Posted in Idaho February 16, 2016 by

The Ultimate 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 falls scattered across our the state, as well as a plethora of others that are undocumented and unmeasured. Experiencing all of them would make quite the bucket list!

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, it seems waterfall hopping isn’t all that easy in the Gem State. Right?

At Idaho Only, we found the vast and all-knowing Internets to be loaded with pages and pages of waterfalls to see in our beautiful state. To keep things manageable, we’ve chosen seven waterfalls in the lower third of the state — all with relatively easy access — and compiled them into this handy guide for your next weekend adventure. The total trip is a bit over 400 miles with an estimated drive time under 11 hours round-trip; you can see the full Google Map here.

If you’ve got a weekend to spend experiencing some of Idaho’s greatest natural wonders, we’ve got the info you need. Check it out!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Jump Creek Falls, Marsing
Wikimedia Commons
Nicholas D./Flickr
A picturesque desert canyon breaks though 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 number of 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. Before continuing on to 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. More info and directions.
2. Deadman Falls, Glenns Ferry
Jesse Bowser
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 for the majority of the year, 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.
3. Thousand Springs, Hagerman
Katie Wheeler/Flickr
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.

To make your trip even more memorable, visit the Thousand Springs Resort for a riverside mineral pool and spa experience, or check out the nearby Box Canyon Falls More info and directions.
4. Perrine Coulee Waterfall, Twin Falls
Sean O'Nell/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 scrambling climb down to the base, or by canoe/kayak from the river itself using the same set-in point as Pillar Falls. More info and directions.

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.
5. Pillar Falls, Twin Falls
Google Maps
You'll have to grab a kayak for this one! Pillar Falls are one of Idaho's hidden gems that are just as exhilarating to get to as they are to see. Named after the giant stone monoliths that rise from the Snake River, these falls are a series of slight, tiered drops and rapids that weave around the 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. More info and directions.
6. Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls
Nicholas D/Flickr
Shoshone Falls are without a doubt the most well-known and visited set of waterfalls 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. More info and directions.
7. Big Fiddler Creek/Long Gulch Falls, Elmore County
Jack McLane/Flickr
As Idaho's second-highest waterfall, Big Fiddler Creek Falls is one of the easiest cataracts to access at the southernmost edge of the Sawtooth National Forest. Tucked away amongst the trees and cascading well over 200 feet down a rocky, boulder-laden precipice, this waterfall is well known for its seasonal runoff. 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 best way to get to these falls, but rather to the trail-head 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!

Of course, Idaho is brimming with stunning water features, which is why this is only the Part I of our series. In upcoming weeks we will continue to break down Idaho’s best and most scenic landscape features, historical points, and foodie icons– this historic set of waterfalls included. You won’t want to miss it!

Now, who’s up for a road trip?