Western Heritage Historic Byway
Taking Flight on the Trail of Discovery
| Departure: | Initial Point, Idaho |
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| Destination: | Swan Falls Dam, Idaho |
| Time to allow: | 1 day |
This byway provides an opportunity to view engaging landscapes and visit areas that document human land use from prehistoric times into the early 21st century. At 12 key sites, interpretive displays help educate the travelers on the area's birds of prey, history, geology, and culture. At some locations, trails are available to add further to the high desert experience. Other locations offer stunning views directly from a vehicle window. A day outing lets travelers visit the desert with its special sites and small towns. Half-day adventurers are able to visit a couple of sites. Two-day outings allow time to hike trails, explore museums, and seek out solitude.
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Start: Initial Point
Initial Point looms out to the desert and presents panoramic views of the Owyhee Mountains and the Boise Front. A one-mile gravel road connects to the base of the butte. A short walk up the rocky, steep access trail brings visitors to an observation deck.
Established in 1867, a U.S. Geological Survey brass marker on the top of this prominent lava butte is the starting survey point in the State of Idaho.
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Navigation Point: Celebration Park
Directions from previous place: Drive north on Swan Falls Road to Victory Lane. Drive west on Victory Lane; turn north at McDemott and west on Warren Spur Road; follow to intersection with Can-Ada Road. Turn south on Can-Ada Road, then west on Victory Lane.
Distance from Previous Site: 20 miles / 32.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 30 minutes As the only archaeological park in southern Idaho, this site provides a rare opportunity for visitors to view petroglyphs carved on boulders by Native Americans and early settlers. Trails lead through boulders scattered by the Bonneville Flood and provide access to Halverson Lake.
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Stop 1: Dedication Point
Directions from previous place: Head west on Baseline Road to Swan Falls Road. Turn left to head north on Swan Falls Road. Follow wayfinding signs to Dedication Point.
Distance from Previous Site: 10 miles / 16.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 20 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes This site provides an outstanding view of the Snake River Canyon and snowcapped Owyhee Mountains, and is another good place to spot raptors in flight. Interpretive signs describe area plants, wildlife, and geology, as well as aid in identifying the different bird of prey species--prairie falcons, red-tailed hawks, and turkey vultures to name a few.
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End: Swan Falls Dam
Directions from previous place: Continue heading south on Swan Falls Road
Distance from Previous Site: 4.4 miles / 7.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes Swan Falls Dam was built in 1901 as the first hydroelectric dam on the Snake River. Originally, the dam supplied power to gold and silver mines in the Owyhee Mountains. Eventually, it provided electricity for settlements and agriculture on the Snake River Plateau. The dam, operated by Idaho Power Company, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
