Wednesday, 11 September
The Journey from Butte, MT, to Idaho Falls, ID
We drove about 210 miles south on I-15S to Idaho Falls.
As we headed south, we drove through rolling hills and large mountain ranges, including the Pioneer Mountains in the distance.
We passed through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, with views of the Beaverhead Mountains to the west. The landscape consists of lush, forested foothills, rugged rocky peaks, occasional clearings, and open plains.
Around Dillon, the terrain flattens somewhat into wide valleys with farmlands, ranches, and big-sky views.
South of Dillon, we crossed the Continental Divide and descended into Idaho. There, the terrain transitioned to a more arid, high desert, with sagebrush and grasses replacing dense forests. The Lemhi Range and Bitterroot Mountains line the route in the distance, offering a rugged backdrop.
Once in Idaho, the terrain becomes flatter and more expansive, with broad, arid plains. The area around Dubois and Spencer is a classic high desert, characterized by sparse vegetation, sagebrush, and dramatic volcanic formations in some areas.
Nearing Idaho Falls, the land opens to rolling plains and the fertile Snake River Plain, with farmland and low, brushy hills. The Snake River and its green corridor provide a lush contrast to the surrounding desert landscape.
We drove into Idaho Falls and took BUS I-15 to US-26 to the campground, about 20 miles east of the city near Ririe. Along the way, we passed several irrigation channels. The contrast between the irrigated fields and the desert-like terrain filled with sagebrush was striking.
Juniper Campground
The campground is near the Ririe Reservoir, surrounded by juniper trees, sagebrush, and rolling hills. There were stunning views of the reservoir and the surrounding foothills.
Most campsites were first come, first serve, but we had reservations in a section for reservation-only sites. Unfortunately, our site had a short pad at the end of a steep hill, which could make it challenging to connect and disconnect the Hensley hitch. We called the office and asked if we could switch sites, and they said that was fine. We found a nice pull-through.
While walking around the trailer, I discovered unusual wear on one of my tires. I spent the rest of the afternoon calling local RV repair shops. Luckily, Iron Horse RV was available the next day.
Thursday, 12 September
Iron Horse RV
We hitched up the camper early in the morning and drove to Iron Horse RV for repair. However, I mistakenly went to their dealership in Idaho Falls. When they opened, I realized I had scheduled the appointment at their Rexburg location, another 30 minutes (27 miles) further north.
Once we arrived in Rexburg, the staff quickly assessed the damage and confirmed that we had bent an axle, which would need to be replaced. They also noted the need for a replacement tire. Since I had previously purchased tires from Discount Tire, I decided to get the replacement there. The technicians removed the damaged tire from the camper, leaving the spare to be mounted once repairs were completed.
With the camper in the shop and repairs expected to take most of the day, we drove back 27 miles south to Idaho Falls to visit the local Discount Tire. We purchased a replacement tire and headed toward the Idaho Potato Museum while we waited for updates on the camper repair.
Idaho Potato Museum
We enjoy quirky attractions, so after replacing the tire, we drove about 30 minutes south to Blackfoot, ID, to visit the Idaho Potato Museum.
The drive from Blackfoot to Idaho Falls is about 30 miles and takes 30 to 35 minutes on I-15. The route follows the Snake River Plain, which is primarily flat and open. Along the way, I passed through wide agricultural fields, an area well-known for its potato production. In the distance, I could see the mountains to the east, part of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and the Rocky Mountains. The Snake River runs near parts of the route, adding to the scenic views.
Housed in a historic train depot, the museum celebrates Idaho’s world-famous potato industry and its importance to the state’s culture and economy. Though small, the museum was packed with interesting exhibits. It featured the history of the potato, with a focus on Idaho’s rise as the largest potato producer in the United States. Displays showcased antique and modern farming tools, equipment, and irrigation techniques, offering insight into how potato farming has evolved. Interactive exhibits explained the potato production process, and various potato-themed memorabilia, from vintage advertisements to whimsical potato toys, were on display. One exhibit was dedicated to Mr. Potato Head.
Other highlights included the world’s largest Pringle potato crisp, a bronze sculpture of the world’s largest potato, a collection of hundreds of potato mashers, and a potato vodka display. There was even a “Potato Poetry Corner,” where visitors could read or contribute potato-themed poetry. The museum was fun and educational, and we were impressed by how much we had learned.
