Thousand Springs State Park
Snake River’s Spring-Fed Cascades
Thousand Springs features spectacular springs bursting from canyon walls—water from the Lost River emerges 100+ miles away as dramatic waterfalls into the Snake River!
Units
| Unit | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Ritter Island | Historic site, gardens |
| Malad Gorge | 250-ft deep canyon |
| Earl M. Hardy | Box Canyon springs |
Where does the water come from?
The springs are fed by the Lost River—water that sinks underground near Arco travels 100+ miles before emerging here!
Location & Getting There
Thousand Springs State Park is located in Idaho. The park’s coordinates are 42.8632, -114.8516. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Idaho
- Coordinates: 42.8632, -114.8516
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Idaho state parks showcase the rugged beauty of the Northern Rockies and high desert — from alpine lakes and dramatic canyons to volcanic landscapes and whitewater rivers. Activities include hiking through mountainous terrain, swimming and boating on pristine alpine and reservoir lakes, fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout in clear mountain waters, camping in remote forested settings, mountain biking challenging terrain, cross-country skiing in winter, whitewater rafting on renowned rivers, and exploring natural hot springs and volcanic formations.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season with warm days, open mountain trails, and excellent lake recreation. Fall (September–October) brings golden aspens and larches to the forests and fewer crowds. Spring is muddy at higher elevations but great for waterfall viewing and fishing as rivers swell. Winter transforms mountain parks into cross-country skiing and snowmobiling destinations. Northern Idaho parks have shorter seasons due to heavier snowfall.
Visitor Tips
Idaho state parks charge a vehicle entry fee ($7/day or $40/annual). Camping reservations through the Idaho State Parks reservation system up to 9 months in advance. Many parks are remote with limited cell service and amenities — come prepared. Bear country protocols apply in northern Idaho parks. Water levels on reservoir parks fluctuate significantly during drawdown seasons.
Explore More Idaho State Parks
Thousand Springs State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Idaho. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Idaho guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
