Quote: The Swan Falls Dam has provided hydroelectric power to the Kuna and Melba areas of Idaho for over 100 years. Mom and I took our two dogs Loki and Katie for a well-needed hike around the dam that is situated on the Snake River. But upon arriving at the dam, you are greeted by the most spectacular view of the dam and Snake River. The Old Dam Building was built by a Boise engineer in 1900 to provide power to the mines in Silver City, which is located 28 miles west of the dam. No one is sure on how Swan Falls got its name. Some say it is named for the trumpeter swan that used to winter on the Snake River, and some say it was named for a miner named Swan. The Old Dam Building is now a museum that you can see by appointment only, and there is a new and less attractive new dam facility that was built by Idaho Power in 1994. There are many trails and rocky paths along the dam, and one must wear sneakers or hiking boots to walk on them. When the dams are running, you must walk on the paths where the signs are. The dam wasn't working today, and Mom and I walked Loki and Katie along the river banks and let our dogs take a swim since it was very hot. There is also a park with picnic tables for one to sit and have lunch, but there are no trash facilities, so you have to take your trash home with you. There are restrooms on the grounds that you can use. To get to Swan Falls Dam from Boise, take the Meridian/Kuna Exit (44) and go left on the off-ramp. Head towards Kuna (about 5 miles), and once you are past the Kuna town center, take a left onto Swan Falls Road and follow this road for 21 miles. Be careful on the last couple of miles down Swan Falls Road. There is a steep grade and hairpin turns that had me slowing our car down to 20mph. There are signs guiding you to the falls, and it will take you about 30 to 40 minutes from Boise. It is well worth a scenic ride if you visit Idaho.
From journals Springtime and Summertime in Idaho: Baseball, Beating the Heat, and Other Adventures.