommended)
Bug Repellent (recommended)
Hat (recommended)
Good, broken-in hiking boots or shoes
Weather and vegetation-appropriate clothing
Swimming suit if you want to swim in the pool at the spring’s end.
The Approach
If you’re heading East on I-84, take exit 155 to Wendell. After exiting the interstate, take the first right onto Hagerman Road/Highway (2950 S). Stay on this road for 3 miles, then turn left onto S 1500 E. Stay on S 1500 E for 4.5 miles. Just past E 3400 S, on the right side of the road, you’ll see the turn-in and the first parking lot. Go through the parking lot and follow the paved road (0.7 miles) to the main parking lot.
If you’re heading West on I-84, take exit 157 to Wendell. After exiting the interstate, take the first left onto S Idaho St/ID-46 (S 1950 E). Stay on this road for almost 4 miles, then turn right onto E 3400 S. Stay on E 3400 S for 4.4 miles. At the intersection, turn left onto S 1500 E. You’ll immediately see the Box Canyon State Park parking lot on your right. Go through the parking lot and follow the paved road (0.7 miles) to the main parking lot.
Note: There is a $7 per vehicle fee for parking. You do not have to pay this fee with an Idaho Parks Pass. The fee area is at the initial parking spot for Box Canyon State Park, right off S 1500 E road.
The Overlook
A small trail leads from the parking lot to the overlook, identifiable by the metal railing at the canyon’s edge. The overlook provides a great view of the Spring’s source, with green vegetation thriving both in the water and along the water’s edges. From this location, you can get a decent view of a large portion of the canyon heading toward the Snake River. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can walk along the canyon rim to the Eastern tip of the canyon. From here, you can look straight down the canyon. The terrain is rough and can be difficult, so use caution.
Canyon Rim Trail
The first hiking trail option for this location is the Canyon Rim Trail. It is exactly like the name suggests, a hike along the canyon rim with a view into the canyon culminating with a view of the Snake River. It is approximately 3 miles round trip to complete this hike. The ground is uneven, with many rocks sticking up to trip on if you aren’t watching your step. The views are incredible, especially if you can be there during either morning or evening golden hour. Despite being longer than the There & Back hike, it is far more manageable since you cover practically flat ground. There is absolutely no shade and no benefit of being near the water. Check those temperatures before setting off on this one.
The “There & Back”
This time we hiked this version of the trail. It is the shortest version but also the most difficult. We followed the Canyon Rim Trail from the parking lot until we reached the steep path down into the canyon. Following this trail, we slowly descended into the canyon to the edge of the spring. The trail leads along the water’s edge providing views of waterfalls and crystal-clear pools. The cool mist of the rushing water helps in the heat, and a few areas have enough vegetation to enjoy a brief respite from the sun under some shade.
The Loop
If you are using a trail app like AllTrails, this is the hike it will provide. This hike can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. Having hiked it on our first trip, I would suggest counterclockwise. That way, you get better views in the second half of the hike. We went clockwise, and the second half (access road and canyon rim) were a letdown compared to the hike along the springs. Going counterclockwise along the canyon rim, down the access road, along the springs, and finally ending with the canyon rim views would be a better hike. At least, that is my opinion.
The Easier But Longer Way?
I have not done this hike, exactly. It is easier than “There & Back” and “The Loop,” but it is longer. To complete this hike, follow the Canyon Rim Trail until you reach the access road to the Snake River. From there, you follow the trail back into the Canyon and follow the spring up to the point where you would typically start your climb out of the Canyon. Instead, you turn around and hike back towards the Snake River, follow the access road up and out of the canyon, and follow the Canyon Rim Trail back to the parking lot. This hike has the advantage of avoiding the steep climb in and out of the canyon for the more gradual access road. You also see the spring creek going in and out, like with the “There & Back.” However, this does add some mileage to your hike, and you may disagree that the hike out is easier because it is longer with the switchbacks on the access road. From our perspective, the access road is the worst part of The Loop hike, so we opted for the “There & Back.” Depending on your needs, this may be the better option for you.
Summary
If I were to recommend a version to follow, it would be “There & Back.” It is shorter, a little more difficult, but you get the best views in and out. Depending on your available time, inclination, abilities, and/or adventurous nature, you may choose any other option. I don’t think you will be disappointed, no matter the choice. This is one of our favorite hikes, especially in this area. It is the one I would recommend first to anyone traveling through or near this location. If you have the opportunity, you must try to experience this beautiful oasis in the desert.
