You already know that Idaho is home to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country, which not only tops Niagara Falls in height but is so epic during peak runoff that it has been ranked as one of the top ten waterfalls in the entire Pacific Northwest. But did you know that despite our desert climate the Gem State also ranks near the top of the country in terms of waterfall numbers? We have over 60 officially recognized waterfalls in Idaho, as well as a plethora of others that are undocumented and unmeasured. Experiencing all of them would make quite the bucket list, which is why they deserve a spot on our Southern Idaho waterfalls road trip!
Southern Idaho is particularly rich with breathtaking waterfalls, courtesy of the Snake River and its tributaries. But, because of Idaho’s sheer size and the massive territory covered by the Snake River Plain, it seems waterfall hopping isn’t all that easy in the Gem State. Right?
At Idaho Only, we found the vast and all-knowing Internet to be loaded with pages and pages of waterfalls to see in our beautiful state. To keep things manageable, we’ve chosen seven waterfalls in the lower third of the state — all with relatively easy access — and compiled them into this handy guide for your next weekend adventure. The total trip is a bit over 400 miles with an estimated drive time of under 11 hours round-trip; you can see the full Google Map here.
If you’ve got a weekend to spend experiencing some of Idaho’s greatest natural wonders, we’ve got the info you need. Check it out, and let us know which one you’re most excited about visiting!
- Jump Creek Falls, Marsing
Wikimedia Commons
Nicholas D./Flickr A picturesque desert canyon breaks through the sagebrush and dust of small-town Idaho to reveal a scenic 60-foot waterfall, pooling beneath volcanically formed cliffs. An easy quarter-mile hike through brush is all it takes to reach the base of the canyon’s upper reaches, with a number of fire pits and picnic areas available for day use only.
Swimming is possible but not recommended; however, a short, steep trail up the east slope affords an epic view of the falls and upper canyon. Before continuing on to the Twin Falls leg of the trip, be sure to spend some time in Bruneau as the midpoint, checking out the sand dunes, observatory, and park areas.
- Deadman Falls, Glenns Ferry
Jesse Bowser While the vast majority of Southern Idaho’s geology was shaped by unfathomable floods and roaring, ancient bodies of water, Deadman Falls is the perfect example of a majestic canyon formed by forces other than historic waters. As such, basalt layers of rock dip down unexpectedly into the surrounding desert farmland in vivid reddish-brown hues. The canyon alone is a sight to see, while the falls can be seen sitting at the edge of the chasm pouring majestically after a rainstorm. A low dam keeps Deadman from flowing at full capacity for the majority of the year, but even when not in full force, a light spray can be seen cascading down 170 feet or so into the abyss of Deadman Canyon.
- Thousand Springs, Hagerman
Katie Wheeler/Flickr A spectacular 67 miles of scenic byway provides a glimpse into some of Idaho’s most remarkable geology, featuring Thousand Springs as its crowning oasis. Just south of Hagerman, cascading ribbons of pristine water tumble down rocky cliffs for stunning vista views, while local boat tours and dinner cruises are also available to get up close and personal with the falls. This is one waterfall that you’re going to love visiting!
- Perrine Coulee Waterfall, Twin Falls
Sean O’Nell/Flickr The Snake River Canyon greets visitors to Twin Falls with stunning bird’s-eye views right from the highway. The 200-foot Perrine Coulee waterfall is an easy, albeit slightly intimidating, drive straight down into the scenic canyon and can be seen one of three ways: from the canyon rim looking down, via a scrambling climb down to the base, or by canoe/kayak from the river itself using the same set-in point as Pillar Falls.
A slightly longer detour will also take you to the viewing point for Auger Falls, a set of tiered, mid-river falls that show off the Snake River’s impressive power, Crooked Falls, the city’s namesake Twin Falls, of which only one still flows. This waterfall deserves a permanent spot on any of your Idaho road trips through the southern part of the state!
- Pillar Falls, Twin Falls
Mechell Cross / Google Maps You’ll have to grab a kayak for this one! Pillar Falls are one of Idaho’s hidden gems that are just as exhilarating to get to as they are to see. Named after the giant stone monoliths that rise from the Snake River, these falls are a series of slight, tiered drops and rapids that weave around the numerous islands and inlets.
