Formation Springs Preserve & Cave, Idaho

This is an underrated destination, and many people don’t even know about its existence. Because I was in the area exploring Niter Ice Cave, I also drove the extra mile to explore Formation Springs Cave. If you don’t mind the extra drive, check out Paris Ice Cave or Minnetonka Cave near Bear Lake.

Getting to Formation Springs Cave

Formation Springs Cave is located only 5 miles outside of Soda Springs, ID. Soda Springs is located in the south-eastern corner of Idaho. While you are there you should also visit the only captive geyser in the world. Follow Idaho State Route ID-34 north out of Soda Springs and after about four miles make a right onto Trail Canyon Road. From there it’s about a mile to the parking lot. There is plenty of free parking at the preserve. 

Map

Trail Map

To get to the entrance of the cave, follow the trail from the parking lot. It will lead you across a small bridge with a small stream flowing underneath it. After the bridge follow the trail for about fifty yards unit you see it split. The main trail continues to the left but keep following the smaller trail to the right. From here it is about twenty yards to the cave’s entrance. 

Formation Springs Cave

Be careful when you climb into the cave. It’s a very steep entrance to get down into the cage. Once inside you can see the main part of the cage right in front of you. With its ten feet ceiling height it is a lot bigger than what you would expect from the entrance. The main part of the cave is relatively easy to explore. It’s a big “room” and only about twenty yards deep. At the end of the room is a small skylight which lets light in. For that part of the cave, you don’t need a flashlight.

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You can explore two more arms of the cave. They lead away from the entrance to the left and right. If you want to explore either arm of the cave, make sure you have some good lighting. There are some low hanging structures from the ceiling where you can hit yourself pretty hard. Adults might have to crawl a little bit to get to the ends but it’s worth the experience. Each way leads you about twenty yards and fifty yards into the cave, respectively. 

Formation Springs

Formation Springs Cave is actually part of the Formation Springs Preserve which was established in 1989. The preserve has a size of about 160 acres. It features terraced pools which were formed by cold springs that feed into them and deposited high concentrations of calcium carbonate. Inside the preserve, you will discover crystal pools and a wetland complex at the base of Aspen Mountain. The pools provide a lush oasis for wintering waterfowl, deer, elk, and several rare plant communities.

You can follow the main trail from the parking lot to get closer to the spring pools. Be aware that parts of the trails might be flooded, and you will get your feet really wet. There is a small steel bridge across one of the streams. When I explored the trails, both sides of the bridge were flooded but luckily, I had rubber boots in my truck and turned back to change my hiking boots for my rubber boots. I couldn’t take the trail in a full circle back to the parking lot as some parts were just too heavily flooded. 

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Peter

Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com
Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.

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