United States · Snake River Plain, Idaho
Shoshone Falls
Taller than Niagara and once nicknamed the 'Niagara of the West,' this Snake River curtain is at its thunderous best only in spring before upstream irrigation diversions claim much of the flow for summer. A city park with paved overlooks makes it an easy roadside stop.
Taller than Niagara and once nicknamed the 'Niagara of the West,' this Snake River curtain is at its thunderous best only in spring before upstream irrigation diversions claim much of the flow for summer. A city park with paved overlooks makes it an easy roadside stop.
Shoshone Falls drops 65 metres (213 ft) across a face roughly 274 metres wide on the Snake, inside Shoshone Falls Park. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Twin Falls, with TWF the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Spring runoff (Apr-Jun) gives full flow before summer irrigation withdrawals reduce it significantly.
What you can do here
Kayaking
Flatwater above the lip or big water below it — kayaking gets you closer to a waterfall than any walking trail.
Boat cruises
The classic approach: come at the falls from the water, usually at sunset, usually with a drink.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Spring runoff (Apr-Jun) gives full flow before summer irrigation withdrawals reduce it significantly.
Entry: City park entry fee, small
Getting there
- Base townTwin Falls
- AirportTWF
- CountryUnited States
- RegionSnake River Plain, Idaho, North America
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
42.5938, -114.4014
Quick answers
How tall is Shoshone Falls?
Shoshone Falls drops 65 metres (213 feet), across a face about 274 metres wide. It is a block-type waterfall on the Snake.
When is the best time to visit Shoshone Falls?
Peak flow is April to June. Spring runoff (Apr-Jun) gives full flow before summer irrigation withdrawals reduce it significantly.
What can you do at Shoshone Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: kayaking, boat cruises, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Shoshone Falls?
The usual base is Twin Falls, and the closest airport is TWF. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. City park entry fee, small.
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