Sawtooth Scenic Byway
Shoshone Indian Caves, ID

Trained guides take you on a tour of the largest Lava Ice Cave known, describe and explain the geologic, volcanic, and historic background of this recreational area.

You descend gradually on a smooth path and stairs to a depth of 90 feet under the lava into a world of volcanic wonder and ice. The Cave is three blocks long, 30 feet wide and 40 feet in height. It is well lighted so one may see all the points of interest.

The most unusual feature of the Ice Cave is that it is a natural refrigerator, creating a living glacier in an arid lava desert. The ice block is 1,000 feet long and varies from 8 to 30 feet in depth. No matter how hot it is outside, you step into a freezing temperature as soon as you enter the cave. Temperatures vary from 28 to 33 degrees. The cave works on an expansion principle that we use in modern refrigeration. The cave has been used as a refrigerator and as a source of ice for the towns in the surrounding area as late as 1930.

(Information taken from tourism pamphlet)