Snake River Trail (Boyer Park Bluffs)

The Snake River Trail is 4 miles of paved trail along the river and through the popular Boyer Park and Marina. It has stunning views of the river, bluffs, and the Lower Granite Lock & Dam.

The trail itself is unremarkable: flat, wide, paved, and straight with very little deviation. However, the surrounding scenery is extraordinary. The trail follows the river with steep bluffs on both sides. There are views of the dam to the south, and the Palouse through the valley to the north. It doesn't take long as you get away from Boyer Park and Marina on the trail that all you can hear is the sound of the river against the shoreline, the wind rustling through the tall grass, and your feet on the pavement.

From Boyer Park, if you walk a little more than a mile south, the pavement ends. There's a picnic table, a small shelter, and an informational sign about the dam. Another quarter of a mile south is a day-use area with covered picnic tables, fire pits, a vault toilet. There's also a graveled parking area, which is accessible from the end of Lower Granite Road before the entrance to the dam.

Near the beach at Boyer Park, there's a short trail spur into the river around the marina. This spur provides nice views of the surrounding bluffs from a more central point of the river.

From the beach at Boyer Park, to get to the north section of the trail, go in between the buildings at the KOA office. Beside the marina parking lot, you'll see another sign for the Snake River Trail. The trail continues almost 2 miles north where the pavement ends at a small picnic area. It has a covered picnic table, an informational sign, and a garbage can. There's no proper access to the road from here.

The water is mostly inaccessible from the trail. At the north and south ends, there are rocky sections where it's easier to get down to the river's edge. Aside from the beach at the park, near the trail's edge is a steep drop to the water. Similarly, the bluffs across the road are inaccessible. It's private land with no trails.

The valley and river provide ample opportunities for bird watching. The area is a rattlesnake habitat, so be mindful and watch your step. Boyer Park has some large deciduous shade trees, and the picnic area at the north end is also in shade during the summer months. Most of the rest of the trail is unshaded. Throughout the trail, you'll see a variety of flora such as nootka rose, yarrow, narrowleaf skullcap, white laburnum, dalmatian toadflax, and morning glory.