Boise, ID

Diversion Dam & The New York Canal on the Boise River, are another of those wonders of human invention that we probably pass without much thought. For me, the old dam & canal were passing landmarks as dad trucked us kids up to one of his favorite fishing holes.

The first time, I really learned about the dam, was from my best friend in high school-Dale. His dad happened to manage the Project Board of Control in Boise-responsible for all things concerning irrigation in the valley.

One day, Dales dad, invited us boys up to Diversion Dam, where he was to meet with the dam manager or gate keeper. We pulled up to an old green house located just to the Northwest of the dam & parallel to Idaho State 21.

During the spring, the water master was responsible for operating the gates that fed the New York Canal for irrigation, and for opening the gates that fed the Boise River. During the fall, when irrigation season came to an end -Dale and I would climb down and try to catch lunker trout caught in the remaining pools of water!

Forty some years ago, Dale and I were lucky enough to get a tour of the old dam. In those days you could walk across the dam to the Power House-walk in and see the generators and listen to the water as it thundered through the dams gates. (Today, you can only walk up to the edge of the dam, but you can still get a fantastic view)!

Today, I took Warm Springs Avenue to Idaho State 21, where I turned East towards Lucky Peak Reservoir. As I made the turn, I spotted the same old green house, where I had met the Diversion Dam Manager so many years before.

There is a turnoff to your left, just opposite the Dam. I don’t know if it’s legal to pull in here while headed east, as you are crossing westbound traffic. I decided to drive the several miles to Discovery Park-near Lucky Peak Dam, then headed back west to the parking area.

Once you cross the highway, you can walk down to the dam. There are two ways. One is on the old path to your left, the other is a wooden walkway, which looks to be wheelchair accessible. Your best bet is to walk down the wood path where the rail is just right and you can take pictures. The old walk goes right up to the dam, however there is a very steep drop-off to your right. (Extreme caution is advised here)!!

Right now, winter run-off is extremely high. The sound of the water as it shot through the gates of the dam, reminded me of the roar at Niagara Fall’s! The old dam, built in 1909 is well worth a quick visit, if nothing more than to hear the roar of spring run-off and get a fantastic picture of rushing water and cloudy mist. On sunnier days, you can get a beautiful shot of the river as it meanders downstream from the dam. The New York Canal-which is the life blood to the Boise Valley and beyond is on the opposite bank.

One quick note. When you turn back towards the highway, stop at the Diversion Dam sign and look straight up to the basalt cliffs ahead and above you. These cliffs are a popular rock climbing area. On any given day, you can watch both sexes alike, try to scale them like Spider-man on a skyscraper!