For waterfall-chasers, it often comes as a surprise that the Gem State is home to such an abundance of scenic cascades across the state – some that even top Niagara Falls in height! But while many of these spectacular falls are tucked away in the untamed corners of our stunning mountain ranges and require determined hikes to reach, others are treasured landmarks that draw thousands of visitors and photographers every year to be enchanted by their roaring, magnificent beauty.

Fortunately, our state’s picturesque beauty doesn’t stop as the seasons change; Idaho’s plummeting natural wonders often transform into glittering, snow-dusted spectacles during the winter and offer surprisingly unique photo ops and recreation opportunities for those willing to brave the chill. While true frozen waterfalls in Idaho are relatively rare, we’ve dug up some beauties that often have freezing potential.

1. Scotch Blessing

City of Rocks National Reserve/Facebook
Seriously, winter beauty is everywhere you turn in Idaho! Scotch Blessing is a hidden gem in the City of Rocks, and as winter progresses, this frozen wonder continues to grow and grow, shrouding the cubby-hole cave that sits behind it. While it's the only waterfall we personally know of in the City of Rocks, you'll find plenty of other winter beauty to explore in the area, including an abundance of icicles hanging precariously from the rock formations and glittering ice pools from melting snow.

2. Fall Creek Falls

Michael Morse/Getty
Fall Creek Falls in Swan Valley can be pretty powerful during spring runoff, but this cascade is rather graceful the rest of the year, making it highly likely to form gorgeous icicles during winter. Or, at the very least, boast some spectacular winter sights.

3. Jump Creek Falls

Sarah Graham/AllTrails
Jump Creek Falls is incredibly popular, but for good reason. The narrow canyon waterfall is always a unique sight as it plunges gloriously into a magnificent desert watershed, but during the frozen chill of winter, it's much easier to see its sibling falls dripping from the canyon wall.

4. Perrine Coulee

wicked Sheila/GoogleMaps
Gene M/GoogleMaps


Hidden in plain sight, Perrine Coulee has become quite the hotspot in recent years. During particularly cold winters, layers of ice at the base just keep piling on - and the dramatic icicles hanging precariously around the canyon wall just add to the sight! (Just be incredibly cautious should you decide to explore this beauty up close.)

Note that the video above does not specify where the waterfalls shown are located, but we're pretty sure it's Perrine Coulee! What do you think?

Related Stories

This Zany Festival In Idaho Is Sure To Give You Chills This Winter

This Zany Festival In Idaho Is Sure To Give You Chills This Winter

 You're Going To Love These Predictions About Idaho's Mild Upcoming Winter

You're Going To Love These Predictions About Idaho's Mild Upcoming Winter

 The Magical Place In Idaho Where It's Christmas Year-Round

The Magical Place In Idaho Where It's Christmas Year-Round

5. Lady Face Falls

Lisa Field/AllTrails
The hike through Central Idaho to reach Lady Face Falls will be chilly and challenging, but the crisp, icy view will be worth it to see this winter waterfall. Look closely under the snow, and you'll see it! Nearby, you'll also find Bridal Veil Falls as well, which often freezes too!

6. Shoshone Falls

John Conrad/YouTube


Towering at over 212 feet, Shoshone Falls is a true Idaho treasure that is beautiful no matter when you visit. But come winter, you'll want to bring along a camera to capture the beauty of this frosty wonderland and its neighboring cascades. While the main falls don't typically freeze, daring ice climbers have been known to ice pick scramble up some of the smaller sister falls around the canyon and surrounding the main waterfall.

7. Mesa Falls

Jake Ballentine/YouTube


While it's highly unlikely to see Mesa Falls freeze completely, the base of the falls and its sister waterfalls along the canyon freeze regularly. And when that ice gets beautifully blanketed with snow...perfection.

8. Idaho Falls

Brian/Flickr
Up close, the colors of Idaho Falls' waterfalls on the Snake River are crisp, colorful, and form a perfect winter backdrop. These falls, along with the city's central waterfall statue, both tend to freeze over during extreme cold snaps. Fortunately for adventurers, the city of Idaho Falls in winter sees its fair share of sub-freezing temperatures.

9. Copper Falls

K L/GoogleMaps
Naturally, the chilly landscapes of North Idaho have more opportunities to view frozen waterfalls, and the Panhandle's crowning jewel - the towering ribbon that is Copper Falls - is no exception. There's some debate as to whether this waterfall or Central Idaho's Goat Falls has the rightful distinction as the state's tallest waterfall, but tallest or not, it's impressive with or without its icy sheath!

Pretty spectacular, right? These glittering cascades are well worth the trip to see! While we can’t guarantee which of our state’s majestic falls will be frozen at any given time, taking one of our waterfall road trips is always worth it. But no matter where you go during winter in Idaho, you’re almost guaranteed to see a few icy roadside waterfalls along the way.

Do you have any “icefall” photos to share? Tag us on Instagram, or get in touch!

Looking for more frozen waterfalls in Idaho? We’ll do you one better: how about an ice cave? Or, spend a few days warming up those frozen toes at this stunning home in Swan Valley.

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Frozen Waterfalls In Idaho

Jennifer | December 13, 2023

What are the main rivers in Idaho?

We can talk about Idaho's most beautiful waterfalls all day, but these gorgeous cascades wouldn't exist without the rivers that create them! Idaho is home to countless rivers that contribute to its diverse landscape and natural beauty, some renowned for their raw power and dangerous rapids, and others for incredible beauty. Some of the most notable rivers in Idaho include:

  • Boise River: Flowing through Idaho's capital, the Boise River originates in the Sawtooth Mountains. It's a major recreational asset for residents and visitors alike, offering opportunities for fishing, tubing, kayaking, and scenic walks along the Boise River Greenbelt. Few Idahoans haven't dipped their toes in this legendary river at some point!
  • Clearwater River: Originating in the Bitterroot Mountains, the Clearwater River flows through north-central Idaho. It's a significant tributary of the Snake River and provides various recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and scenic drives along its banks.
  • Payette River: The Payette River is divided into the North Fork and South Fork. It runs through central Idaho and offers opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing, particularly in the popular whitewater section known as the Main Payette.
  • Salmon River: Known as the "River of No Return," the Salmon River is one of the longest undammed rivers in the contiguous United States. It runs through central Idaho and offers stunning scenery, excellent whitewater rafting opportunities, and diverse wildlife  - all of which can be seen from the Salmon River Scenic Byway, or with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure right on the water.
  • Snake River: The Snake River is the largest river in Idaho, flowing across the southern part of the state. It originates in Wyoming and travels through Idaho before joining the Columbia River, forging and carving breathtaking natural wonders like the Snake River Canyon.

 

Related Articles

Explore Idaho