There’s nothing more delightful than happening upon a waterfall. And here in Idaho, we have quite a few awesome cascades dotting the state! As part of our epic waterfall road trips series, we’ve put together yet another spectacular adventure – this time, focusing on the often-overlooked eastern side of the state. This road trip clocks in at a little over five hours; however, we definitely recommend a weekend road trip out of it in order to make the most out of your drive and experience. Get a taste of Yellowstone’s outskirts, dip your toes in swirling watersheds, and experience a hidden oasis (or two) right here in the Gem State! Ready to chase some of the most magical waterfalls in Eastern Idaho? Be sure to bring some hiking boots for this one!
Peep the journey and start planning your adventure with our handy-dandy Google Map!
GoogleMaps
- Idaho Falls
jdub3142/Getty Created by a man-made diversion dam, the Idaho Falls Waterfall stretches 1,200 feet across the Snake River and drops around 20 feet, creating the city’s namesake landmark. To take full advantage of the falls, jump on the River Walk and spend a few hours exploring the wildlife or meandering downtown shops and restaurants. Idaho Falls, ID, USA
- Fall Creek Falls
knowlesgallery/Getty A must-see for every waterfall lover, Fall Creek Falls has a 60-foot descent into the Snake River, widening as it drops to form a natural fountain either side. Simply gorgeous! This waterfall is easy to view from the road, and even offers camping nearby. While we can’t “officially” recommend it, in summer Fall Creek Falls is a favorite local swimming hole. Swan Valley, ID, USA
- Waterfall Canyon
Murphy Travels/YouTube
Waterfall Canyon is the more common name for the seasonal West Rainbow Falls - not to be confused with Idaho’s other set of Rainbow Falls up north. Well worth the 12-mile hike, navigating to the Palisades trail entrance is a breeze, but from there, the rugged hike to the falls and back will most likely take you on an overnight adventure. Be prepared with flashlights, bear spray, and a plan for safe sleeping quarters. You’ll also want to plan on visiting this cascade after a healthy rainfall; its majesty and grandeur will take your breath away! Upper Palisades Lake, Idaho 83428, USA
- Sheep Falls
Paul Jett/AllTrails Sheep Falls descends 35 feet as the Falls River splits into two branches near the southwest entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Only a moderate hike is needed, but getting a better vantage point for the falls can include some dangerous navigation, so tread carefully and adhere to any posted signs. Read more about what makes this secret waterfall in Idaho so special. Sheep Falls, Idaho 83420, USA
- Mesa Falls
Posnov/Getty The last of Idaho’s undiverted falls, the 114-foot plunge of Mesa Falls down a sheer cliff makes quite the iconic view as the Henrys Fork River tumbles over a spectacular bedrock wall. The cascades sit at an elevation of 5,600 feet, and their large watersheds and impressive spreads make both sets of falls a stunning, can’t-miss experience. Two separate turnoffs will take you to both Upper and Lower Mesa Falls from the scenic byway, which meanders through some of Eastern Idaho’s most unique scenery. Nearby Island Park makes a lovely overnight stay before the easy drive home. Upper Mesa Falls, Idaho 83420, USA
You know you want to experience all of this Idaho beauty in person, so what are you waiting for? Go forth and enjoy this small taste of the Gem State’s natural (and man-made) wonders! Stay safe, and please remember to leave no trace.
GoogleMaps
jdub3142/Getty
Created by a man-made diversion dam, the Idaho Falls Waterfall stretches 1,200 feet across the Snake River and drops around 20 feet, creating the city’s namesake landmark. To take full advantage of the falls, jump on the River Walk and spend a few hours exploring the wildlife or meandering downtown shops and restaurants.
Idaho Falls, ID, USA
knowlesgallery/Getty
A must-see for every waterfall lover, Fall Creek Falls has a 60-foot descent into the Snake River, widening as it drops to form a natural fountain either side. Simply gorgeous! This waterfall is easy to view from the road, and even offers camping nearby. While we can’t “officially” recommend it, in summer Fall Creek Falls is a favorite local swimming hole.
Swan Valley, ID, USA
Murphy Travels/YouTube
Waterfall Canyon is the more common name for the seasonal West Rainbow Falls - not to be confused with Idaho’s other set of Rainbow Falls up north. Well worth the 12-mile hike, navigating to the Palisades trail entrance is a breeze, but from there, the rugged hike to the falls and back will most likely take you on an overnight adventure. Be prepared with flashlights, bear spray, and a plan for safe sleeping quarters. You’ll also want to plan on visiting this cascade after a healthy rainfall; its majesty and grandeur will take your breath away!
Upper Palisades Lake, Idaho 83428, USA
Paul Jett/AllTrails
Sheep Falls descends 35 feet as the Falls River splits into two branches near the southwest entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Only a moderate hike is needed, but getting a better vantage point for the falls can include some dangerous navigation, so tread carefully and adhere to any posted signs. Read more about what makes this secret waterfall in Idaho so special.
