Over the weekend I hiked 15 miles along the Snake River, through Swan Falls – A canyon carved out almost 15,000 years ago by the second largest flood in the geological history of the world, Lake Bonneville Flood. It’s estimated that during this cataclysmic event, the peak discharge in the Swan Falls area was 33 million cubic feet of water per second! That was so much force, geologists estimate that the water carved the canyon out in only a matter of weeks!
Swan Falls happens to be located in the Snake River Birds Of Prey National Conservation Area, which potentially has the highest concentration of nesting raptors in North America. On top of the gorgeous scenery and fantastic opportunities for bird watching, Swan Falls is also home to one of the largest petroglyph sites in Idaho known as Wees Bar.
As we followed the winding canyon, we eventually passed remnants of the old Priest Ranch and their orchard that still thrives today. After quite a bit more walking and a close encounter with not one, but two, irritated rattlesnakes, we came across a field scattered with giant basalt boulders where we finally encountered our first petroglyph. Soon enough we were surrounded multiple examples of ancient Native American artwork, all estimated to be anywhere between 800 and 12,000 years old!
It was so hot out, neither of us had the energy to locate all 90 petroglyphs. If you do decide to hike Wees Bar Trail in the summer, be sure to pack lots of water, wear sunscreen, and please be cautious of rattlesnakes!
Go to Everytrail for the overview of Wees Bar. We used it to guide us during our hike and it was very useful.
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Gorgeous photos again and I would love to see this place. Thanks for sharing…a new place to explore!
You know, I never know what your posts will be about. Fashion, hanging at the beach, a biology book, or hiking somewhere I want to go. Regardless its entertaining and great pictures! Glad I followed you!
I’ve seen Petroglyphs outside Vegas but I didn’t know we had some closer!
I’m glad you followed me! You’re probably my biggest fan! Haha
And there are tons of petroglyphs scattered around the northwest! You just need to do a quick google search. 🙂
I will have to do that I haven’t hiked in quite a while and I miss it
Love the Birds of Prey area!!! We haven’t hiked much, but we’ve wandered around and taken pictures. The day we were there we saw very few birds — that was our only disappointment. Loved the view of the Snake River.
It is a beautiful area! Hopefully next time you see more birds!
I had no idea this was even in Idaho. It’s so beautiful
Right?! There are tons of cool historical places like this I Idaho that I had no idea even existed! It’s awesome!
Hi, may I ask what kind of camera you are using? These photographs are beyond beautiful.
Hi Sarah! I use a Nikon D7000. Glad you like the photos!