Discover Idaho’s Most Spectacular Waterfalls This Spring
Idaho, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and adventure-filled outdoor activities, is a land blessed with some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the United States. A visit to these waterfalls is a fantastic way to experience the state’s natural beauty. From the mighty Shoshone Falls, often referred to as the Niagara of the West, to the enchanting sight of the Elk Creek Falls, there’s a waterfall in Idaho for every nature enthusiast. Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls you must visit this spring.
Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls
Shoshone Falls, located in southern Idaho, is one of the state’s most breathtaking sights. This waterfall is often referred to as the Niagara of the West due to its magnificent cascade over a 200-feet basalt canyon. The best time to visit is during the spring when the waterfall is at its most voluminous. Shoshone Falls Park, surrounding the waterfall, features picnic spots, playgrounds, and restroom facilities, making it an ideal location for a family outing.
Mesa Falls, Caribou-Targhee National Forest
The Mesa Falls in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are two of Idaho’s most untamed attractions. The Upper Mesa Falls, dropping over 100 feet, is easily accessible and offers visitors stunning views of the cascading water. A historic building, the Big Falls Inn, established in 1915, now operates as the Mesa Falls Visitor Center, offering intriguing information about the surrounding geological and cultural history.
Perrine Coulee Falls, Twin Falls
The Perrine Coulee Falls is a year-round waterfall located near the Perrine Memorial Bridge in Twin Falls. You can enjoy a spectacular view of these 200-foot falls from the Snake River Canyon Trail, a popular pedestrian path lined with wonderful views and cultural attractions. For a close encounter, you can also take a short hike to the bottom of the falls.
Ritter Island, Thousand Springs State Park
Ritter Island is home to the Minnie Miller Springs, the largest natural springs in the Thousand Springs State Park Complex. The state park, which surrounds the island, offers boating, picnicking, and nature viewing opportunities, in addition to the stunning waterfall that emerges from the canyon wall above the Snake River.
Fall Creek Falls, Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Located in eastern Idaho, Fall Creek Falls is one of the state’s most scenic waterfalls. The 60-foot waterfall cascades over a cliffside above the Snake River, creating stunning natural pools. The backdrop of the Snake River habitat in this part of the state adds to the beauty of the falls.
Cauldron Linn
Located in the Magic Valley of southern Idaho, Cauldron Linn, also known as Star Falls, is formed when the Snake River squeezes into a narrow 40-foot canyon, creating a spectacular churning pool. The surrounding remote environment adds to the wild and untamed beauty of these falls.
Shadow Falls, Idaho Panhandle National Forests
Located near the Montana border in northern Idaho, Shadow Falls is a 25-foot waterfall that offers a serene and tranquil escape. The short hike to the waterfall is through lush forests and the roads leading to the trailhead offer a challenging yet exciting journey.
Devil’s Washbowl, Malad Gorge, Thousand Springs State Park
The Devil’s Washbowl in Malad Gorge is a booming waterfall located beneath Interstate 84. It’s a hidden gem that offers a scenic automobile tour through the parkland, with several stops featuring different perspectives of the falls and the gorge.
Jump Creek Falls
Jump Creek Falls, located an hour’s drive west of Boise, is a 60-foot waterfall that offers a great escape into nature. The waterfall, which runs throughout the year, is especially voluminous during early spring, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Lady Face Falls, Sawtooth National Forest
Located in the celebrated Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho, Lady Face Falls is a fun hike with a trailhead near Stanley Lake. The trek to Lady Face Falls is nearly 2.5 miles long, offering shaded moments in a lush forest and stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Moyie Falls
Moyie Falls, located in Boundary County in northern Idaho, is a spectacular sight to behold as the Moyie River cascades down a canyon. The waterfall has several tiers, with the higher ones dropping over 100 feet, while the lower sections plummet 20 to 40 feet.
Niagara Springs, Thousand Springs State Park
Niagara Springs, another unit within the Thousand Springs State Park Complex, offers a unique waterfall-viewing experience. The underground water source cascades down a foliage-covered slope of the Snake River Canyon, offering a mesmerizing sight to behold.
Elk Creek Falls
Elk Creek Falls, located in Nez Perce National Forest, is a series of three cascading waterfalls that plunge down basalt columns. With a total drop of over 130 feet, Elk Creek Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. The Elk Creek National Recreation Trail offers the best views of these spectacular falls.
As you plan your trip to Idaho this spring, make sure to include these magnificent waterfalls in your itinerary. They offer an unforgettable experience of Idaho’s natural beauty and grandeur.