For Fisherman, water skiers, boaters, bird watchers, and white water enthusiasts, the Snake is one of the premier rivers of the West. Its high, palisade walls are a majestic sight for rafters and kayakers as they tumble over boiling rapids or lazily drift through the quiet stretches.

Unique to the Valley are the natural springs that gush from the lava canyon walls and percolate up from underground sources from the great Snake River Aquifer. They provide not only spectacular scenic beauty, but also pure, clear, oxygenated water at a constant temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for raising trout. Located here are Federal and Idaho State fish hatcheries as well as Clear Springs Foods, the largest producer of trout in the world. Approximately 70% of all the trout produced in the U.S. come from hatcheries in a 30-mile stretch along the Snake River in the Valley. Individuals are welcome to visit these hatcheries. The Clear Springs Food Visitors Center Offers an underground viewing area of trout and sturgeon in a natural setting.

Visit the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, a 4 million-year-old, 4,300-acre experience. Ancient bluffs rise dramatically, 600 feet above the Snake River on the west side of Hagerman Valley. These old lake and river beds preserve the richest fossil and sediment deposits in the world from the pliocene Epoch. An entire prehistoric ecosystem is captured in these old sediments. These layers were deposited when rivers flowing into ancient Lake Idaho flooded the countryside. In 1929, paleontologists from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., conducted the first scientific excavation at the Hagerman Fossil Beds. With over 220 individual skeletons discovered, this zebra-like ancestor of today's modern horse is now the official Idaho state fossil. Hike, mountain bike or ride your horse on 10 miles of trails that offer spectacular views of Hagerman Valley and the mighty Snake River. The Visitor Center, located in Hagerman City, provides information, fossil exhibits, educational films, access to hiking, and tours to fit the level of your interests.

The most recent addition to the Thousand Springs State Park, Ritter Island is located a few miles south of the City of Hagerman. It borders the Snake River for about 2½ miles. Its 400 acres form a meandering ribbon of quiet bottom lands and spring-fed creeks edged by magnificent basalt cliffs and sparkling cascades of crystal clear water. Bird-watch and enjoy the unique plant life while you hike the nature trails. Put your canoe in at the Idaho Power plant park adjacent to the island and explore miles of river.

625-acre Malad Gorge State Park provides a spectacular 3½-mile scenic loop, modern accessible restrooms, picnic shelters, hiking trails, interpretive kiosk, and breath-taking viewpoints of the magnificent Malad Gorge. Malad Gorge is a 2½ mile long canyon with the Malad River dropping 60 feet into the Devil's Washbowl and flowing to the Snake River. Additional Idaho State Parks are found at Crystal Springs and Niagara Springs, where picnic sites and fishing spots abound.

In 2001 the state of Idaho acquired Emerald Valley Ranch and created the Billingsley Creek unit of Thousand Springs State Park. The park offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities, an indoor horse riding arena, excellent fishing and featured events throughout the year, including the annual Blues in the Park music festival.

1000 Springs Resort, Miracle Hot Springs, and Banbury's provide facilities for swimming, bathing, camping, and picnicking. 1000 Springs Resort and Miracle Hots Springs are open all year.

Water Ski and pleasure boat for miles on the river. River raft, canoe, and kayak. Enjoy a 1000 Springs Tours scenic river cruises and river boat dining any time of year. Book a raft or canoe trip with Idaho Guide Service or High Adventure River Tours. Bring your boat or canoe and visit Blue Heart Springs, Box Canyon Springs, the Heron Rookery and much more.