Western Heritage Historic Byway

Story of the Byway

The Western Heritage Historic Byway is a 47-mile route that meanders through sagebrush and canyon along the Snake River in southwestern Idaho. A panoramic view of the Owyhee Mountains lends itself to bird watching—specifically, birds of prey that are protected in the area. These special avian species migrate into the deep canyon of the Snake River and are active March to late June. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) aims to preserve the wildlife habitat not only for birds of prey, but also the hawks, owls, eagles and falcons that arrive each spring to mate and raise their young.

Originating in Wyoming, Snake River ambles across southern Idaho before turning north along the Idaho-Oregon border. Here it enters Washington and flows west to the Columbia River. At 1,078 miles long, Snake River is the largest tributary of the Columbia River, and the largest North American river that drains into the Pacific Ocean. An important source of agricultural irrigation, the river is also known for recreation, most notably for salmon fishing. The route lends itself to hiking and boating as well.

The Snake River Canyon rim is a scenic 10-mile stretch of developed trails throughout Twin Falls. Visitors can witness BASE jumpers take a plunge from the Perrine Bridge while kayakers navigate the river below. Constructed in 1901, Swan Falls Dam is the oldest hydroelectric dam on the Snake River. Visit the Swan Falls Dam Historic Powerhouse and Museum to learn about its history. Snake River is also home to Celebration Park, an archaeological park that reveals petroglyphs 100 to 1,000 years old, buried in huge basalt melon gravels deposited by the historic Bonneville flood. Stop for a walking tour of historic Guffey Railroad Bridge to hear early area mining and railroad stories.

The Owyhee County Museum in Murphy tells the life of miners, ranchers and farmers from early Southern Idaho. Eight miles south of Kuna is Initial Point, a small volcanic remnant known as the originating point for the first government survey of Idaho. The butte rises roughly 350 feet out of the Snake River Plain; once powerful enough to shift the river’s course from its lava flow. Also within Kuna is Indian Creek, offering small whitewater chutes and moderate waves for surfing. A trail system also extends from the creek.