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 |
