Big Springs, Idaho and Johnny Sack’s cabin
Big Springs, Idaho and Johnny Sack’s cabin
Last Thursday we all went on a great field trip to Big Springs. Mike and Shannon had been there before, but it was new for Al and I, so off we went. Big Springs is the head waters of the Henrys Fork river. All the river pictures I have had lately, are the Henrys Fork, no small river. 120 million gallons of water come out of the ground each day. That is an amazing thing to even think about, and especially to see. The water is a constant temp of 52 degrees. We first stopped about a half mile down from Big Springs on an old railroad trestle bridge. People come here to launch rafts or canoes into the river. Such a beautiful river.
The water was crystal clear, so clear I was able to take photos of the trout below us. This fish swam after another one just as I hit the shutter button.
And we got to watch a big blue heron.
Then we drove up to Big Springs, and the Johnny Sack cabin. Johnny Sack leased the land for the cabin in 1929 for $4.15 per year. He then started building the cabin and all the furnishings.
Wouldn’t you live here for $4.15 a year?
He also built this small water wheel so he could have power to his house. This is in front of one of the spots where water comes out of the mountain.
The inside was simply charming, I really can’t think of a better word. The craftsmanship in the house itself, and all the furniture was amazing. Al was completely enthralled, and was ready to move right in.
(The photos of the interior of the house are not the best. There were windows everywhere that really messed up my exposure.)
The eating and working nook.
The kitchen.
The entryway. I was in love with the wood on the walls. So rustic and natural. And check out the pattern in the floor.
This was a cozy sitting area. He built the table, chair, magazine rack, everything.
One of two bedrooms.
Johnny Sack was 4′ 11″ tall, never married, and lived in this cabin for 20 plus years. He had a dog to keep him company, and friends who would come and visit. Go to this page to see more photos, and read a lot more of the history of this cool cabin.
We then walked around the Big Springs area and enjoyed the crystal clear water. This is where all that water comes out of the ground.
If you are ever in the Island Park area of Idaho, this is a must see place. If you drive to West Yellowstone, you go right past this place, so be sure to stop.
Amazing place I never heard of. I wonder what kind of dog he had. He was the Same highth as me. I saw a white dish pan like you sold me hanging on the wall. Cool furnishings. The stove was so freckin wonderful to. Ya all better rent a place like that and build one. We went through vayle, central and Dameron Valley twice. Saw a lot of cool things. Keep up the tall travel tails. Happy Fathers Day to Al.
Added to my list. Thank you. I must admit to having developed a bit of a ghost crush on Johnny Sacks while reading this… thrifty, crafty and a dog lover? Don’t tell Jason but he sounds like he was the perfect man!
That looked like a fabulous little cabin and the clear water with the trout looked so inviting. Great place. Have a marvellous Monday.
Best wishes Molly
What a great place to spend time!
That cabin is my DREAM HOUSE and I am NOT kidding! I have always had a “thing” for log cabins!
Oh.My.Dog. Ma says that is one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen. That river looks perfect for a good canoe trip especially with the crystal clear waters. The cabin is in the perfect spot! What a view! We can imagine sitting outside in the evening just listening to nature…oh, how relaxing. The cabin itself is charming and I love how the woodwork pattern on the floor matches the woodwork pattern on some of the walls. Some people are just amazingly talented and it looks like Mr. Johnny Sacks was one of them!
Great post!
Oz
WOW!!!!! That is a paradise!!! Absolutely beautiful! And that’s extra amazing he made all of that stuff! Very talented indeed! Thank you for sharing! I would love to visit one day!
xx husky hugz
ownedbyahusky.blogspot.ca
the area itself is gorgeous, but that cabin… i just kept saying ‘wow’ out loud as i went to each of your photos…
We are going to Idaho this summer and will definitely put this on our list. What a charming home.
I had no idea Idaho had so much natural beauty. That cabin is amazing, such craftsmanship! I’m sure Al was in his glory. Wow, $4.15 a year – now it’s a million dollar cabin with a 2 million dollar view!
Cathy Armato
http://www.dogsluvusandweluvthem.blogspot.com
Loved looking at the photos and learning the history! Love Dolly
The clarity of that water is amazing and gorgeous!
What a gorgeous area…looks like something from the days of little house on the prairie, so pristine!
Oh my gosh, what an incredible place!
Nola
Wow, what a gorgeous spot! And a great place to share with a dog. :) THe water looks amazing!
What an amazing piece of art/craftsmanship. What love and care went into his home… every bit of it filled with his energy, pride, and gentle touch. Imagine the patience and stick-to-itness it took to complete his home. It’s awesome that it is open to the public, a personal piece of art. thank you so much for sharing it with us.
What a cool place. That cabin is so cute. We have a “Big Spring” here in Michigan too. It is in the Upper Peninsula. It is a cool place with clear water just like the one you visited.
Um I would totally live there for that price! It’s so dainty, but it sure is gorgeous.