Everything to Expect when Visiting Shoshone Falls

It can be intimidating visiting a location you’ve never been, especially when you want to make the most out of your trip! We want you to have the best experience possible at the Niagara of the West; so here is a list of everything you need to know in preparation of an incredible visit to Shoshone Falls! 

Shoshone Falls After Dark 2024 tickets are available now! https://visitsouthidaho.com/shoshone-falls-after-dark/

Visitor Tips & Recommendations for Shoshone Falls City Park:

Prepare to Descend Down a Winding, Canyon Road.

Idaho’s Snake River Canyon is home to Shoshone Falls, a 212 ft waterfall located near Twin Falls. The canyon spans for dozens of miles, and runs the entire length of town. One of the deepest parts of the Snake River Canyon is 500 ft deep, and the Perrine Bridge towers over it. This is your main north entrance to Twin Falls.

About 5 miles east of the Perrine Bridge, sits Shoshone Falls. Stop at the Twin Falls Visitor Center, located right off of HWY 93 on the south side of the bridge. There you can pick up maps and brochures on other attractions in the valley. From there you will navigate to Falls Avenue and take that east to the turn off. Expect somewhat narrow, winding roads for the drive into the canyon. It is a safe road, but we suggest taking it slow. Large motorhomes with tow behinds may have some difficulty. Along with driving slowly, you’ll want to drive with the windows down because the views are so beautiful! Waterfalls rush down the canyon walls, and orange colored walls are decorated with moss and ferns; sometimes even huckleberries!  

The Dierkes Lake turn off is on the way down to the parking lot for Shoshone Falls. Ask a booth attendant for a park map upon arrival. Learn more about Dierkes Lake by clicking the button below. 

Vehicle Admission Fee – $5 

There is a five dollar vehicle admission fee for the City Park. The booth will now take cash and card. This fee will get you full access to all of Shoshone Falls City Park as well as Dierke’s Lake and the Canyon Rim Trail for the full day. This also includes multiple walking/hiking paths everywhere in the park. If you plan on visiting Shoshone Falls more than 6 times, there is a $30 year-long pass. 

Parking & Accessibility 

There are multiple options to park that don’t require too far of a walk to the waterfall. There is one large parking lot right next to the viewing area, and handicap accessible parking near the falls. Located to the north of the parking lot is a concessions stand filled with treats, souvenirs, and public restrooms. The park is handicap accessible, but the main viewing platform is not. Further to the west, the city provides permanent telescopes for easy viewing.

Peak water flows – see Shoshone Falls in all its glory this spring

Although Shoshone Falls is beautiful year round, every spring brings an incredible power to it. 

Depending on if the mountain snow is melting, and if it was a high precipitation year, the waterfall can rush up to 32,000 cubic feet per second! Viewers are more likely to see spring run off at 12,000 cfs in its peak, but truly high water run off is unbelievable. This generally happens in the spring, but can happen late winter, and run all the way to the middle of summer. April is the most consistent month for high water and a great time to plan your trip. Expect rainbows and a nice misting! Don’t forget your camera.

The flows can be very low at times, sometimes non-existent. The seasons this usually happens in are late summer, fall, and winter. Most years there is a steady flow of at least 1,000 cfs, and if there isn’t a waterfall….you’ll still get to see a giant canyon!

Another reason to visit Shoshone Falls in the spring is to attend an event called Shoshone Falls After Dark! Music, lights, food and fun will all take place at Shoshone Falls City Park! Vendors set up to sell food, and the light show is projected onto Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon’s walls. Click the button below to read more about Shoshone Falls After Dark.  

Park trail system 

There are multiple trail networks at Shoshone Fall Park. The Canyon Rim Trail is the most popular and is a paved trail that extends more than 8 miles from Shoshone Falls to west along the Snake River Canyon. This is a multi-use trail, but no motorized use is permitted. There are also smaller dirt trails throughout the park that lead to beautiful views.

Remember all of the waterfalls you saw driving down the canyon? They have babies located within the park itself! Wander around the trails above the large grassy picnic area to see them. 

Additional Information

• The average temperature for a summer day in Twin Falls is around 80 degrees. The average winter temperature is 30 degrees.
• In the winter; if the roads are bad, the road to Shoshone Falls is probably closed. Also, the vehicle admission is waved all through the winter season.
• There are many rock chucks located within Shoshone Falls City Park, do not feed them.
• Dogs are allowed here. Please keep your pets on a leash, and don’t get too close the the edge
• Drones are allowed at Shoshone Falls
• There is no camping at Shoshone Falls
• Evel Knievel Jumpsite is located one mile up a hiking trail
• You can swim above Shoshone Falls at Dierkes Lake
• There are a number of hikes at Dierkes Lake and Shoshone Falls
• March 2024 update: Kayaking/boating at Shoshone Falls Boat Dock is closed. For more information on closures and river access visit idaho.gov/quagga.