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One Valley at a Time: Hagerman Valley

Writer: Made In The Valley
Made In The Valley
Aug 20
3 min read


Welcome to the next installment of our weekly valley series!


Every week, we’re taking a closer look at one of Idaho’s legendary river valleys and structural basins—exploring their unique geography, local history, and the best ways to experience them.


Hagerman Valley (South-Central Idaho)


Elevation & Landscape: Along the winding curves of the Snake River, between Bliss and Buhl, the Hagerman Valley sits at an elevation of roughly 2,900 to 3,000 feet. The valley is shaped by the massive Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, which feeds the famous Thousand Springs. 


Local History: In 1928, a rancher, Elmer Cook, discovered fossils peeking out from the rock along the Snake River. Soon, the United States Geological Survey and the Smithsonian Institution were involved and the summer after the initial discovery, a full-scale excavation was underway. Between the years of 1929-1934, the dig unearthed the remains of over 200 Pliocene horses (including 20 complete skeletal remains of all ages and genders). Named the Hagerman Horse Quarry, the site “remains the largest single find of Equus simplicidens”, horses that lived three to four million years ago. 


Horses weren’t the only species found along the Snake River, there were “dozens of other species” like ground sloths, mastodons, and saber-toothed cats, this site also introduced a never-before-seen species for research, the peccary Platygonus pearcei. Years later fossils of smaller creatures were found, giving clues about the climate and ecology of the area all those Millennia ago.


The Hagerman Valley is also an important site in Oregon Trail History. The valley offered the Oregon Trail pioneers a resting spot along the trail during the hot summers (known well by Idahoans today) with its access to fresh water (which gave access to bountiful fishing, as well). The thousands of travelers that came through the valley left their mark with the wagon ruts carved deep into the ground (from the heavy, iron tires of the wagons); some of these deep grooves are still visible today.


Another interesting historical point concerning the Hagerman Valley, is how it got its name. According to an article on the Hagerman Valley Chamber of Commerce’s website, Hagerman got its name from a typo. Stanley Hageman and Jack Hess are credited with the establishment of the post office and store in the town. The plan was to name the location after Hess, but the problem was someone else in Idaho was named Hess, too.  So the decision was made to go with Hageman for the name, but a typo was made–so the town was named Hagerman.



Things to Do: The Hagerman Valley’s main feature is water. So, outdoor recreation is abundantly found. 


  • Thousand Springs Scenic Byway-Drive through Thousand Springs Scenic Byway year-round; approximately 65 miles long (takes about 1 ½ hours to complete)

  • Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument-one of the “world’s richest sites for fossils”

  • Thousand Springs State Park-this park comprises 7 interesting units

    • Malad Gorge-hiking available, beautiful views

    • Ritter Island-two-mile path circling the island; one of the last remaining areas of natural springs

    • Kelton Trail-hiking and biking area

    • Billingsley Creek-hunting, fishing, wildlife, trapping

    • Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon-20-foot waterfall, nature preserve

    • Crystal Springs-waterfalls, fishing, hiking, boating (small ramp)

    • Niagara Springs-fishing, relaxing, floating

  • Blue Heart Springs-Kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard only (important note: there are no roads or trails that lead directly to the pool) 

  • Miracle Hot Springs-local hot springs offering therapeutic geothermal pools, private soaking, and massages. On-site accommodations available. 


Where to Eat: Snake River Grill (604 N State St, Hagerman, ID 83332)

Known for it’s friendly service and delicious food, if you’re looking for a place to eat take a visit to the Snake River Grill (downtown Hagerman).


The menu features plenty of options—including fresh regional trout—it's a local favorite that consistently hits the spot after a day of exploring .


Where in Idaho are you reading from today? Drop a comment below and tell us which valley or region of Idaho is your favorite and why!


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