The Gem State is filled with many beautiful drive-up waterfalls, like the famous Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls or Upper Mesa Falls near Ashton. However, Idaho’s tallest waterfall isn’t so easily found. Located at the end of a rugged hiking trail in the Sawtooth Wilderness, finding Goat Falls makes for an adventure to remember. Traversing this 8-mile trail can be a challenge, but you’ll find that it’s so worth it once you get a view of the majestic falls at the end. After all, it’s the tallest in Idaho by a long shot and it’s an unforgettable sight!
Hiding in the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley is a crystal-clear alpine lake known as Goat Lake. The lake itself is definitely a beauty, but it's the nearby waterfall that makes this an adventure you'll want to add to the bucket list.
Both Goat Lake and Goat Falls can be found by traversing an 8-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the Iron Creek Trailhead in Sawtooth Wilderness. You can find the trailhead at Iron Creek Campground, located just west of Stanley off Forest Road #619.
Once you set off from the trailhead, you'll follow the trail as it stretches alongside Iron Creek for a little over a mile. Once you officially enter Sawtooth Wilderness, you'll come across a marked junction. Turn left at the junction and start following the Alpine Way Trail.
The first section of this trail is fairly easygoing. After taking the junction, you'll cross a creek and a bridge before starting a steep ascent deeper into the wilderness. This section of the trail is difficult, but the spectacular views that overlook the forest are a great distraction!
After this steep section, you'll come across another fork in the trail. Take a right this time and you'll be led through a hillside covered in glorious wildflowers. Keep following the trail for around 3.3-miles before reaching the incredible Goat Falls.
According to the Northwest Waterfall Survey, Goat Falls is a whopping 650-feet tall. This makes it the tallest waterfall in Idaho by leaps and bounds. The sight of it cascading down the mountainside is simply glorious!
To reach Goat Lake, you'll have to do some scrambling from the falls up a granite slab. An unmaintained trail will then take you directly to the lake, located just west of the falls. All in all, this is a rugged adventure that requires hikers to pay close attention, but it's all worth it for the sight of the beautiful Goat Falls and Goat Lake at the end.
Did you know Goat Falls was the tallest waterfall in Idaho? Tell us about your favorite waterfall adventure in the Gem State in the comments below! There’s definitely a lot to choose from.
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