12 Breathtaking Waterfalls You’ll Find in Idaho

There are more than 60 named waterfalls in Idaho, and each one is more beautiful than the next. Spring and summer are the best times of year to go chasing waterfalls, and we’ve got some of the best waterfalls to add to your bucket list. You may even be inspired to take a Idaho waterfalls road trip! From waterfalls in a state park to roadside cascades you can view from your windshield, these waterfalls are all worthy of a day trip.

Whether you're searching for scenic roadside viewpoints, family-friendly waterfall hikes, or epic backcountry adventures, Idaho offers a surprising variety of waterfalls worth exploring.

Tallest Waterfall Hikes in Idaho

One of my favorite things about Idaho’s waterfalls is that they come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to be impressed by the power of Mother Nature, then you need to pay a visit to some of the tallest waterfalls in Idaho.

1. Goat Falls: Idaho’s Hidden Giant in the Selkirk Mountains

• Location: Near Stanley
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: The hiking trail is difficult but doable.

Starting off strong with one of Idaho’s tallest waterfalls, Goat Falls will make you work for it. The eight-mile trail to Goat Falls is rugged, to say the least. But the payoff is worth it when you view the tallest waterfall in the Sawtooth Mountains! Arrive early during summer months to secure parking at the trailhead.

2. Shoshone Falls: The “Niagara of the West” in Southern Idaho

• Location: Twin Falls
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: This waterfall is often called the "Niagara of the West." It is the most well-known waterfall in Idaho.

You’ll find Shoshone Falls just outside of Twin Falls. As one of the tallest waterfalls in Idaho, expect to be dazzled! The waterfall clocks in at 212 feet tall and 925 feet wide. No wonder it’s called the Niagara of the West. There is typically a small vehicle entrance fee for the park, but the viewpoints, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks make it well worth the visit.

3. Elk Creek Falls: A Towering Cascade in the Clearwater Forest

• Location: Elk Creek Falls Recreation Area, near Moscow
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: This is one of the tallest waterfalls in Idaho.

Elk Creek Falls is located about 50 miles east of Moscow in northern Idaho. This unique waterfall is actually three individual waterfalls, so be sure to check out the upper, middle, and lower falls for the full experience. The hike to Elk Creek Falls is about 2.6 miles, and it’s a loop trail, so you don’t have to do any backtracking.

Best Waterfall Hikes in Idaho

Ready to hit the trails? These waterfall hikes are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll be traversing through enchanting forests, between canyon walls, and through some of the most breathtaking scenery in America on these waterfall hikes.

We recommend downloading AllTrails + before you go. These trails are mostly well-maintained, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry on these outdoor adventures!

4. Shadow & Fern Falls: Twin Waterfalls on a Scenic Forest Hike

• Location: Idaho Panhandle National Forest
• Popularity: Not very popular
• Need To Know: You'll get to see two waterfalls for the price of one.

Both of these waterfalls are nestled along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Fern Falls is the first waterfall you’ll come across, and it’s only about a mile from the trailhead. Fern Falls stands at only 12 feet tall, but don’t let its size fool you; this beautiful waterfall in Idaho is assisted by its incredibly enchanting surroundings.

Shadow Falls is slightly more hidden than Fern Falls, but if you can ascend up the steeper trail, you’ll be met with the beautiful 24-foot-tall Shadow Falls. The surrounding forest is rich with wildlife, so keep an eye out for deer, birds, and other native species along the trail.

5. Fall Creek Falls: A Dramatic Backcountry Waterfall Adventure

• Location: Near Swan Valley
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: You can practically drive right up to this waterfall.

Fall Creek Falls might be one of the most photographed waterfalls in Idaho. If you take the one-mile trail at the base of the falls, you have the option to soak in the falls’ pools, too! Make sure you’re wearing sturdy hiking shoes because you’ll need to do a little scrambling to get to the pool, and those rocks may be slippery. A nearby campground and picnic area make it an ideal stop for travelers exploring eastern Idaho.

6. Goose Creek Falls: A Secluded Waterfall in Southern Idaho

• Location: Payette National Forest
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need To Know: The hike to the waterfall is family-friendly and well-maintained.

The Goose Creek Falls trail is one of the more family-friendly trails on the list. The three-mile trail is well-maintained and only gains 685 feet of elevation. Because the trail is relatively gentle, Goose Creek Falls is a great option for families or anyone looking for a peaceful forest walk without a strenuous climb. After an easy walk through the forest, you’ll see the waterfall. You might even have the place to yourself.

