Looking for wild adventure in Hagerman? Whitewater rafting is the best way to get out and have a thrilling experience on the Hagerman Stretch of the Snake River! Idaho Guide Service runs guided raft tours from spring through summer.
Depending on water levels for the year, the rapids can be wild. The Hagerman section is a class 3 trip with plenty of whitewater action, especially in the spring when water levels are high. This wild adventure is extremely family friendly! No experience is required to take one if these trips. In fact; if you’ve never whitewater rafted before we highly recommend booking a tour with Idaho Guide Service in Hagerman. The guides are experienced and will assure you’re safety while embarking on the journey.
What to Expect on the Wild Adventure
Enjoy spotting wildlife, waterfowl, and beautiful geological formations. Not only will you ride through waves and float the river, but you’ll also take a break on the edge of the Snake River. Here you and the group will eat food and snacks prepared by the guides. They will also paddle next to the bushes so you and the kids can pick wild black berries. Spot Teater’s Knoll, a historic home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright on the way. The guides will relay history lessons of the area while floating between rapids. You will also have the opportunity to jump out of the raft and float down the river to cool off! Last but not least, enjoy a water gun fight with other rafters or your large group! Life jackets will be provided and required the duration of the trip.
Billingsley Creek: Where to Stay
The locals who run Idaho Guide Service also own and manage Billingsley Creek Lodge. Billingsley Creek Lodge is an extremely beautiful accommodation that has blue water running through its backyard. It’s the perfect place to call home for travelers exploring Hagerman. Billingsley Creek Lodge has a few options to stay depending on the size of your family. After you’ve whitewater rafted, you can take their kayaks out on the river to enjoy a peaceful paddle too. If you’ve had enough time on the river, you can fish from the backyard stream or sit quietly and enjoy a good book in nature.
Where to Refuel with Local Food
There are a few options for dining in Hagerman, and one of our favorites is Fire Pie Pizza & Italian. On a nice day, enjoy sitting out in their patio space and order brick oven pizzas to share with the family. These pizzas taste like they came straight from Italy! There are many options from the basics like cheese and pepperoni, or branch out and try their specialty flavors.
Expert Wild Adventure in Hagerman: Whitewater Kayaking Malad River
The Malad River is for skilled whitewater kayakers. The Malad River will test your experience. The kayak put in is to the north of the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway highway bridge. It is above Idaho Power’s project. Once you’ve put in, prepare for the ride of your life! The Malad River meets the Snake River near easy loading access. The views are extremely beautiful as you travel within the canyon. The water is also bright blue, but does have many rocks and even a bridge to kayak through. Please only run this if you are with someone who has done so before, or have done ample research on the run.
E-Bike Rentals to ride the Hagerman Bike Trail
Hydro Hustlers located Downtown Hagerman on North State Street have e-bike rentals! Ride from Hagerman out to the Thousand Springs Visitors Center and Billingsley Creek State Park. They also rent regular bicycles, stand up paddle boards, and kayaks.
Another Family Friendly Wild Adventure
Hagerman is home to more than just the Snake River. A popular park to hike at is Box Canyon State Park, one of the seven units of Thousand Springs State Park. The adventure begins at a newly paved parking lot where you can look over the canyon and see blue water pools at the bottom. Then, for a wildly beautiful hike continue to follow the canyon and carefully enter the canyon at the designated trail with chain railing. From there you’ll hike past a large waterfall and to more pools at the end. Here you can swim, snorkel, or even scuba dive! See ancient trees below the surface in the vibrant blue lake.