Are you a waterfall chaser? The ultimate waterfall guide will show you around Southern Idaho; describing all the need-to-know information on finding some of our favorite falls! Pack your camera and get ready to view epic waterfalls this season.
10. Pillar Falls – Twin Falls
Hiking Pillar Falls requires endurance and sturdy shoes. The trail head is located on E. Pole Line road. There isn’t much parking at the trail head, but a larger lot is just down the road. Pillar Falls is in the Snake River Canyon, right on the water! The hike leads past waterfalls and wilderness to the bottom of the canyon. There are areas of the descent requiring steep inclines to take slowly. Water floods most of the land at the base of the canyon in the late spring and early summer. So, check out water flows just in case before exploring around the pillars. Although it is an intensive hike, the falls are worth it! It feels like a different world on the Snake River, and the giant pillars and boulders will not disappoint.
9. Twin Falls – Twin Falls
Spring time brings this waterfall to life! Plan a visit now to see it in full force. Twin Falls (the town) inherited it’s name from the waterfall, Twin Falls! It used to be a pair of falls, but it now produces clean hydro power. Because of the dam, there is one raging waterfall in the late spring. Twin Falls is a quick destination to stand and enjoy the view, without much excursion. Just past the parking lot these falls have a view point for visitors. Directions from Hwy 93 lead north of Twin Falls. Turn east on Falls Avenue for 5 miles, then turn north at the sign leading to Twin Falls.
8. Mermaid Cove – Jerome
Mermaid Cove is one of the most popular swim destinations in Twin Falls! Late spring to mid summer this waterfall pools into a cove. It is beautiful to swim under the running waterfall! The hike to Mermaid Cove is quick. The Jerome side of the Snake River Canyon is the where the cove lays. Golf Course Rd will take you to Yingst Road, then to the parking lot at the start of the trail head! Because this destination is popular, please remember to pack out what you pack in to keep the litter minimal.
7. Niagara Springs Falls – Wendell
Niagara Springs State Park’s icy blue water is a National Natural Landmark and is a unit of Thousand Springs State Park! The Waterfall is located in the Snake River Canyon, off Interstate 84, take exit 157 and head south towards the canyon. Follow the signs for Niagara Springs State Park into the canyon and watch for the hatchery entrance road. The waterfall is unique for many reasons! It flows from below the surface of the earth, into Crystal Springs. Crystal Springs is a pond of aqua blue water providing excellent fishing year-round. This is a see it to believe it waterfall!
6. Box Canyon Falls – Wendell
The waterfall (and water) in Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve is stunning! It is the 11th largest spring in North America! The total hike is just over 2 miles, round trip, with the waterfall located at the end. Park in the large parking lot at the entrance, and pay the $5 vehicle fee. It starts on a dirt path – seeming to lead through only farm land. After about 10 minutes of walking, the scene changes incredibly. There is a giant canyon! Eventually the trail leads down the canyon where sturdy shoes are recommended. Reaching the bottom of the canyon will bring you to the beautiful waterfall! The glowing Box Canyon Falls flow into a beautiful pool of clear water. The waterfall flows powerfully year round, but look most incredible when the spring and summer sun shine on it!
5. Malad Gorge – Hagerman
The waterfall at Malad Gorge is easily missed when driving over the interstate. Take the Tuttle exit to visit the state park – one unit of Thousand Springs State Park. The $5 day fee is required at the entrance, and will get you into other parks belonging to Thousand Springs State Park. The first parking option has the best view of the waterfall. Walk across the smaller bridge parallel to the interstate to stand on top of it! It may sway in the wind as you look down at the pounding water flowing into Devil’s Washbowl. Looking at the waterfall on either side of the canyon is also amazing. There is a walking path near the edge of the canyon to follow.
4. Lemon Falls at Ritter Island – Wendell.
The Wendell exit on Interstate 84 will take you to Ritter Island, but the best way to get there is Highway 30, the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway! Park at the Ritter Island parking lot before the bridge to access the waterfall. Follow the dirt path all the way to the base of the falls. This absolutely glowing waterfall will tower above you to the left. The waterfall flows into Minnie Miller Springs. Swimming and kayaking is an amazing experience in the clear spring water of Minnie Miller! Ritter Island is also one of the seven units of Thousand Springs State Park.
3. Perrine Coulee – Twin Falls
One of the coolest waterfalls in Southern Idaho is Perrine Coulee. There is a path leading behind the waterfall, allowing you to walk all the way under it! An amazing reason to visit Perrine Coulee is its location being minutes from Twin Falls! The waterfall can be accessed by climbing down rocks and trees on Canyon Springs Rd before Centennial Waterfront Park. Follow the same road past Centennial Waterfront Park to walk up from below the waterfall. Both entrances will lead you to the proper trail.
2. Cauldron Linn Falls – Murtaugh
Spring time is the only time to see the true power of Cauldron Linn! April to June are the prime months to explore the riverbed waterfall. The only way to view this insane act of nature is descending down the canyon. Most vehicles have to be parked at the top of the canyon, leaving a 1.5 mile walk down. The road is rough getting down, but some off-road vehicles can make it all the way to the bottom. Upon reaching the bottom, there are many trails leading to different locations of the river. Taking any trail that heads west will lead to Cauldron Linn. In the fall, the waterfall is not as powerful as usual due to the snow being melted through summer and low precipitation levels. Enjoy the views of the river from this beautifully unique area.
1. Shoshone Falls – Twin Falls
The mother of all waterfalls, the epic, Shoshone Falls is located 5 miles from Twin Falls, Idaho. The giant, 212 foot waterfall blasts over the canyon walls into the Snake River. It’s power season is spring. This year has reached 6,100 cfs already, so now is the perfect viewing time! Into the summer and fall; the waterfall dwindles down, sometimes leaving only a trickle of water. Depending on the precipitation, it can come back to life on certain days. Shoshone falls leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. Be camera ready, and ready to hold your jaw up when you see this magnificent waterfall.
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