7. Mesa Falls: Two Spectacular Waterfalls in Henry's Fork Canyon

• Location: Caribou-Targhee National Forest
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: This tiered waterfall is completely natural.

Nestled within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Mesa Falls is easily one of the most popular tiered waterfalls in Idaho. These impressive waterfalls plunge over 100 feet into the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, providing a sensational background for photography. Rainbows often appear at Mesa Falls, so if you don’t see one when you arrive, just wait – they come like clockwork!

The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is one of the many scenic drives in Idaho, and even though it’s only 28 miles, it packs a punch!

Important to note: This scenic destination includes two waterfalls – Upper Mesa Falls and Lower Mesa Falls. Upper Mesa Falls is the larger and more dramatic cascade, while Lower Mesa Falls can be viewed from a scenic overlook farther down the river.

Accessible Waterfalls in Idaho (No Hiking Required)

While many of these cascades require you to clock in a few miles on a hiking trail, plenty of cascades are only a short stroll from the car. Here are some of the most accessible waterfalls in Idaho with little to no hiking required. Many of them even have a viewing platform, too.

8. Myrtle Falls: A Beautiful Waterfall Near Bonners Ferry

• Location: Kootenai Wildlife Refuge
• Popularity: Hidden gem
• Need To Know: There is a quarter-mile hiking trail, and it is mostly ADA-accessible.

I know we just talked about finding waterfalls with little to no hiking required, but this one needs to make the list. The trail to Myrtle Falls is only a quarter-mile long and ADA-accessible up to a footbridge, which may be tricky for wheelchairs or strollers. There is an observation point with a viewing platform to view the falls, and boy, are they beautiful! Myrtle Falls clocks in at about 100 feet tall, and it’s surrounded by towering pine trees. Spring is the best time of year to view most waterfalls, especially this one. Even better if you can view it after a rainfall.

9. Niagara Springs: A Stunning Spring-Fed Waterfall in the Canyon

• Location: Thousand Springs State Park
• Popularity: Fairly popular
• Need To Know: You can enjoy beautiful views from the car.

Flowing directly out of the canyon wall into the Snake River Canyon in Thousand Springs State Park, Niagara Springs is a must-see waterfall. The waterfall can be seen from the road, so you don’t even have to get out of your car to witness this magical cascade.

10. Idaho Falls Greenbelt: Urban Waterfalls in the Heart of the City

• Location: Idaho Falls
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: The Idaho Falls Greenbelt is several miles along the Snake River. Make a full loop around the falls and enjoy them from all sides.

Idaho Falls is one of southern Idaho’s most charming towns, and it’s easy to fill up an entire weekend with activities here. The Idaho Falls Greenbelt offers beautiful views of the Snake River along its 10-mile path, though you don’t have to take on the whole 10 miles. The trail runs for several miles on each side of the river, and there are plenty of park benches and picnic tables peppered along the way so you can sit for a spell and soak it all in.

Best Waterfalls Near Boise

While many waterfalls in Idaho are found in remote areas, there are plenty that are near major cities. In addition to some of our favorite southern Idaho waterfalls, these waterfalls near Boise are worth checking out. These waterfalls are within a two-hour drive from Boise.

11. Jump Creek Falls: A Short Hike to a Desert Oasis Waterfall

• Location: Marsing
• Popularity: Popular depending on the time of the year.
• Need To Know: A natural swimming pool is at the base of the falls.

Clocking in at 60 feet, Jump Creek Falls is a must-see waterfall in Idaho. More than just a cascade, this waterfall also boasts a natural swimming pool! Go ahead, make a splash. It will feel great after the 0.6-mile hiking trail you’ll need to take to access the waterfall. The trail is relatively easy, but there is not much shade, so you’ll want to bring plenty of sunscreen for the trek.

12. Perrine Coulee Falls: Walk Behind This Magical Twin Falls Cascade

• Location: Twin Falls
• Popularity: Very popular
• Need To Know: When visiting, make sure to park in a designated parking spot. The road features hairpin turns that can be extremely dangerous.

Standing tall at almost 200 feet, the Perrine Coulee Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Idaho. It’s also one of the most easily accessible. The easiest way to view this waterfall is from below, at the Centennial Waterfront Park. This city park is filled with adrenaline-inducing adventures, including zip lines and base jumping off the Perrine Bridge. You can even rent a kayak and go check out another nearby waterfall, Pillar Falls.

What are your favorite waterfalls in Idaho? Did it make our list? If not, let us know about it by filling out this nomination form. Are you intrigued and planning a waterfall road trip across Idaho? Well, consider using the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to map out your stops and discover nearby attractions.