While there is only one set-in from Centennial Park, the journey to the falls is a short, easy paddle that will carry you beneath the towering, 15,000-foot Perrine Bridge and closer to the landmark Shoshone Falls. Be sure to check out the unique rock formations carved by the river, which look like bite marks! There are also numerous places to dock and truly enjoy the scenery.
- Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls
Nicholas D/Flickr Shoshone Falls are without a doubt the most well-known and visited waterfall in Idaho, with a reputation that stretches far beyond the West. At over 200 feet tall and 900 feet wide, experiencing the falls from both the base and from the canyon rim is an incredible spectacle that must be experienced for yourself.
During peak runoff before waters are diverted for irrigation, the falls offer a unique blend of recreation and beauty, with picnic and swim areas as well as scenic overlooks that hang far beyond the canyon rim. For a better vantage point of the falls, additional informal trails will take you down to precarious lookouts, but the most majestic views are undoubtedly directly from the base of the falls. Our recommendation? Catch a sunset from the park.
- Big Fiddler Creek/Long Gulch Falls, Elmore County
Jack McLane/Flickr As Idaho’s second-highest waterfall, Big Fiddler Creek Falls is one of the easiest cataracts to access at the southernmost edge of the Sawtooth National Forest. Tucked away amongst the trees and cascading well over 200 feet down a rocky, boulder-laden precipice, this waterfall is well known for its seasonal runoff. Long Gulch is the Big Fiddler’s neighbor, cutting through sheer cliffs as a razor-thin stream. Simply look to the near side of the canyon.
Please note that the Google map provided may not represent the best way to get to these falls, but rather to the trailhead or nearest scenic byway. Pay careful attention to the additional directions and links provided to ensure your first waterfall vacay goes as smoothly as possible!
Wikimedia Commons
Nicholas D./Flickr
A picturesque desert canyon breaks through the sagebrush and dust of small-town Idaho to reveal a scenic 60-foot waterfall, pooling beneath volcanically formed cliffs. An easy quarter-mile hike through brush is all it takes to reach the base of the canyon’s upper reaches, with a number of fire pits and picnic areas available for day use only.
Swimming is possible but not recommended; however, a short, steep trail up the east slope affords an epic view of the falls and upper canyon. Before continuing on to the Twin Falls leg of the trip, be sure to spend some time in Bruneau as the midpoint, checking out the sand dunes, observatory, and park areas.
Jesse Bowser
While the vast majority of Southern Idaho’s geology was shaped by unfathomable floods and roaring, ancient bodies of water, Deadman Falls is the perfect example of a majestic canyon formed by forces other than historic waters. As such, basalt layers of rock dip down unexpectedly into the surrounding desert farmland in vivid reddish-brown hues. The canyon alone is a sight to see, while the falls can be seen sitting at the edge of the chasm pouring majestically after a rainstorm. A low dam keeps Deadman from flowing at full capacity for the majority of the year, but even when not in full force, a light spray can be seen cascading down 170 feet or so into the abyss of Deadman Canyon.
Katie Wheeler/Flickr
A spectacular 67 miles of scenic byway provides a glimpse into some of Idaho’s most remarkable geology, featuring Thousand Springs as its crowning oasis. Just south of Hagerman, cascading ribbons of pristine water tumble down rocky cliffs for stunning vista views, while local boat tours and dinner cruises are also available to get up close and personal with the falls. This is one waterfall that you’re going to love visiting!
Sean O’Nell/Flickr
The Snake River Canyon greets visitors to Twin Falls with stunning bird’s-eye views right from the highway. The 200-foot Perrine Coulee waterfall is an easy, albeit slightly intimidating, drive straight down into the scenic canyon and can be seen one of three ways: from the canyon rim looking down, via a scrambling climb down to the base, or by canoe/kayak from the river itself using the same set-in point as Pillar Falls.
A slightly longer detour will also take you to the viewing point for Auger Falls, a set of tiered, mid-river falls that show off the Snake River’s impressive power, Crooked Falls, the city’s namesake Twin Falls, of which only one still flows. This waterfall deserves a permanent spot on any of your Idaho road trips through the southern part of the state!
