Tucked away in Southern Idaho, the city of Twin Falls has long made a name for itself as the home of the breathtakingly powerful Shoshone Falls, which stand taller than Niagara. The Snake River Canyon cuts through the edge of town and creates a dramatic background for the falls – as well as for plenty of other recreation opportunities. But as gorgeous as this rugged canyon may be, it is made all the more special by the dozens of waterfalls pouring out of its sheer basalt walls, which stretch over 50 miles downriver. From the broad crashing waters of Shoshone Falls to the barely there streams of Bridal Veil and everything in between, this town and its outskirts have aptly earned another nickname: Idaho’s own City of Waterfalls.

Of course, while none of the cascades in Twin Falls are as dramatic as their flashy cousin in the heart of the canyon, the diversity and sheer number within this single city and its canyon is awfully impressive. Take that, Niagara Falls!

1. Pillar Falls

Jakob H/GoogleMaps
Pillar Falls, Idaho 83301, USA
Jennilyn Parish/GoogleMaps
These in-river falls create a scenic - and adventurous - set of rapids and small-scale drops in the Snake River, aptly named as the water passes through two massive granite boulders standing proudly in the middle of the water. Kayaking Pillar Falls is a local favorite (in the summer, of course!), but there is only one set-in location to the falls, which is at Centennial Park on the north side of the canyon.

These gorgeous falls can be enjoyed on a short 1.1-mile waterfall hike in Idaho. Despite the short distance, you'll definitely want to be prepared for this hike as it is quite steep!

2. Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls, Idaho 83341, USA
Courtesy of Jeff Heath
Idaho's famous landmark stands towering above the river at 212 feet. When Idaho receives a heavy snowpack runoff, Shoshone Falls makes quite the spectacle of itself! There are several places where you can view these falls but one of the best is at Centennial Waterfront Park, located just west of the Perrine Bridge and accessed by Canyon Springs Road. There is also a 10-mile paved walking path along the South Rim of the canyon with access points at the Twin Falls Visitor Center and Shoshone Falls.

3. Caldron Linn (Star Falls)

Cauldron Linn, Idaho 83335, USA
Marcus Tecca/GoogleMaps
Lewis and Clark's followers, the Astorians, struggled to cross this foaming, intensely-swirling inferno of water back in the early 1800s, which is aptly named as well for its dramatic runoff and heavy foam. The impressive, double-tiered runoff of Caldron Linn (also seen as Cauldron Linn or Star Falls) surges through a narrow portion of the Snake River canyon. The excess pressure makes a spectacular display of water and mist before the river travels farther down the canyon to Shoshone Falls. It can be an intimidating sight, to say the least.

Related Stories

The Ultimate Eastern Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here... And You Need To Do It

The Ultimate Eastern Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here... And You Need To Do It

 The Ultimate Central Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here... And Everyone Should Do It

The Ultimate Central Idaho Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here... And Everyone Should Do It

 We Bet You Didn't Know There Was A Miniature Multnomah Falls In Idaho

We Bet You Didn't Know There Was A Miniature Multnomah Falls In Idaho

4. Perrine Coulee

Perrine Coulee Falls, Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA
Cassie Wilson/Getty
Early in the 20th century, Blue Lakes Boulevard ran south through rough sagebrush to the top of the Snake River Canyon, followed an old Indian trail into the canyon, and began the climb up the south wall of the canyon. It then continued under the falls at the Perrine Coulee and over the canyon rim, then shot straight south to Rock Creek. This overlooked waterfall is where irrigation water from the canal system dropped over the canyon’s south rim on its way back to the Snake River. Fortunately, that route changed in the '70s.

Perrine Coulee is an easy no-hike waterfall that can be seen by taking Canyon Road down to the paved parking lot on the right side of the highway. Or, feel free to do a little hiking for a better vantage point.

5. Twin Falls

Robin Chordas/GoogleMaps
Twin Falls, ID, USA
Beinecke Library/Flickr
The city's namesake falls are a slight misnomer, simply because only one of them still exists thanks to the Snake River Dam. Uniquely, however, if the river had been as high during the early 1900s as it was thousands of years ago, a third waterfall would be visible as well due to how the rock edifices are naturally carved... although, "Triplet Falls" doesn't have quite the same ring, does it? In the two photos, you can see how much these waterfalls in Idaho have changed. But while visitors will only get to see one of the original Twin Falls today, this spot is pretty crowd-free in comparison to the rest of the city's falls, although you'll technically find it in Kimberly.

6. Auger Falls

Auger Falls, Idaho 83301, USA
Rachel Burleigh/AllTrails
If you haven’t discovered Auger Falls or the Auger Falls Heritage Park yet, it’s time. This set of river falls isn't as famous as Pillar Falls, but the bumpy ride is worth the trip.

Next stop: road trip! You’ll also find a few more hidden waterfalls (and even well-known falls) hidden in Twin Falls, in addition to a multitude of other natural wonders in the area. Definitely plan to spend some extra time exploring this magnificent City of Waterfalls!

We’ve got your next road trip already mapped out! This time, we’re exploring  waterfalls in Northern Idaho. 

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

More to Explore

Best Waterfalls in Idaho

Courtnie Erickson | April 07, 2022

What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho?

Some of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho include:

 

We may be a little biased, but we firmly believe that Idaho is the most beautiful state in the country. From its gorgeous mountain views, countless lakes, and even numerous waterfalls, Mother Nature certainly outdid herself in the Gem State. When you want to find some of the best waterfalls in Idaho, we suggest going for a hike. In fact, some of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho don’t take a lot of time or energy, and the reward at the end is unforgettable.

One of our favorite hiking trails with waterfalls in Idaho is Ross Falls. Located in southern Idaho, near the Magic Mountain Ski Area, this trail is short, easy, and beautiful. You’ll only have a 0.4-mile hike to conquer and Ross Falls is surrounded by pure beauty. It may just become your favorite waterfall hike in Idaho!

In the northern part of the state, you’ll find another incredible waterfall hike. The Snow Falls Trail, near Bonners Ferry, is an easy 1.2-mile hike. This out-and-back trail features a well-maintained trail and lots of shade — the perfect hiking combination! Plus, the trail will take you to a gorgeous waterfall that is best viewed during the spring months. This is one hiking trail in Idaho that you’ll want to bring your entire family to experience at least once.

What are some outdoor activities in Idaho that we must add to our bucket list?

It is hard to narrow down the best outdoor activities in the Gem State. However, we strongly suggest you visit and explore one of the many state parks around Idaho. Harriman State Park is located in southeastern Idaho, near Yellowstone National Park. Here, you can catch glimpses of incredible wildlife, explore a trail, or relax in a yurt.

Thousand Springs State Park is another beautiful and popular state park in Idaho. This state park is actually divided into six different units, each with something unique and fascinating to experience. If you only have a little time, we recommend visiting Ritter Island. This area is not only gorgeous with more waterfalls to enjoy but there’s an island you can explore with a fascinating history. This truly is one of the best day trip destinations in the state.

Related Articles

Explore Idaho