Tuesday Travel - Kuna, ID

Kuna, Idaho.

Kuna is a small town. As of 2010 the census has it standing at 15,210. It is only 17 miles from Boise, so most of the residents commute into town to work. There are some wonderful small businesses in Kuna, and the people who live there are rather proud of their small town.

One of Kuna's main attractions is actually south of the city, the Kuna Caves. The Kuna Caves are an underground lava flow cave. People explore them on a regular basis. Indian Creek runs right through town. It's a great seasonal waterway and is a favorite with locals for swimming.

Kuna originated as a railroad stop with coach transport to Boise. It is popularly believed, as cited by the Kuna Chamber of Commerce, that the translation of the name "Kuna" means "the end of the trail", but Charles S. Walgamott cites the origin of the name as a Shoshone Indian word meaning "green leaf, good to smoke".

Kuna has a large park and is not far off from the Snake River Birds of Prey Wildlife Preserve. You go just a little ways out side the city and you get to a sheer drop off and a magnificent view of the Snake River.

Travel Tuesday - Shoshone Falls

(photo courtesy of Twin Falls, ID info page)

Let me tell you about one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Idaho. It's located five miles east of Twin Falls, ID. This is the Niagara of the West, as it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls out here. Shoshone Falls is 212 feet high (45 feet higher than Niagara Falls) and 1000 feet wide. In the spring, the water is so plentiful it just showers everything with spray. Later in the year, much of the water is diverted for irrigation so the best time to see it is in the spring. This waterfall is one of the major landmarks of the Snake River.

There is a park, owned and operated by the City of Twin Falls, that allows you a good view of the falls. There is also a picnic area where you can spend time eating and watching the falls. There's also a boat ramp and a swimming area near the falls in the park maintained by the city. There's a lot to do and see around Shoshone Falls. If you're ever in Idaho, I recommend taking time to go and see this natural wonder.