The views at the summit were magnificent as the largest of the three craters is the deepest known on earth extending over 800 feet. Looking down from the highest view point of the craters you can see out and over the lava fields pinpointing dried out lava streams where the lava once flowed to cover the 1,117 square miles of lava fields. These lava streams solidified at certain points across the valley creating cavities underneath the surface where the lava continued to flow forming lava tunnels, now empty, that pushed lava over the endless overlook of the uninhabitable landscape. One of these lava cavities is called the Indian Lava Tunnel that stretches over 800 feet long and is over 25 feet deep in some areas. After exploring this particular tunnel, we exited through one of the three lava passages and came to notice what seemed like post volcanic ash, but happened to be a light snow fall that quickly turned into a complete white out. As per usual we happened to experience the drastic and unpredictable weather patterns that Mother Nature offers us here in Idaho, naturally on a day that was forecasted to be sunny with not a cloud in the sky! If you get a chance to make it out to Craters of the Moon, we promise you will not regret the journey!
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We would certainly recommend the Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns as a must see historical destination in Idaho.After hearing about the charcoal kilns we decided to head out to Birch Creek Valley and have a look for ourselves. We found that there were two different access points to reach the charcoal kilns, so we decided to come in one way and leave the other. One access point is right off Highway 28 and is clearly posted directing you onto a well maintained gravel road leading you just five miles to the charcoal kilns. But, of course, we chose to start with the scenic route on a partially maintained seven and a half mile drive down a county road with little to no assisted directions. If you decide to take this route, which is a couple miles north of the main entrance, be sure your vehicle has four wheel drive and can handle parts of the road where there really is a lack of just that. The drive in (and out) was absolutely stunning with the Targee National Forest mountain tops still capped with snow and rays of sunlight poking through the clouds above. As we came around the last knoll approaching our destination the beehive looking structures appeared to our left. Their location was certainly peculiar as the lightly flesh colored structures are nestled at the foot of a spectacular mountain range.
The craftsmanship of the brick and mortar remains are certainly astonishing and carry 133 years of weathered character. There are trails that lead in front of the kilns and up behind them for vantage points through the doors/windows to observe the astounding inner architecture of the kilns.
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We are an outdoor themed apparel company. Explore Idaho started with one thing in mind... to inspire other Idahoans to get out and explore our beautiful state!! Idaho designed, Idaho printed. #exploreidaho
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