Best Waterfalls in Idaho: Idaho is home to amazing waterfalls and here you can spot wild rivers, mountains, and enough adventure to satiate a lifetime’s desire to travel. Idaho offers plenty of adventure for a lifetime, along with breathtaking mountains and untamed rivers. Southern Idaho is home to some of the state’s most powerful waterfalls.
Apart from the world-famous Shoshone Falls, there are many other waterfalls that you must include in your list if you are traveling to Idaho. From Boise to the Wyoming border, the Snake River plunges several hundred feet into southern Idaho. These magnificent demonstrations of gravity are highlighted in locations like Thousand Springs State Park and places like Twin Falls.
22 Most Visited Water Falls in Idaho
You will be a fan of Idaho Waterfalls and catchy views. Nestled between lush forests, these northern waterfalls cascade into stunning alpine ponds. The lush forest provides a wealth of opportunities for various pursuits, such as fishing and boating. Here are some of the must-visit waterfalls of Idaho.
Read more: 10 Best and Beautiful Waterfalls in Illinois
1. Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls is a 200-foot-tall basalt gorge created by the Snake River. At the falls, observation platforms offer an excellent vantage point of the flowing water. The springtime is when this striking natural feature flows the most. By autumn, a large portion of the upriver water is diverted for irrigation, causing the falls to run almost dry throughout this season. The ideal season to explore Shoshone Falls is in the spring.
There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms in the nearby Shoshone Falls Park. Each car must pay a $5 entry charge to enter the park. There is parking available at the nearby Dierkes Lake Park in addition to admission.
2. Mesa Falls
Two of the most extreme gravity formations in the state are Lower and Upper Mesa Falls. The most easily appreciated is Upper Mesa Falls, which descends more than 100 feet. For more than a century, visitors have been coming to this diving destination. A fantastic vantage point of the roaring river is provided by a number of constructed pathways and viewing platforms.
Mesa Falls has a maximum height of 110 feet, with a lower segment that is just 85 feet tall. The only waterfall in Idaho not utilized for irrigation is called Mesa Falls. All fitness levels may enjoy a leisurely stroll to Mesa Falls. This is a lovely spot to spend the day taking in the various vistas, having a picnic, and being in the middle of the outdoors.
3. Fern Falls
A 200-yard stroll will get you to Fern Falls, one of Idaho’s more accessible waterfalls. All ages and fitness levels may enjoy the conveniently accessible paths. Although Fern Falls is visually appealing all year round, the increased water flow makes April the ideal time to visit. This is the ideal location for a family picnic in the afternoon. The intriguing way the water sprays and cascades over the falls makes Fern Falls particularly special and gorgeous. You and your family will be astounded by Fern Falls’ magnificence, and you won’t want to skip a visit there.
The hike is actually the extension of the trail that goes to the pool that comes on the Fern Lake. To reach there you need to take the Bear Lake Road from US 36 to the Moraine Park Campground Road. You will get the instructions on the road to reach there, the best way is to take the Hiker Shuttle.
4. Devil’s Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl is an unusual yet fitting name. The water at this waterfall travels through a little gorge, which makes it a bit unusual. The water flow varies with the season, although it is normally at its greatest in the spring. The whole family will enjoy this short and simple trek. Follow Interstate 84 until you reach Malad Gorge State Park to get to Devil’s Punchbowl. Since the falls are so near the road, you can see the cars driving over the bridge that crosses it.
After the parking zone, you need to hike a bit to reach Devil’s Punchbowl. Once you will walk down to the beach trail take a turn to the left and you will find the beautiful view of the Devil’s Punchflow.
5. Perrine Coulee Falls
The Snake River Canyon Trail offers an aerial perspective of Perrine Coulee Falls. This well-liked pedestrian walkway offers fantastic vistas and cultural activities in addition to a chance to see the cascade. The location of Evil Knievel’s failed attempt to cross the Snake River Canyon is not far from the Perrine Coulee viewpoint. Hiking the short route at the base of Perrine Coulee Falls is the second approach to experience the falls.
