Initial Point

I decided to add this outing due to the significance of this location to the State of Idaho.


Initial Point is the surveying origin for Idaho.   This is one of 37 federal survey points of origin covering the USA (outside of the 13 original colonies), known as Initial Points.  These points were selected over a span of 150 years to be used to survey federal land and create an official mapping system. 


The location of this Initial Point was selected for two reasons:


Note that the town of Meridian, Idaho lies on the "meridian" defined by the Initial Point origin.


Initial Point can be accessed from Swan Falls Road south of Kuna, Idaho.  There is a dirt road which leads east to Initial Point and a jeep trail winds its way to the top of the butte.

Benchmark at the top of Initial Point

Kuna Cave

Between the town of Kuna, Idaho and Initial Point is the Kuna Cave.  This cave is a large lava tube and has been a popular teenager hangout for maybe 100 years!


The first time my friend Bob and I were looking for the cave we turned east onto a jeep trail at this intersection instead of going west.  I was driving a 1964 International Scout.  We drove into a badger hole, hit our heads on the roof of the Scout, and tore out the front driveline!


Turn west on Kuna Cave Road.   Drive 2.0 miles and turn left on a gravel road.  Drive 0.5 miles south and there will be a jeep trail heading to the southeast.  Kuna Cave is down this road about 1/4 mile.


Kuna Cave is unique in that the opening is in the top of the cave.  There is a steel ladder which can be used to go down into the cave.  

It is a good 20 feet vertical drop to the bottom of the cave using a ladder which sways mightily as you climb.


The lava tube extends both north and south from this location.  There are many rumors about bank robbers hiding gold in the cave.  


I have heard that the BLM has closed the cave in both directions after maybe 1/4 mile distance.


Take multiple light sources with you and bring out some of trash you find.