Sheep Falls, Idaho 83420, USA
Posnov/Getty
The last of Idaho’s undiverted falls, the 114-foot plunge of Mesa Falls down a sheer cliff makes quite the iconic view as the Henrys Fork River tumbles over a spectacular bedrock wall. The cascades sit at an elevation of 5,600 feet, and their large watersheds and impressive spreads make both sets of falls a stunning, can’t-miss experience. Two separate turnoffs will take you to both Upper and Lower Mesa Falls from the scenic byway, which meanders through some of Eastern Idaho’s most unique scenery. Nearby Island Park makes a lovely overnight stay before the easy drive home.
Upper Mesa Falls, Idaho 83420, USA
Did we miss any hidden waterfalls? Let us know or share your photos!
For even more of the prettiest waterfalls in Idaho, check out our Southern Idaho and Northern Idaho waterfalls road trips.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Idaho Falls, ID, USAAddress: Fall Creek Falls, Idaho 83449, USAAddress: Sheep Falls, Idaho 83420, USAAddress: Waterfall Canyon, Idaho 83428, USAAddress: Lower Mesa Falls, Idaho 83420, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Waterfalls in Idaho & Related Info July 22, 2021 Sarah What are some of the best waterfalls in Idaho? Whether you live in the northern, southern, eastern, or western parts of Idaho, there’s sure to be a waterfall near you! We have designed several variations of our waterfall road trip, taking into consideration to include each and every part of the state. If you live in Central Idaho, check out this trip! What are some great waterfall hikes in Idaho? With so many waterfalls across a state that’s known for its scenic splendor, you know there are lots of wonderful waterfall trails in Idaho! We especially love these six easy-access waterfalls, which offer big payoffs without too much effort! The hikes to each of these trails are short and scenic, and accessible for all levels. One of our favorite waterfall hikes in Idaho takes you to the Perrine Coulee Falls, a beautiful and fun little adventure with a fun payoff: you can actually walk behind the falls! Are there any secret waterfalls in Idaho? Is there anything more enchanting than happening upon a hidden waterfall while on a hike in the Idaho wilds? That’s exactly what you’ll do at Sheep Falls, a majestic secret waterfall located along the Falls River. Located near the southwest (and rarely used) entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Sheep Falls is a sight definitely worth uncovering for yourself. Getting there is quite the adventure, but rest assured that you’ll be adequately rewarded for your efforts! Sheep Falls is simply a breathtaking sight. Most visitors observe the falls from a section of the river that forks off of the main section. The water cascades over a rock ledge before falling into a foaming pool below. The roar of the water here is amazing, and its majesty will leave you speechless. This is easily one of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Waterfalls in Idaho & Related Info
July 22, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the best waterfalls in Idaho? Whether you live in the northern, southern, eastern, or western parts of Idaho, there’s sure to be a waterfall near you! We have designed several variations of our waterfall road trip, taking into consideration to include each and every part of the state. If you live in Central Idaho, check out this trip! What are some great waterfall hikes in Idaho? With so many waterfalls across a state that’s known for its scenic splendor, you know there are lots of wonderful waterfall trails in Idaho! We especially love these six easy-access waterfalls, which offer big payoffs without too much effort! The hikes to each of these trails are short and scenic, and accessible for all levels. One of our favorite waterfall hikes in Idaho takes you to the Perrine Coulee Falls, a beautiful and fun little adventure with a fun payoff: you can actually walk behind the falls! Are there any secret waterfalls in Idaho? Is there anything more enchanting than happening upon a hidden waterfall while on a hike in the Idaho wilds? That’s exactly what you’ll do at Sheep Falls, a majestic secret waterfall located along the Falls River. Located near the southwest (and rarely used) entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Sheep Falls is a sight definitely worth uncovering for yourself. Getting there is quite the adventure, but rest assured that you’ll be adequately rewarded for your efforts! Sheep Falls is simply a breathtaking sight. Most visitors observe the falls from a section of the river that forks off of the main section. The water cascades over a rock ledge before falling into a foaming pool below. The roar of the water here is amazing, and its majesty will leave you speechless. This is easily one of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whether you live in the northern, southern, eastern, or western parts of Idaho, there’s sure to be a waterfall near you! We have designed several variations of our waterfall road trip, taking into consideration to include each and every part of the state. If you live in Central Idaho, check out this trip!
What are some great waterfall hikes in Idaho?
With so many waterfalls across a state that’s known for its scenic splendor, you know there are lots of wonderful waterfall trails in Idaho! We especially love these six easy-access waterfalls, which offer big payoffs without too much effort! The hikes to each of these trails are short and scenic, and accessible for all levels. One of our favorite waterfall hikes in Idaho takes you to the Perrine Coulee Falls, a beautiful and fun little adventure with a fun payoff: you can actually walk behind the falls!
Are there any secret waterfalls in Idaho?
Is there anything more enchanting than happening upon a hidden waterfall while on a hike in the Idaho wilds? That’s exactly what you’ll do at Sheep Falls, a majestic secret waterfall located along the Falls River. Located near the southwest (and rarely used) entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Sheep Falls is a sight definitely worth uncovering for yourself. Getting there is quite the adventure, but rest assured that you’ll be adequately rewarded for your efforts! Sheep Falls is simply a breathtaking sight. Most visitors observe the falls from a section of the river that forks off of the main section. The water cascades over a rock ledge before falling into a foaming pool below. The roar of the water here is amazing, and its majesty will leave you speechless. This is easily one of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho.
