Located near the quaint town of Elk River is a simple and family-friendly day hike that rewards hikers with picturesque views of three waterfalls. This relaxed waterfall hike is a must for whenever you find yourself in this part of northern Idaho and is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. The waterfalls are simply breathtaking. Not to mention the fact that one of them happens to be one of the tallest waterfalls in Idaho! When searching for “waterfalls near me,” these cascades are a sure winner. See for yourself just how magical this adventure truly is.

The hike takes place in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The forest trail is completely surrounded by incredible pine trees and other types of native, lush foliage. You'll set off on the main trail, which then branches off into three separate trails that lead you to each waterfall.
Amy Ross/Flickr
Occasionally, the trail opens up to vast views of the surrounding forest. The sight of the trees seems to go on for as long as the eye can see.
Amy Ross/Flickr
Perhaps most striking is the silence. You can't help but feel totally at ease with only the sounds of the birds rustling in the trees.
As you hike farther down the trail, you'll start to hear the rushing sound of water. You'll follow the sounds of Elk Creek downhill until you arrive at the overlook of the first waterfall.
Amy Ross/Flickr
There's no wrong time to embark on this hike. The waterfalls serve as a nice place to cool off during the spring and summer. The autumn colors provide a stunning backdrop for the waterfalls in the fall months. If you go during winter, you'll be rewarded with the incredible sight of a frozen waterfall.

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You'll reach the Upper Falls first, which is probably the most popular spot on the trail.
Stan Peterson/Flickr
During the summer, you'll likely see families hanging out around the falls and swimmers splashing in the water. Benches are available nearby, making it the perfect spot to stop and hang out for a bit.
Next, is the most impressive falls of the hike.
Stan Peterson/Flickr
The Middle Falls cascades down 90 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Idaho. It's certainly an astounding sight to see. The best part is, there are no barriers keeping you from getting up close and personal to this magnificent waterfall!
When you're done admiring the Middle Falls, you'll make the short trek to the Lower Falls.
Amy Ross/Flickr
This waterfall is where Elk Creek plummets 50 feet as it makes its way towards the North Fork of the Clearwater River. The waterfall is characterized by the distinct rock columns surrounding it, which were the result of molten lava cooling millions of years ago.
All in all, the hike is short and only three miles. The simplicity of the hike is what makes it attractive for families, but it's the jaw-dropping views of the waterfalls that make it so memorable. It truly is one of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho.
Amy Ross/Flickr
Hikers should always use caution when traversing around waterfalls. Certain areas will definitely be slippery and could potentially be dangerous to hike on. Always be cautious while out in nature.

You can learn more about this waterfall hike and access a trail map on the AllTrails website.

Did you know this beautiful waterfall hike existed in Idaho? Do you have a favorite hiking trail with waterfalls in Idaho? If so, we’d love to read about it in the comments!

There are so many wonderful waterfall hikes in Idaho. You should definitely check out these 8 Gorgeous Frozen Waterfalls In Idaho That Must Be Seen To Be Believed.

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Courtnie Erickson | March 21, 2022

What are some of the best hikes in Idaho?

The Gem State is home to hundreds of incredible hikes. Some of the best hikes in Idaho are trails that the entire family can tackle together and that offers an incredible payoff. While there are many of these types of hikes all around the state, one of our favorites is the Auger Falls Park Loop near Twin Falls. This hiking trail is found at Auger Falls Heritage Park and is a kid-friendly waterfall trail in Idaho. This scenic hike features gorgeous canyon views, a roaring river, and the 30-foot Auger Falls.

Goose Creek Falls is another one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Idaho. This hiking trail is located within the Payette National Forest and is only 3-miles long. You do have some slight inclines to tackle but every step will be worth it once you reach the beautiful Goose Creek Falls.

What are some scenic hikes in Idaho I should add to my bucket list?

It is hard to narrow down and list the most scenic hikes in Idaho as there are dozens of them! However, we did sit down and create a list of 12 scenic trails in Idaho, one for every month of the year. On this list, you’ll find trails that take you to hot springs, some of the best snowshoe trails, and even a few of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho. As you look through this list, consider your own experience level before tackling any of the trails as some are geared toward more advanced hikers.

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Elk Creek Falls, Idaho 83827, USA