The Ultimate S. Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It

You already know that Idaho is home to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country, which not only tops Niagara Falls in height but is so epic during peak runoff that it has been ranked as one of the top ten waterfalls in the entire Pacific Northwest. But did you know that despite our desert climate the Gem State also ranks near the top of the country in terms of waterfall numbers? We have over 60 officially recognized waterfalls in Idaho, as well as a plethora of others that are unnamed or unmeasured.

Southern Idaho is particularly rich with breathtaking waterfalls, courtesy of the Snake River and its tributaries. But, because of Idaho’s sheer size and the massive territory covered by the Snake River Plain, waterfall hopping takes a LOT of driving! If you’ve got a weekend to spend experiencing some of Idaho’s greatest natural wonders, we’ve got you covered. To keep things manageable, we’ve chosen seven waterfalls, both popular and hidden gems, in the lower third of the state and compiled them into this handy guide for your next weekend adventure…and you’ll definitely see plenty of bonus falls along the way! The total trip is a bit over 400 miles with an estimated drive time of under 11 hours round-trip; you can see the full Google Map here.

GoogleMaps

The total trip is a bit over 400 miles with an estimated drive time of under 11 hours round-trip. Grab our Google map and load up!

Prithviraj pachal/GoogleMaps

A picturesque desert canyon breaks through the sagebrush and dust of small-town Idaho to reveal a scenic 60-foot waterfall, pooling beneath volcanically formed cliffs. An easy quarter-mile hike through brush is all it takes to reach the base of the canyon's upper reaches, with a few fire pits and picnic areas available for day use only. Swimming is possible but not recommended; however, a short, steep trail up the east slope affords an epic view of the falls and upper canyon.

After this stop, before continuing onto the Twin Falls leg of the trip, be sure to spend some time in Bruneau as the midpoint, checking out the sand dunes, observatory, and park areas.

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Jill Creihton/GoogleMaps

While the vast majority of Southern Idaho's geology was shaped by unfathomable floods and roaring, ancient bodies of water, Deadman Falls is the perfect example of a majestic canyon formed by forces other than historic waters. As such, basalt layers of rock dip down unexpectedly into the surrounding desert farmland in vivid reddish-brown hues. The canyon alone is a sight to see, while the falls can be seen sitting at the edge of the chasm pouring majestically after a rainstorm. A low dam keeps Deadman from flowing at full capacity (or even at all) most years, but even when not in full force, a light spray can be seen cascading down 170 feet or so into the abyss of Deadman Canyon. Be VERY careful in this area!

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CrankingChick/TripAdvisor

A spectacular 67 miles of scenic byway provides a glimpse into some of Idaho's most remarkable geology, featuring Thousand Springs as its crowning oasis. Just south of Hagerman, cascading ribbons of pristine water tumble down rocky cliffs for stunning vista views, while local boat tours and dinner cruises are also available to get up close and personal with the falls. This is one waterfall that you’re going to love visiting! (Pro Tip: there are plenty more falls to see in this state park!)

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Simon Foot/Flickr

The Snake River Canyon greets visitors to Twin Falls with stunning bird's-eye views right from the highway. The 200-foot Perrine Coulee waterfall is an easy, albeit slightly intimidating, drive straight down into the scenic canyon and can be seen one of three ways: from the canyon rim looking down, via a slippery, scrambling climb down to the base, or by canoe/kayak from the river itself using the same set-in point as Pillar Falls.

A slightly longer detour will also take you to the viewing point for Auger Falls, a set of tiered, mid-river falls that show off the Snake River's impressive power, Crooked Falls, the city's namesake Twin Falls, of which only one still flows. This waterfall deserves a permanent spot on any of your Idaho road trips through the southern part of the state!

Jennilynn Parish/GoogleMaps

You'll have to grab a kayak for this one! Pillar Falls is one of Idaho's hidden gems - and it's just as exhilarating to get to as it is to see. Named after the giant stone monoliths that rise from the Snake River, this series of waterfalls features short, tiered drops and rapids that weave around the river's numerous islands and inlets.

While there is only one set-in from Centennial Park, the journey to the falls is a short, easy paddle that will carry you beneath the towering, 15,000-foot Perrine Bridge and closer to the landmark Shoshone Falls. Be sure to check out the unique rock formations carved by the river, which look like bite marks! There are also numerous places to dock and truly enjoy the scenery (which may or may not include waterfalls along the canyon rim!).

Nicholas D/Flickr

Shoshone Falls are without a doubt the most well-known and visited waterfall in Idaho, with a reputation that stretches far beyond the West. At over 200 feet tall and 900 feet wide, experiencing the falls from both the base and from the canyon rim is an incredible spectacle that must be experienced for yourself.

During peak runoff before waters are diverted for irrigation, the falls offer a unique blend of recreation and beauty, with picnic and swim areas as well as scenic overlooks that hang far beyond the canyon rim. For a better vantage point of the falls, additional informal trails will take you down to precarious lookouts, but the most majestic views are undoubtedly directly from the base of the falls. Our recommendation? Catch a sunset from the park.

Jack McLane/Flickr

As Idaho's second-highest waterfall (or tallest, depending on who you ask), Big Fiddler Creek Falls is one of the easiest cataracts to access at the southernmost edge of the Sawtooth National Forest - but is a definite hidden gem. Tucked away amongst the trees and cascading around 200 feet down a rocky, boulder-laden precipice, this waterfall is well known for its seasonal runoff - which is nonexistent some years. Long Gulch is the Big Fiddler's neighbor, cutting through sheer cliffs as a razor-thin stream. Simply look to the near side of the canyon.

Please note that the Google map provided may not represent the most efficient way to get to these falls, but rather to the trailhead or nearest scenic byway. Pay careful attention to the additional directions and links provided to ensure your first waterfall vacay goes as smoothly as possible!

Now, who’s up for an epic road trip through Southern Idaho?