Peak Flows & Wow-Worthy Views: The Best Time to Visit Shoshone Falls

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If you’re planning a trip to Southern Idaho, one question is bound to come up: When’s the best time to visit Shoshone Falls? Nicknamed the “Niagara of the West,” this showstopper is worth seeing any time of year, but timing your visit to catch the falls at peak flow can make all the difference. Here’s some info to help get you started and explore other things to do near Shoshone Falls to round out your experience.

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When Is The Best Time to Visit Shoshone Falls?

While this natural masterpiece is a knockout year-round, the best time to visit Shoshone Falls at full force is during spring—specifically from March through early May. This is when the snowmelt from winter begins to surge, and in years with heavy snowfall, the falls can reach flows of over 20,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). In a typical year, flows peak between 10,000 and 12,000 CFS. During your visit, be on the lookout for rainbows and a refreshing mist!

Of course, you can visit during the other seasons, but keep in mind that flows may be significantly lower—or even non-existent—by late summer, fall, and winter.

What Are Some Things to Do Near Shoshone Falls?

You might be in town to take in this iconic wonder, but this area delivers more than just a scenic splash. From thrilling outdoor activities to underground excursions, there are plenty of things to do near Shoshone Falls to build a full weekend of adventure.

Centennial Waterfront Park

Set along the mighty Snake River, Centennial Waterfront Park offers kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals, making it the perfect launch point for a journey to the base of Shoshone Falls. The route winds through the Snake River Canyon, serving up dramatic views of towering cliffs, serene stretches of water, and local wildlife. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be treated to a view like no other as you feast your eyes on the rising mists and feel the powerful rumble of the tumbling cascades. If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, the park has more fresh-air fun like hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking.

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Zip Line Tours With AWOL Adventure Sports

Ready to crank things up a notch? Operating out of Centennial Waterfront Park, AWOL Adventure Sports sends visitors soaring across the Snake River Canyon—offering unmatched bird’s-eye views of dramatic cliffs and the river below.

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Perrine Memorial Bridge

Spanning 1,500 feet across the Snake River Canyon, this architectural marvel is not only a jaw-dropper but also a hotspot for BASE jumping. Embrace the adrenaline rush of a lifetime while crossing something off your bucket list, or if you’re not feeling daredevilish, take a stroll across the bridge and soak up the panoramic views.

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Shoshone Ice Caves

About an hour’s drive north of Shoshone Falls, these ice caves offer a cool escape—literally. Here, you’ll step into a subterranean world of frozen tunnels formed by ancient lava flows. Tour guides will take you through icy caverns while sharing stories of geology, folklore, and a bit of frontier history.

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Snake River Canyon Rim Trail

Lace up your hiking boots or hop on a bike to explore the 10+ mile Snake River Canyon Rim Trail. Hugging the canyon’s edge, the path rewards visitors with stunning overlooks, interpretive signs, and chances to spot the Evel Knievel Jump Site, Shoshone Falls, and BASE Jumpers at Perrine Memorial Bridge.

Dierkes Lake

If leisurely days on the water sound like a dream, put Dierkes Lake on your vacation radar. This 191-acre park is the ultimate place to cool off and unwind, with a range of activities including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Amenities such as a seasonal concession stand, playground, picnic tables, and grills make this destination even more of a hit with families.

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