Massacre Rocks State Park

Massacre Rocks State Park is one of the Historical Areas operated by the State of Idaho to remind visitors of the march of history through the state.  Ten miles west of American Falls on I-86, take exit 28 and follow the signs.  The park has stories to tell which date back to times best described in geologic terms. A study of history indicates the park’s ominous name isn’t supported by actual events.  Devils Gate Pass gets undeserved credit as the scene of a wagon train ambush by natives.  It’s easy to see why the travelers feared an ambush at the narrow passage that is all that’s left of an extinct volcano.  But on August 9 and 10, 1862 it was an area east of Devils Gate, and even east of the park, which saw a series of skirmishes involving four wagon trains.  When it was over 10 pioneers and an unknown number of natives were dead and the area acquired it’s undeserved name.  Actually settlers and the natives made use of the area for generations because the Snake River is accessible and relatively gentle in this part of its run, and the violent episodes were the exception, not the rule. Cabin Rental at at Massacre Rocks State Park Lodging at the park offers Cabins and a 50 unit campground with water and electrical hookups for RV’s, and a large overflow parking area for the more self sufficient.  You’ll also find rest rooms with hot showers, a picnic area, a boat launch, and a visitor center which provides advice and maps.  Between Memorial Day and Labor Day the park staff offers campfire programs scheduled to allow you to enjoy the park’s spectacular sunsets. Visitor’s Center at Massacre Rocks State Park Massacre Rocks State Park Visitor’s Center is one of the historic areas operated by the State of Idaho to remind visitors of the march of history through the state. The park has stories to tell which date back to times best described in geologic terms. View our ArcGis Interactive Trail Map. Bird Watching at Massacre Rocks State Park If high desert flora and fauna attract you, you’ll love Massacre Rocks State Park.  The park contains about 300 species of plants, and bird watchers have reported over 200 species of birds.  If you are looking for the birds not usually seen back home keep an eye out for whistling swans, bald eagles, pelicans and blue herons, all of which are commonly seen. View the Idaho Birding Trail Interactive Map View the Idaho Birding Trail PDF [PDF] [PDF] View our Birdwatching Guide to Southeast Idaho Brochure [PDF, 1.16 MB] [PDF, 1.16 MB] Photo courtesy of Linda 1 day at a time on Flickr Melon Gravel is scattered through the Park. These are remnants of the fury of nature. Until 14,500 years ago, a blink of the geologic eye, most of Utah and parts of Nevada were under the waters of Lake Bonneville. When the natural dam could no longer contain the waters the torrent emptied almost the entire lake in a matter of months. At one point the flow of water was four times that of the Amazon and the boulders you see today were ripped from mountainsides, smoothed by the flow and rolled in the flow for hundreds of miles to where you see them resting today. Register Rock is also located within the park.

When to go: Summer and Fall typically offer the best window.

Vehicles: Jeep/Truck. Standard offroad prep applies: appropriate tires, ground clearance, and a basic recovery kit.

Upper Snake context

The Upper Snake wraps western Yellowstone — Island Park's caldera, the Targhee Forest, and the Teton Valley. Wildlife density is among Idaho's highest (grizzly, wolf, elk, moose), so bear-aware practices are baseline. Many drainages have seasonal wildlife closures. Rexburg, Ashton, and Driggs are the bases.

Best for drivers who understand their vehicle and the cost of a mistake in remote country.