The two-mile trip begins at a roadside trailhead close to Centennial Waterfront Park. There’s a fantastic part that winds behind the free-flowing cascade on the return route to the falls. There may be some spray on the route for visitors.
6. Ritter Island Water Fall
The largest of the Thousand Springs State Park Complex’s natural springs, Minnie Miller Springs, is located on Ritter Island. Water that has reached the porous lava fields of the moon’s craters has gone underground, giving rise to the springs. This state park unit has a waterfall that erupts from a canyon wall above the Snake River. The central feature inside Thousand Springs State Park is Ritter Island.
The state park is known for its boating, picnicking, and nature-loving opportunities, in addition to its enormous waterfall fed by springs. Every September, Ritter Island hosts the well-liked Thousand Springs Festival. If guests want to spend the night somewhere with a roof over their heads, the state park rents out two homes.
7. Malad Gorge’s
Malad Gorge’s 450 acres of parks may be seen from a beautiful driving trip. One of the first stops offers interpretative signs and a fantastic view of Malad Gorge’s Devils Washbowl. This magnificent waterfall, which is the result of tumbling stairs and swift water, muffles overhead road noise.
There are many viewpoints of the falls and Malad Gorge at various park locations. At the end of the car path comes another waterfall. This second waterfall’s trickle is so thin that, in the event of wind, none of the water reaches the earth along its original path.
8. Falls Creek Falls
Swan Valley is not far from Fall Creek Falls, also called Falls Creek Falls. Travelers heading east from Idaho Falls take Highway 26, veering right onto a dirt road just before they reach the Snake River Bridge. There is poor signage at the pullout for parking above the falls. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest borders both the observation area and the falls.
There are no platforms or safety features at the viewing locations, so guests should watch where they go. Unplanned paths descend to the falls’ base, which is steep and can be challenging to ascend again. After Parking follow the orange blaze to reach to Falls Creek Falls, parking is available for your vehicle at the Falls Creek Falls.
9. Upper Salmon Falls
Upper Salmon Falls is the more beautiful of the two Salmon Falls, and it’s only five miles from the last entry. From the foot traffic restricted Owsley Bridge, you may climb 2.5 km to a viewing spot close to the top of the falls. Though there are moments when the route lacks excitement, don’t let the drab walk-in deceive you! One of the most popular waterfalls for local photographers, Upper Salmon Falls is the highest of several waterfalls on this stretch of the Snake River.
A striking and beautiful scene is created by a succession of tiny drips that cascade and stack on top of one another. Make sure you pack a camera since you won’t regret missing the chance to take pictures of one of the most breathtaking. You can reach here by taking the rincon trail.
10. Lower Salmon Falls
Beyond the named waterfall, the Lower Salmon Falls park offers campgrounds, a reservoir, and a plethora of recreational options. This free 4-acre day-use facility is run by the utility corporation Idaho Power, thus it might not offer the most beautiful waterfall experience on this list. However, the availability of nearby recreational options more than makes up for it.
If all that interests you is seeing the most magnificent waterfalls that exist. Lower Salmon Water Fall Trek starts from 25 miles from the Vinegar Creek.
11. Jump Creek Falls
A 60-foot waterfall called Jump Creek Falls is located one hour’s drive west of Boise. Families and young explorers love this location for day trips. It is a short, simple half-mile trek to the waterfall. In addition, the path is well-traveled and simple to navigate. At Jump Creek Falls, the reward exceeds the effort. This lengthy, slender waterfall provides a wonderful natural retreat. Although the waterfall is there all year round, the greatest flow occurs in the early spring.
A fantastic place to escape the summer heat are the pools beneath Jump Creek Falls. For a day visit, there’s also some entertainment provided by the picnic tables and fire rings near the trailhead. Because poison ivy frequently spreads widely in the underbrush, hikers are encouraged to stay on the designated track.
