Swan Falls Dam, Idaho

Swan Falls Dam is a concrete gravity type hydroelectric dam on the Snake River, in the U.S. state of Idaho. It is located near Murphy, Idaho.

The dam was built in 1901 to generate electricity. It is the oldest hydroelectric dam on the Snake River. In the 1990s the original power plant was replaced with a new one. The dam was built with fish passage facilities, but they proved to be very poor in performance. For this reason, among others, the C. J. Strike Dam, built upriver from Swan Falls Dam in the early 1950s, was not equipped with fish passage facilities. Thus the two dams combined to become the first artificial barrier to anadromous fish migration up the Snake River. Today Hells Canyon Dam is the first total barrier to fish migration on the Snake.

The dam and its reservoir lie within the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. The dam and power plant were listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

We checked out this area last year before the winter season start because we were new here in Idaho and we just kinda exploring beautiful places. A friend told us that Swan Falls Dam is beautiful. We went checked it out, but we dont go straight to the Dam as there are a lot to see along the way, there are a lot of beautiful Canyons. I remembered we went off road and we saw the Snake River. It was a lil bit far from the main road. Our car is blue and it became brown after that because the road was so dusty lol, and bumpy also haha.

These are the photos along the way to Swan Falls Dam.

These are the photos of Swan Falls Dam

There are a lot to explore in this Swan Falls Dam, but during our visit it was really hot. We ended up just staying in that place (photos above) just chilling and relaxing. We sure to go back this year during summer. We want to go fishing and camping and some hiking.

Swan Falls offers many places to explore along the south side of the Snake River. No matter which designated campsite you choose to post up at, you’re sure to get outstanding canyon views. Be sure to bring your fishing rod (and fishing license) on this particular hike, smallmouth bass can be found in the calmer waters along the banks of the river. The surrounding area is a combination of old jeep paths and foot trails that are easy to navigate. Bird watching is spectacular – many birds of prey such as owls, hawks, osprey, eagles, and falcons nest along this stretch of the Snake River.

THINGS TO KNOW

• Day-use picnic shelter (Reserve Your Spot – Fees Apply)
• Garbage service
• Accessible restroom facilities
• Fishing docks
• Interpretive signs
• Below the dam is a ramp for whitewater boater access to the river.
• New equestrian facility
• Five designated campsites upriver of the dam

To know more about this Park, please click HERE