The Shoshone Falls are roughly three miles northeast of Twin Falls, Idaho and often get referred to as ”Niagara of the west.” The falls are located in the middle of the desert in the front range plains of the Idaho mountains. The river has carved a stunning canyon, tucked away, hidden within the Idaho plains.
Around 14,000 years ago, the Bonneville Lake had a cataclysmic flooding during the Pleistocene Ice Age. The flooding carved out the canyon where the Snake River rages today. The canyon can get as wide as 1,600 feet at its widest gap!
The Shoshone Falls have always been an important place. The falls mark the upper limit of fish migration, including salmon. Because of this it’s been a significant spot for both fishing and trading, for the Native Americans of the region.
The best time of the year to see the falls is in the spring. This is when the water is at its highest due to snow melt and rain. Unfortunately, the Snake is heavily used for irrigation. This causes the river to run at a significantly lower rate than before human intervention.
I was here in the spring time, which should have been perfect for high tide, but unfortunately the falls only covered about half the rim. I can only imagine what the flows of the falls looked like before being used for irrigation.
The Shoshone Falls Park entrance fee is only $5 per car, but is subject to change at any time. If it’s offseason, then your entrance is free. The Park generally charges beginning March 30th and continuing through September.
There’s a number of exhibits that explain the history of the park, along with several different angles and views of the waterfall and the canyon that holds it. If you have the time, then definitely take a some to explore the hiking paths.
The main hiking path follows up to the rim of the Snake Canyon. The path leads directly to the site where Evil Knievel attempted to jump the Snake River on a motorcycle rocket. The impressive site left me in awe and wonder. There is a ramp, along with a few cement barriers that remain. The ramp is a massive dirt hill at the rim of the canyon. The distance between the two rims is astounding. One look here and any spectator would know what Knievel’s outcome was.
This is definitely a must stop for anyone visiting Idaho. A stop that is full of history, along with majestic views of the stunning Snake River and the Shoshone Falls. It didn’t take long for me to understand why this was an important place for the Native Americans. I could feel the energy of the land from all around. I will absolutely be back the next time I am in the area.
Quick Notes:
- 3-miles outside of Twin Falls, Idaho
- Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle (subject to change at all times)
- Cannot drive to Evil Knievel site
- Hike from Shoshone Falls to Evil Knievel site is 2-miles uphill (but well worth the effort)
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