Hagerman National Monument and Fossil Beds

After dark, the boat launch area quieted down quite a bit. It was super peaceful overnight, and what a view waking up at dawn overlooking the Snake River. I parked within 10 feet from the water.

I enjoyed listening to bullfrogs, and fish splashing at the surface. It was mirror calm, so peaceful, and surprisingly, the first fishing enthusiasts didnt arrive until 7am. It felt like it was all mine, until then. 

I made my way to an observation point at the Hagerman Fossil National Monument, where apparently it is the worlds largest collection of fossils from the Pliocene Epoch, according to the placard. There is a modest collection at their visitor's center, along with mastodon bones, and remains from the largest land slough, which was apparently 10 feet high. Can you imagine that? Thoughout the entire evening, night, and morning, from my spot, I was looking right at the cliffs of the Hagerman Fossil National Monument.

I headed to Ritter Island State Park. And took a trail to magnificent waterfalls from a natural spring, coming out of the rock cliffs, in several areas, along the Snake River. This is an island right next to a water treatment facility, that provides for all of the farms and homes of the community.

It was a nice walk around the property, also a former dairy farm/museum, and also a look at the pure spring waters from the creek, which was so clear, and clean, it looked like an ocean lagoon, or a chlorine pool. I asked about going swimming, and the caretaker said yes, you can swim, and it's a constant 58°. I was tempted, but didn't.

I continued north hoping to get out of the heat as it was already 95° when I made a pit stop at Mammoth Caves, a 2 mile dirt road off of the highway. This is in the middle of a flat plateau of lava rock fields, prairie dried terrain, not too far from Craters of the Moon. Its not the same Mammoth Cave as you would see in Kentucky. This is private property, and a very eclectic museum of natural artifacts, taxidermy animals, two headed rabbits and two headed baby calves, native artifacts, bones, insects, and more. So much to see! You get to walk a 1/4 mile through the cave, to the very end, with your own lantern. The cave is a constant 40 degree temperature, so quite the comfort from the 95° above. 
As far as caves go, this was a little bit different than many of the other caves that I have visited. They all have their own distinctive features, and this one did as well.

I finally arrived in the Ketchum, Idaho area. I made it into the Sawtooth National Forest, and drove for about 45 minutes, into the forest, with several camping options. I chose one that was in a rather open area, nearby the creek. It was still 95 degrees, and in direct sun, which is pretty darn hot. I managed to go for several swims in the creek, which was so refreshing, and all that I needed for a cool down. Jo Jo got dunked too. Surprisingly, there are several private properties that seem to be nestled here in the forest. I'm not really sure what that means, other than dispersed camping is mixed in with private property. There is some very minor traffic, but other than the babbling of this crystal clear creek, there isn't any other noise.

I am on the other side of Bald Mountain, which is a ski resort for the Ketchum, and Sun Valley area.



























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