Guide to the Best Waterfalls in Southern Idaho
Visitors are drawn to Southern Idaho’s stunning waterfalls.
There are, literally, hundreds of waterfalls in Southern Idaho, and they’re not just a treat for the eyes: Did you know water in motion creates negative ions that help the body create the chemical that lowers stress and improves mood? Here’s your guide to some of our best-known falls – and getting all the good vibes you can while you’re here!
- Shoshone Falls: Known as the Niagara of the West, 212-feet tall and 1,000 feet across, this one is best in the spring and early summer.
- Twin Falls: Namesake for the city of Twin Falls, what was formerly two falls now flows into one just upriver from Shoshone Falls.
- Pillar Falls: Water cascades and pools around two towering stone pillars between Shoshone Falls and the Perrine Bridge.
- Thousand Springs area falls: Easiest to see are Lemmon Falls, which is next to Ritter Island and the Minnie Miller Springs area. Other unnamed waterfalls can be seen south of Hagerman along the canyon.
- Malad Gorge & Devil’s Washbowl: The Little and Big Wood rivers combine into the Malad River, which drops 60 feet into the Devil’s Washbowl. This flows 1.5 miles in a narrow canyon to the Snake River.
- Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon: North America’s 11th-largest spring winds through the canyon, creating a sapphire blue waterfall. This one requires a (totally worth it!) hike.
- Niagara Springs Falls: Gushing water flows from the canyon walls near Buhl. While multiple falls can be seen in this area, Niagara Springs is the largest.
- Upper and Lower Salmon Falls: Located on the Snake River near Hagerman, these falls are impressive at all flow levels.
- Caldron Linn: The powerful, thundering waters of the Snake River northeast of Murtaugh rush over rugged terrain, giving kayakers a serious skills test during high water. High-clearance vehicles are a must to reach this one.
- Mermaid Cove: Drops in two falls south of Jerome create a small oasis, or cover, that gives spectacular sunset views from the east in the summer and fall.
- Auger Falls: A gentle cascade of rolling water makes this site both mesmerizing and relaxing. Park at Auger Falls Park and do the short hike, or bike to see the falls.
- Ross Falls & Phantom Falls: These smaller falls located in the South Hills are dependent on snow runoff and are beautiful amid mountain scenes every season.
For more about Southern Idaho‘s waterfalls, visit visitsouthidaho.com/waterfalls.
