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Eagle Island State Park

Out on the trails at Eagle Island State Park 
Yesterday I had some free time on a Sunday, which felt sacred. Have you noticed different times in your life where time seems to slip through your fingers, or move like a snail? It's interesting to experience both of these feelings as they alternate day to day, or stretch over longer periods of life. Anyway, yesterday's open schedule felt lovely, and I decided to venture to nearby Eagle Island State Park. I have the $10/year Idaho State Parks Passport, which is not only a great deal, but easy to purchase at the time of DMV vehicle registration, and a good way to support Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

 Eagle Island State Park is one of the parks with the Idaho State Parks system, and it is easily accessible from the Boise area. I consider it more of a "developed" state park, with a disc golf course, waterslide, volleyball courts, volleyball courts, and a lake for non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing purposes. There is also a multi-use trail in the various farm fields on the park's property. A perfect place for a Sunday morning walk!

As I pulled into the trailhead parking, I caught the site of several abandoned farm buildings, and wondered about the history of the park. Eagle Island State Park was dedicated in 1983, and up until 1977, was used as a prison honor farm until 1977. As a walked on the flat trails that surround the old agricultural fields and border the Boise River, I saw horseback riders park their trailers and prepare for a trail ride, and several people using the fields to train dogs for hunting with whistles. The trails were perfect for an early spring morning, and I recommend enjoying them outside of mid-day window, as there are no trees or shade. I look forward to going back this summer!

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