BY KAREN BOSSICK
Idaho’s own petrified forest will be in the spotlight on Saturday as the Wood River Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society takes the curious to the site.
Normally, the chapter holds an outing to One Big Tree each year to see a mega-size tree. But this year members have their eyes set on Malm Gulch near Challis.
Fifty million years ago Malm Gulch was a sequoia forest with a carpet of ferns underneath, said Lisa Horton. That changed when violent volcanic eruptions showered the area with volcanic ash. Today petrified stumps of those redwoods—some six feet in diameter-- stand in a beautiful desert landscape augmented by interesting plant species.
Participants should expect a three-mile hike of medium difficulty with uneven footing. Vehicles should have high clearance to get to the trailhead—Horton says her Subaru Outback made it most of the way.
To go, meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Hailey Park and Ride lot on River Street. Participants can carpool from there. Plan on a full day’s outing. For more information, go to www.idahonativeplants.org.