Mechell Cross / Google Maps
You’ll have to grab a kayak for this one! Pillar Falls are one of Idaho’s hidden gems that are just as exhilarating to get to as they are to see. Named after the giant stone monoliths that rise from the Snake River, these falls are a series of slight, tiered drops and rapids that weave around the numerous islands and inlets.
While there is only one set-in from Centennial Park, the journey to the falls is a short, easy paddle that will carry you beneath the towering, 15,000-foot Perrine Bridge and closer to the landmark Shoshone Falls. Be sure to check out the unique rock formations carved by the river, which look like bite marks! There are also numerous places to dock and truly enjoy the scenery.
Nicholas D/Flickr
Shoshone Falls are without a doubt the most well-known and visited waterfall in Idaho, with a reputation that stretches far beyond the West. At over 200 feet tall and 900 feet wide, experiencing the falls from both the base and from the canyon rim is an incredible spectacle that must be experienced for yourself.
During peak runoff before waters are diverted for irrigation, the falls offer a unique blend of recreation and beauty, with picnic and swim areas as well as scenic overlooks that hang far beyond the canyon rim. For a better vantage point of the falls, additional informal trails will take you down to precarious lookouts, but the most majestic views are undoubtedly directly from the base of the falls. Our recommendation? Catch a sunset from the park.
Jack McLane/Flickr
As Idaho’s second-highest waterfall, Big Fiddler Creek Falls is one of the easiest cataracts to access at the southernmost edge of the Sawtooth National Forest. Tucked away amongst the trees and cascading well over 200 feet down a rocky, boulder-laden precipice, this waterfall is well known for its seasonal runoff. Long Gulch is the Big Fiddler’s neighbor, cutting through sheer cliffs as a razor-thin stream. Simply look to the near side of the canyon.
Are you excited to travel on this Southern Idaho waterfalls road trip? Have you seen any of these in person already? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Now, who’s up for an epic road trip through Southern Idaho?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Jump Creek Falls, Idaho 83639, USAAddress: Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, USAAddress: Thousand Springs, Idaho 83355, USAAddress: Perrine Coulee Falls, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USAAddress: Pillar Falls, Idaho 83301, USAAddress: Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USAAddress: Big Fiddler Creek, Idaho 83647, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Southern Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip February 26, 2021 Megan McDonald How many waterfalls are in Idaho? There are 63 named waterfalls in Idaho that you can seek out and visit. But the state is home to far more than that, especially when you account for short-lived seasonal waterfalls that pop up after the snow melt but disappear in summer. Some of the waterfalls in Idaho that deserve a spot on your bucket list include:
Mesa Falls Shoshone Falls Fall Creek Falls Myrtle Falls Jump Creek Falls Cedar Creek Falls
If you want to check out even more waterfalls in Idaho, check out these no-hike, roadside waterfalls in Idaho that are hiding in plain sight.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Southern Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip
February 26, 2021
Megan McDonald
How many waterfalls are in Idaho? There are 63 named waterfalls in Idaho that you can seek out and visit. But the state is home to far more than that, especially when you account for short-lived seasonal waterfalls that pop up after the snow melt but disappear in summer. Some of the waterfalls in Idaho that deserve a spot on your bucket list include:
Mesa Falls Shoshone Falls Fall Creek Falls Myrtle Falls Jump Creek Falls Cedar Creek Falls
If you want to check out even more waterfalls in Idaho, check out these no-hike, roadside waterfalls in Idaho that are hiding in plain sight.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are 63 named waterfalls in Idaho that you can seek out and visit. But the state is home to far more than that, especially when you account for short-lived seasonal waterfalls that pop up after the snow melt but disappear in summer. Some of the waterfalls in Idaho that deserve a spot on your bucket list include:
- Mesa Falls
- Shoshone Falls
- Fall Creek Falls
- Myrtle Falls
- Jump Creek Falls
- Cedar Creek Falls
If you want to check out even more waterfalls in Idaho, check out these no-hike, roadside waterfalls in Idaho that are hiding in plain sight.
