« Back To Best Camping in Idaho

Swan Falls Picnic Area

Swan Falls Dam is on the Snake River about 40 miles south of Boise. It was built in 1901 to provide electricity to nearby mines in the Owyhee Mountains. Swan Falls is the oldest hydroelectric generating site on the Snake River. Idaho Power built a new power plant in the mid-1990s. The old plant is now a museum.

The museum is open to the public, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday between April 15 and Labor Day. Tours at other times may be arranged in advance by contacting Idaho Power by email - [email protected]. Scheduling tours outside open hours requires at least one week prior notice.

The park adjacent to the dam is day-use only, but there are many free camping areas above and below the dam.

Boating on the Snake River:
Motorized craft can navigate with caution between Swan Falls Dam and Celebration Park. A developed launch site is located below the dam. Non-motorized or float boats can be also be launched from Swan Falls Dam. This stretch of the river contains two Class II rapids and makes a nice day trip for rafters or experienced canoeists. The river slows considerably between Celebration Park and Walter's Ferry. No commercial shuttle services are available.

Activities