12. Moyie Falls
Moyie Falls, located in Boundary County, Idaho, close to Bonners Ferry, is a breathtaking example of pristine nature in the state’s northern region. To observe the Moyie River tumble down a canyon, visitors may easily drive to authorized parking and observation locations.
From the elevated viewing platform above the hydroelectric plants at the base, one may observe many levels of Moyie Falls. Moyie’s lower slopes descend 20 to 40 feet, while its upper ledges reach as low as 100 feet. The hotter months of the year cause the Moyie Falls to trickle out of the river canyon, making April the ideal time to witness its fury.
13. Niagara Springs
Within the Thousand Springs State Park Complex is another section called Niagara Springs. This subterranean water source spreads down a Snake River Canyon hillside covered with greenery. Without having to hike, visitors can get a close-up look at the lake, and many stay to take use of the park’s facilities.
The parking lot is close to serene green areas and expansive views of the river within the park. After leaving Highway 30, the route into Niagara Springs descends sharply into the Snake River Canyon. The sloping dirt road is manageable for most automobiles, although caution driving is advised.
14. Elk Creek Falls
Three tumbling waterfalls in Nez Perce National Forest plunge down basalt columns at Elk Creek Falls. Elk Creek Falls is one of the state’s highest waterfalls, with nearly 130 feet of rapid gravity successions. Additionally, the finest place to view these year-round spectacles is on the variable-distance Elk Creek National Recreation Trail.
Along the walk are many vantage points of the three falls. To see everything, plan on a three-mile round journey that involves some elevation increase. However, diverse points of view are provided, providing some variation. The trail’s elevation variation makes it difficult to navigate the whole length of it.
15. Earl M. Hardy Box
The Earl M. Hardy Box Within Thousand Springs State Park lies the stunning Canyon Springs Nature Preserve. The falls are a mile away from the location, which makes it one of the most visually stunning spots in all of Idaho. If you want to witness the sun beaming over the falls and turning the water at their foot a turquoise hue, don’t arrive too early in the morning.
This is an excellent place to set up a blanket for lunch and take photographs. The falls are completely walkable, and you may take several pictures from various vantage points. There are several signage that provide details on the falls and their historical significance.
16. Auger Falls
The cycling paths near Auger Falls are the main draw there. In this region, a lot of individuals pick up mountain biking skills and are rewarded with breathtaking views of Auger Falls. There are many of routes to choose from, and none of them are too steep, making these excellent for hikers and cyclists of all skill levels.
From a distance, Auger Falls provides expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape. This is the location to go if you want to be somewhere that isn’t too crowded. It provides a serene environment with lots of sights to view and paths to explore
17. Hellroaring Creek Trail
A short set of waterfalls may be found along the Hellroaring Creek Trail, which leads to Hell Roaring Lake. Because you must walk 10.7 miles to reach the trailhead, the difficulty rating for this hike is moderate. The locations of Roaring Lake and Hellroaring Creek Falls are close to Stanley, Idaho. It’s a lovely location with an abundance of wildflowers and a wide variety of birds. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Although Hellroaring Creek Trail is available year-round, May through September are the ideal months to visit.
18. Shadow Falls
Shadow Falls is located close to the Montana border in northern Idaho. Although it’s a short trip to this 25-foot waterfall, the forest roads that connect to the trailhead can be difficult to negotiate. This waterfall road trip pays off twice if you have solid directions before leaving and pay attention to signs. Shadow Falls plunges 25 feet into a picture-perfect alpine lake before giving way to gravity.
The top of the falls is crossed by a wood footbridge, which offers an intriguing downward view. The route to Shadow Falls is broad and simple to follow, in addition to being a short hike. You may reach Fern Falls, another waterfall, by deviating from the Shadow Falls path close to the parking area.
