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.
 Compared to Massacre
Rocks, Register Rock, also located within the park, is aptly named. As
travelers on the Oregon Trail paused at Register Rock, they succumbed to the all
too human desire to leave word of their passage. They inscribed their
names and often the date of their passage on Register Rock. Today the rock
is protected by a weather shelter, which you are welcome to think was built for
your benefit if it makes you feel better. Look, but don't touch.
Efforts to emulate the pioneers by leaving behind a bit of graffiti are unlawful
and the law is strictly enforced.
 Scattered through
the Park, you'll see huge boulders. 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.
 Modern visitors have it easy
compared to the earlier users of this area. The park's 900 acres offer 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.
No need to hurry after that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
 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. Visit
Massacre State Park
Website to see more
photos and details.
Our Visitor's Center
Massacre Rocks State Park
10 miles west of American Falls, (off I-86)
Mailing Address: 3592 N. Park Lane
American Falls, ID 83211
Phone: 208-548-2672
E-mail the Park |
