Lucky Peak State Park: May 5, 2014

This park has no camping, but having three units, still has a lot of variety to offer people. The two lower units, Discovery Park and Sandy Point are both just below the dam, which I've called "Leaky Peak" for years... but I don't think it's leaking... all that much. Actually the dam is named Arrowrock and the reservoir, Lucky Peak.

Sandy Point is an awesome beach unit, with impounded water that is probably always cold as I suspect it comes from the dam outlet. As you can see, no one was swimming yet, even though the day was near 90.

Just next to it and downstream just a tad, is the Discovery Park unit with shade trees and beautiful picnic areas. Even on the hottest summer days, you can get a nice cooling effect from the nearby cold water of the Boise River. No swimming is allowed here as it's a bit dangerous.

The third unit is a few miles away, and on the reservoir. It is mostly made up of a boat ramp and marina that is always packed during the summer, although in this picture, the water level is just getting up to normal pool. 

I want to mention that across the dam, the Army Corps of Engineers has provided some outstanding picnic areas, with neat roofs over tables and notched into the side of the hills. Some have nearby water access and others are up the hill a ways. If you're looking for a nice picnic spot, don't overlook this area in your quest. 

Nearby activities: there are many, many activities that are available due to the fact that this park is located very close to Boise. Some of our favorites are: The Idaho State Penitentiary where Lisa and I were married... oh, and I should tell you that it's an historical park with a beautiful mansion once inhabited by the local Bishop, great gardens (we were married next to the gardens), and a self-guided tour of the gallows (although I haven't been there since we were married, so things have likely changed); the World Center for Birds of Prey (southwest of Boise a bit), where Lisa used to work and has outstanding displays of birds around the world as well as leading scientific research into endangered species restoration from the Peregrine Falcon to the California Condor; the Boise River with great bike and walking trails along the length extending from Sandy Point way downstream to Eagle, ID or further -- the river also provides great summer floating (tubes can be rented and shuttles are provided) as an escape from the summer heat; Ann Morrison Park in downtown Boise; and much more.

Getting there our way: we drove to this park directly from our visit to Walcott State Park way east of here. Since we had hopped our way out east to Walcott, we simply drove I84 all the way, bucking a nasty wind. Doesn't is always seem like there is a headwind? This is absolutely the boringest way to get here, so if you have time, there are back roads you can take. And, of course, if you haven't seen Thousand Springs SP and Three Island Crossing SP, then you could easily break the monotony of the drive as they are just off I84. There is also the Oregon Trail back road that was mentioned in the Three Island Crossing section.