Big Wood River above Magic Reservoir

The Big Wood River is a 137-mile-long (220 km) river in central Idaho. It is a tributary of the Malad River, which in turn is tributary to the Snake River. From its source in the Sawtooth Range near Galena Summit in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the Big Wood River generally flows south, between the Boulder Mountains to the north, the Pioneer Mountains to the east, and the Smoky Mountains to the west. Highway 75 accompanies the river southward from Galena Summit toward Shoshone. Below Magic Dam, the Big Wood River enters Lincoln County, passing by many lava beds and irrigation canals before entering Gooding County. Just west of Gooding, the Big Wood River joins the Little Wood River to form the Malad River. Variant names of the Big Wood River, according to the USGS, include Malad River, Malade River, Wood River, Poisonous Beaver River, and Sickley River. Facilities: Rest area is 3.2 miles away, Lifeguard not available.