Handbook 139
Craters of the Moon
A Guide to Craters of the Moon
National Monument
Idaho
Produced by the
Division of Publications
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C. 1991
Using This Handbook
Craters of the Moon National Monument protects volcanic features of the Craters of the Moon lava field. [Part 1] of this handbook introduces the park and recounts its early exploration. [Part 2] explores how life has adapted to the park’s volcanic landscape—and how people have perceived it. [Part 3] presents concise travel guide and reference materials for touring the park and for camping.
National Park Handbooks are published to support the National Park Service’s management programs and to promote understanding and enjoyment of the more than 350 National Park System sites, which represent important examples of our country’s natural and cultural inheritance. Each handbook is intended to be informative reading and a useful guide before, during, and after a park visit. More than 100 titles are in print. They are sold at parks and can be purchased by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. This is handbook number 139.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Craters of the Moon: A Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho/produced by the Division of Publications, National Park Service.
p. cm.—(Official national park handbook; 139) 1. Craters of the Moon National Monument (Idaho)—Guidebooks. 2. Geology—Idaho—Craters of the Moon National Monument—Guidebooks. I. United States National Park Service. Division of Publications. II. Series: Handbook (United States. National Park Service. Division of Publications); 139. F752.C7C73 1991 917.96'59—dc20 89-13670CIP ISBN 0-912627-44-1
[Part 1 Welcome to Craters of the Moon] 4 [Rift Volcanism on the Snake River Plain] 7 [Part 2 From Moonscape to Landscape] 20 [Geology of the Craters of the Moon] 23 [Life Adapts to a Volcanic Landscape] 35 [Indians, Early Explorers, and Practicing Astronauts] 47 [Part 3 Guide and Adviser] 52 [Approaching Craters of the Moon] 54 [Visitor Center and Programs] 56 [Map] 58 [Take the Driving Tour] 59 [Camping and Backcountry Use] 60 [Winter Recreation] 61 [Regulations and Safety] 62 [Nearby Attractions] 63 [Armchair Explorations] 64
Part 1
Welcome to Craters of the Moon
Rock or rope? Folds of lava rock look like coils of irregular rope. Lava flows of this type are known as pahoehoe, a Hawaiian word pronounced pah-hoy-hoy and meaning ropey.