​Discover the Shoshone Indian Ice Caves, a National Historic Site and the largest Lava Ice Cave known.  This geologic natural wonder was created when molten lava seeped across the top layer of the earth and melted a "river" for miles through the earth's crust leaving behind an empty "tube", eventually filling the bottom of the caves with seep water.  At a temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit year round, the Ice Caves remain frozen for spectacular views and pictures.  

In the early days of our National Parks System, this location was used to train some of the very first National Park Guides offering tours to the public.  Now, this popular tourist attraction educates and fascinates geology enthusiasts and people from all over the world as they step down into the icy caves full of magic and wonder.

​Located just two miles east of Shoshone Falls and set in an open canyon on the Snake River, you'll want to include this "less visited" attraction on your quest for Idaho's beautiful waterfalls.  Owned and operated by Idaho Power, there is no fee to experience this point of interest.  Travel down the windy, paved road to the observation deck built alongside the south side of the Snake River Canyon.  Though a single waterfall remains of the two "twin falls", at over 125 feet high this stunning work of nature flows atop two hydroelectric power plants below.

If dam engineering is a favorite topic for you, interpretive boards located on the viewing platform walkway describes the construction and electrical output of the two power plants built in 1935 and 1995.

Start your excursion in Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve at the Visitor Center.  With its informative exhibits, you will learn about how this unique landscape was created, who the first people were who discovered its "sacred beauty" and how it was studied in the modern era to help our Apollo astronauts on their trip to the moon in 1969.  

Pick up park maps, gifts & souvenirs and stamp your National Parks Passport Books just before you start your day of wonder in the Monument.  You'll also be able to refresh here in the restrooms, which will be the only running water in the monument. Also available are vending machine snacks and drinks.