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 unnamed or unmeasured.
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, waterfall hopping takes a LOT of driving! If you’ve got a weekend to spend experiencing some of Idaho’s greatest natural wonders, we’ve got you covered. To keep things manageable, we’ve chosen seven waterfalls, both popular and hidden gems, in the lower third of the state and compiled them into this handy guide for your next weekend adventure…and you’ll definitely see plenty of bonus falls along the way! 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.
Please note that the Google map provided may not represent the most efficient 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!
Now, who’s up for an epic road trip through Southern Idaho?
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Southern Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip
Megan McDonald|February 26, 2021
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: