Curlew National Grassland

The Curlew National Grassland spans a total area of 47,790 acres of land that is situated in Oneida and Power counties of south-central Idaho near Malad City. Other urban areas close to the grassland include Roy, Holbrook, and Stone. The grassland is accessible using two main routes that include the ID 38 and ID 37. The park was established in 1934 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. 

The Curlew National Grassland was initially established for the primary purpose of improving the soil and vegetation in the region. Historically the land where the grassland sits was inhabited by early American pioneers and before them by the Bannock and Shoshone Indian Tribes who were the earlier known natives of the area. 

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the area where the grassland sits was occupied by ranchers that used almost every 160 acres of the Curlew Valley to herd their animals. This extensive ranching caused significant erosion of the land, and this led to the creation of the protected land that is today known as the Curlew National Grassland. 

Today, the grassland is commonly used for several recreational activities including hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, boating, swimming, water-skiing, and bird watching. All these activities are definitely closely managed by the Forest Service to avoid any further deterioration of the land. Some of the amenities in the grassland’s protected area include campgrounds, boat launches, the 250-acre Stone Reservoir, and the Hudspeth Cutoff Trail. 

You can, of course, bring your doggie to Curlew National Grassland. However, like other areas protected by the U.S. Forest Service, you will need to follow strict rules to ensure that the grassland is protected. For example, it is expected that you always maintain immediate control of your pooch and ensure that you keep your dog well-behaved as well.