Ritter Island

Location

Snake River

Distance

Up to 3+ miles

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Status

State Park

More Info

Hidden within the desert landscape exists the serene and beautiful Ritter Island Unit of Thousand Springs State Park. Located near Hagerman, Ritter Island is one of 7 park units that make up the State Park. Visitors can paddle along the crystal waters, hike the Kelton Trail, or walk to Bonniewview Lookout. The parking area is located near the Idaho Power Plant off of Ritchie Road.

Summertime is the perfect time to dip into the refreshing waters near Ritter Island. Walls of basalt surround you while the view of cascading waterfalls dominates the landscape. Thousand Springs State Park’s Ritter Island is a special place where everyone should be able to retreat for a quick and restful getaway.

Directions

From Boise, head east on I-84 for about an hour and a half. Take exit 147 toward Tuttle. Drive about 0.2 miles onto E 2350 S until you see the first cross street onto Ritchie Rd. Take a left on Ritchie Rd, and drive about 4.7 miles until turning right onto E 2900 S for 0.4 miles. Take a sharp left onto S 1175 E and continue for a mile until you reach E 3000 S. Take a right onto E 3003. After 2 miles, turn right onto S 1300 E and follow the road until you reach the Thousand Springs Grade turnoff.