How to enjoy the best of the valley as the seasons change.
Temperatures are starting too cool, kids are back in school and days are getting shorter. The pace of summer slows a little more and guests at the Hagerman Valley Inn linger a little longer by the fire. It’s the perfect time to enjoy some of Hagerman’s most beautiful sights with a fewer people and more intention. Plus, some of Hagerman’s best events happen in the Fall. Enjoy the 20+ year tradition of classic cars, vendors and festivities at the Blast on the Grass. Or the always loved Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts. Very few art festivals can boast a location as magical as Ritter Island. Riverside color changing, harvests and farmer’s markets, so much to do this fall in Hagerman.
Get on the Trails
Hot summer days make it harder to hike some of Hagerman’s canyon trails. Two of our favorites are obviously Box Canyon and the lesser known Riverside trail that extends south of Ritter Island. Both trails lead to icy blue water and incredible views. Box Canyon can be done as a loop trail or an in and out to the waterfall just past the base of the canyon. The Riverside trail is mostly flat and winds along the Snake River and back to several blue ponds and lots of bird watching. A historical House named Bonnie View is just beyond the trail, with a saucy past of being at one point a brothel and then a church. The historic ferry was also operated out of the house. Please admire from afar, but it’s easy to imagine it in its splendor.
Fall Events
Live music and dancing are staples at the Wilson Club and Flights tasting room. In the fall, Hagerman doubles down with even more events for locals and visitors. The Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts is one of the most well known events in the area. It’s a regular stop for painters, carvers, photographers and crafters of all kinds. It’s a beautiful event and visitors can enjoy live music, tons of vendors and all the beauty of Ritter Island.
The Blast on the Grass is hosting it’s 25th annual classic car show and festival. Town fills with all kinds of fancy and unique cars. The park is lined with food vendors and businesses. They host games for car owners as well as spectators and live music most of the day. People come from all over the country to show off their beauties. It’s a great time at the park and many of the businesses participate with different events throughout town.
New this year, Hagerman will be hosting an amazing 9/11 Tribute. Unknown to many, Hagerman has a very amazing facility that trains military groups and the organizers hope to honor veterans and service men and women from all areas. They are also planning a Tri Tip dinner for attendees, so plan to meet some great people, love on our country and enjoy some delicious food.
Hagerman’s roots are agricultural and the Farmer’s Market has a great selection of vendors that showcase the area’s splendor. Billingsley Creek State Park also has a Busy B’s vendor group. They sell a variety of things, but most notably the pies are amazing!
River Play
Last, but definitely not least, being on the river in the fall is the most fun. There are less boats, more places to dock and the trees along the river start turning every shade of gorgeous. Driving along River Road is breathtaking in the fall, but boating along the river is an even more beautiful way to view the changing colors. Banbury Adventures offers guided Pontoon Boat Rides to all of your favorites and Idaho Guide Service continues their whitewater into the fall as well. And new this year, Hydro Hustlers has innertubes available to rent for those hoping to casually float Billingsley Creek. Anyway you get on the water you’ll have fun!
Late Night Warm Ups
While Miracle Hot Springs cools their pools down in the summer, a hot spring soak in the chilly autumn air is hard to beat. They are open late and there couldn’t be a better time to enjoy soaking in their silky, warm waters. Make sure to call ahead and make reservations. Or head to 1000 Springs Resort to reserve a firepit on the river. Brings sticks (or borrow them from us) and enjoy s’mores, hot dogs and any other fireside meal right on the Snake River and across from the stunning Lemmon Falls.
Of course, our patio fire pits are the perfect place to end your evening too. Enjoy the comfy outdoor seating, games and propane lit pits for a smokeless evening by the fire. No matter how you end your day, the Hagerman Valley Inn always offers the comfiest beds in town, among so many other things. Come visit Hagerman in the Fall and see what the hype is about!
