"The Milner Dam was constructed in 1904 and provides water for reclamation of lands on both sides of the river. On October 28, 1811, one of Wilson Price Hunt's canoes struck an almost submerged rock just below the present dam, and navigation of Snake River ended at Caldron Linn some eight miles farther down the river. The loss of a canoe and one of the voyagers forced Donald Mackenzie and Hunt to explore a future long Oregon Trail stretch farther west."

ETSI, p. 37

Robert Stuart, September 29, 1812

"...we again struck the main River, at the Caldron Linn, where one of the unfortunate Canoes were lodged among the Rocks, but although we wished on several accuonts to see what state she was, the Bluffs intimated that to gratify our wish we must risk our necks, so we of course declined it....at the Caldron Linn the whole body of the River is confined between 2 ledges of Rock somewhat less than 40 feet apart, and here indeed is terrific appearance beggars all description... ."

The Discovery of the Oregon Trail--Robert Stuart's Narrative, 1812-1813, Stuart.

Milner Dam site, June 28, 1903. ISHS #77-127.1/B

Directions: West of Burley off of Hwy 30.

Must see: Milner Historic Recreation Area— campground, water stops, and BLM interpretive kiosks; very visible ruts.

Current Observations/Journal Entry:

"The interpretive shelter panels share information about the 'searing heat & powder-fine dust'—we have certainly had our share of the powder-fine dust, but the temperatures are not so intense. This area is full of boulders and birds, and it is very windy today. The cheatgrass is ankle high and the sage is five to six feet! White pelicans that look like buoys dot the water. East of us is Mt. Harrison and to the south are the South Hills. Caldron Linn—'linn' is a Gaelic word for waterfall; these rapids prevented water transportation through this part of Idaho. A bit further along, we stand on the south side of the Snake River on private land; seven-foot-high sage mingles amid the rocky outcroppings. We imagine how challenging— perhaps unfortunate—it might have been to try to 'shoot' these rapids."