At the end of our visit, we exited into the museum’s gift shop, which sold an assortment of potato-themed souvenirs. The adjacent café offered a small menu of potato-based dishes and treats, including chocolate-covered potato chips. Since we hadn’t eaten lunch yet, we took the opportunity to grab a bite. I ordered a baked potato topped with chili, while Lisa chose one with cheese and butter.
Before leaving, we stopped at the museum’s giant potato wood-cutout selfie station for a fun photo op. It was a lighthearted and memorable stop that left us with a greater appreciation for Idaho’s famous spuds.
Idaho Falls
Afterward, we returned to Idaho Falls to explore the city.
Idaho Falls, with a population of about 64,000, has a rich history. Originally named Eagle Rock after a basalt island in the Snake River where eagles nested, the area began to develop in the 1860s. Early settlers established a ferry crossing, which was soon replaced by a timber-frame toll bridge downstream. In 1891, the town was renamed Idaho Falls to attract more settlers by highlighting the area’s abundant water resources. This rebranding contributed to its growth as a thriving agricultural hub.
Our goal was to find some views of the Snake River, so we first drove to the Snake River Parkway. However, ongoing construction obscured any views there.
We then drove toward River Walk Drive, where we found Eagle Rock Fountain. The 26-foot-tall fountain sits in the middle of a traffic circle and features a faux mountain waterfall with two large eagles soaring around, caring for their young eaglets. A mountain lion is also depicted prowling near the water below. It was a tribute to the city’s original name.
We enjoyed exploring the fountain, but expensive-looking apartments along the river obscured any river views, so we moved onward.
Japanese Friendship Garden
As we continued along the river, we discovered the Japanese Friendship Garden, a beautifully designed space on a small island in the Snake River near the Idaho Falls River Walk. This island is historically significant as the site of the first bridge to span the Snake River in Eastern Idaho. The garden was created to celebrate the sister-city relationship between Idaho Falls and Tokai-Mura, Japan, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two communities.
A pedestrian bridge led us to the island, where we walked through the modest garden that featured classic Japanese design elements, including a rock lantern, meticulously arranged stones, and small water features.
A striking feature of our visit was the noticeable difference in water levels on either side of the island. On the east side, water had been diverted by the dam to flow toward the Idaho Falls hydroelectric plant. In contrast, the water on the west side had already spilled over the dam and sat 10–15 feet lower.
Idaho Falls River Walk and Greenbelt
After visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden, we drove a bit farther along the river and finally found a large public park that offered excellent views of the iconic Idaho Falls.
The falls are not natural but are part of a 31-foot-tall concrete gravity dam built across the Snake River. This dam creates a wide, multi-tiered cascade, with water from the top diverted into the hydroelectric plant and irrigation canals. Below the dam, the remaining water continues to tumble over jagged rocks, creating a stunning and serene scene. The area surrounding the falls is beautifully maintained, with the Idaho Falls River Walk and Greenbelt providing picturesque pathways for walking and cycling. We admired various sculptures, decorative benches, and well-manicured landscaping along the greenway. Towering in the background, the Idaho Falls Mormon Temple added a striking visual element to the already scenic view.
One of the information boards discussed the tragic collapse of the Teton Dam, which occurred on June 5, 1976, about 40 miles away near Rexburg, Idaho. The dam, a newly constructed earthen structure, catastrophically failed as it was being filled, releasing a staggering 80 billion gallons of water into the Teton River valley. A wall of water, at times up to 15 feet high, roared through the river’s path, devastating the nearby communities of Teton, Wilford, Sugar City, and Rexburg. The disaster claimed 11 lives, swept away 16,000 livestock, and caused over $400 million in property damage. The cause was later attributed to design flaws, construction issues, and an unexpected surge of spring runoff. The event remains one of the most infamous dam failures in U.S. history.
Later that evening, moved by what we had read, we watched documentaries detailing the flood’s impact and the harrowing stories of survival and recovery from the communities affected.
RV Repair Pickup Rexburg
We finally got a phone call from Iron Horse RV that our camper was ready to pick up. We had a brief rainstorm on the way to Rexburg, but it was over when we arrived at the dealership. It was probably forecasting the tears I would shed when I got the bill.
The final repair bill was $1,676.86, slightly less than the estimate they gave me that morning. To that total, I also bought a new tire for $224.46. Ouch!
We returned to the campground after paying the bill and connecting the trailer. Along the way, we passed the Rexburg Mormon Temple, which was as striking as the one in Idaho Falls.