19. Stanley Lake to Lady Face Falls
The almost 2.5-mile trek from Stanley Lake to Lady Face Falls has virtually little elevation increase. The well-kept, spacious route makes strolling effortless. The hike offers fantastic vistas of the Sawtooth Mountains along with times of shade in a beautiful forest. The Lady Face Falls itself provides an amazing vista as it plunges into a deep pool.
The same path heads 1.5 miles farther to Bridal Veil Falls for more waterfall action in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Almost guaranteed to leave you with wet feet, the route crosses Stanley Lake Creek just after the offshoot towards Lady Face Falls. Bridal Veil Falls tumbles directly down a mountainside, making it far higher than Lady Face.
20. Goat Falls
The sheer intensity of Goat Falls is breathtaking. You could sit and take it all in for hours on end. But this walk offers more surprises than just the waterfall. You will encounter Goat Lake, the body of water into which Goat Falls empties. With its breathtakingly clean water and almost unreal vistas, the lake is a truly hidden jewel of the Sawtooths.
Although there are some difficult spots on this 6.8-mile climb, the rewards of seeing Goat Lake and Falls make the effort well worth it. Set a goal to see this lesser-known waterfall as soon as possible. There’s no time like the present, after all.
21. Goldbug Hot Spring
In the vicinity of Elk Bend, Idaho, is Goldbug. Located directly off Highway 93, which links to communities like Stanley, Idaho, and Missoula, Montana, lies the trailhead for Goldbug Hot Springs. After a brief climb, you’ll be treated to a stunning vista of Idaho’s Goldbug Hot Springs.
Goldbug is accessible for 24 hours for tourists. The trailhead is neat highway 93 which is accessible from multiple cities. There are information boards on the way of Goldbug Hot Spring which will guide you to reach at the destination and also has a washroom in the start of the trail.
22. Selway Falls
Selway Falls is not so much a plummeting waterfall as it is a complex, multilevel, multichannel torrent scattered with enormous stones. But the trip is a delight, and its swirling waters are captivating. Travelers following U.S. Highway 12 along the Clearwater River from Lewiston to the falls are subjected to the many microclimates and forest types of the region.
The Clearwater River canyon’s slopes near Lewiston are exposed, with only grass and bush for shelter. Ponderosa trees start to appear as you move eastward near Orofino, dotting the hillsides.
To get to Lowell, take U.S. Highway 12 east from the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, passing via Orofino, Kamiah, Kooskia, and Syringa. To get to the falls, turn right on the Selway River Road and go eighteen kilometers
What is the best time to visit Idaho?
The best time to visit Idaho is just before the winter season and in the months of Spring. The Idaho climate in the summer season in warm and perfect for taking a dip into the waterfall while if you want to try more activities and enjoy the various glimpses of Idaho then August to October month are the best time to visit Idaho and the waterfalls of Idaho.
Conclusion: Waterfalls in Idaho
These are the best waterfalls in Idaho and you must visit these if you are planning your stay in Idaho. These waterfalls will deliver you a unique experience and mesmerizing natural views. Most of the waterfalls have proper parking before the start of the waterfall hike.
All these places are natural so make sure to maintain the grace when you visit these waterfalls. Southern Idaho is home to some of the state’s most powerful waterfalls. From Boise to the Wyoming border, the Snake River plunges several hundred feet into southern Idaho. These magnificent demonstrations of gravity are highlighted in locations like Thousand Springs State Park and places like Twin Falls.
FAQs: Waterfalls in Idaho
Q: What is the best time to visit Idaho Waterfall?
A: Idaho is visitable throughout the year, you can visit the waterfalls of Idaho at any time of the year but it would be better to skip to visit Idaho Waterfall in the rainy season.
Q: Does Idaho Waterfalls offer Parking?
A: Yes, you can find the official parking in Idaho Waterfall. Although you need to walk or trek to reach till the Idaho Waterfall.
Q: Which one is the greatest waterfall in Idaho?
A: Shoshone waterfall is the greatest waterfall in Idaho.