In every corner of Idaho, you'll find waterfalls that inspire awe with their size and untamed power, as well as smaller cascades that calm and refresh with their soothing forest soundtracks and gentle mists. But regardless of size, many of the most talked-about waterfalls in Idaho seem to lie in the most populated and accessible areas. If you're anything like us, you know that the best waterfalls in Idaho definitely aren't the ones that the crowds tend to flock to — they're the ones well off the beaten path, tucked away around unexpected corners on backcountry hikes, or quietly and delicately cascading down a rocky mountain face on a long drive.

Hiding in the rugged wilds of East-Central Idaho, far from the well-trodden paths of popular tourist trails, is a waterfall so underrated by the Southern Idaho and Yellowstone tourist crowds that only the most adventurous Idahoans have visited it — although it's pretty well-known by locals. It’s not the tallest or the most dramatic cascade in the state, but its charm lies in its relative seclusion, its raw, simple beauty, and the feeling that you’ve discovered something new when you stand before it.

Fall Creek Falls is a name shared by a few other waterfalls around the state, which has kept this hidden gem blissfully off the radar. The air here is different — thick with pine and the sweet, earthy scent of sagebrush, with nothing but the sound of rushing water breaking the stillness.

You'll find this pretty little waterfall near Mackay, Challis, and a few other small towns in the Lost River Range. Here, the landscape is full of stark contrasts: the towering pines of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, wide stretches of empty desert, gentle creeks, and, of course, the tallest mountains in the state. Fortunately, you won't have to summit Borah to find this gem, although you will have to endure a few elements.

Yet, the journey to Fall Creek Falls is part of what makes it so special. The surprisingly easy 1.5-mile Fall Creek Waterfall Trail winds through terrain that varies widely in such a short distance, taking you through wild, high-mountain brush and exposed rocky sections before leading you into some seriously gorgeous forested areas.

As you near the falls, climbing beyond 7,200 feet in elevation, the soft murmur of water becomes louder, drawing you in like a magnet. As you cross a few creeks and tiptoe around a few boulders, the trees open up into a little desert-style grotto that is as picture-perfect as they come.

And in fall, the sight is pretty darn magical.

The unmeasured waterfall tumbles at least 100 feet over a series of rocky ledges, framed by jagged canyon walls that glisten in the sun. The water spills into the river and trails off in a sight so pristine that you can see straight to the bottom where smooth stones rest beneath the surface.

You can enjoy the scenery from the official viewing area or explore one of the side trails to find a new angle. This isn’t the kind of waterfall that draws large crowds with its postcard-perfect symmetry. Instead, it’s a little wild, a little unpolished, and fully Idaho, and that’s precisely what makes it so spectacular. There’s a sense of true authenticity here — and it's impossible not to love.

The beauty of Fall Creek Falls isn’t just the waterfall itself, but in its surroundings. It's well worth a visit in any season, but we're partial to autumn when the surrounding foliage bursts into fiery colors that give the falls new life. The trees, which are mostly a mix of evergreens and cottonwoods, begin to turn as the weather cools, the leaves creating a patchwork of gold and green against Idaho's trademark blue skies.

For those willing to make the trek to this surprisingly overlooked region, the area surrounding the falls offers its own rewards year-round.

The solitude here is about as far away from city life as you can get, and there are plenty of other trails to discover. The larger Lost River Valley has centuries of history to explore and some seriously gorgeous spots for rugged outdoorsmen to get their boots dirty and cast a few lines. Just be sure to take some time to pause and enjoy panoramic views of the larger-than-life mountains looming in the distance!

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of local wildlife while you're on your hike — deer grazing quietly at the edge of the clearing or the flash of a hawk soaring overhead. Occasionally, this is where successful Borah summiteers will detour for a breather before heading back to their hometowns, but for the most part, your only company will be the friendly locals.

After your hike, swing back through Mackay for a bite to eat at 9 Peaks Restaurant or power through another hike at nearby Moose Lake or the longer Fall Creek Trail before settling down for a restful night's sleep somewhere rustic and hospitable, like Wild Horse Creek Ranch.

East-Central Idaho might not have the fame of more renowned attractions farther west or south, but for those who are willing to explore off the beaten path, the rewards are pretty sweet! The Fall Creek Waterfall Trail is just one example of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered all around the state when you look beyond the tourism hotspots, give into your curiosity, and step into the unfamiliar.