HomeNorth AmericaMajestic Shoshone Falls: True Natural Wonder in Idaho
Majestic Shoshone Falls: True Natural Wonder in Idaho
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Shoshone Falls is among the best natural beauties, along with the Snake River, and is located almost five miles east of the city of Twin Falls. Nestled in the Snake River Valley in southern Idaho, Shoshone Falls is one of the most majestic natural wonders in the state. The falls are named for the Shoshone tribe, which once inhabited the area. At 212 feet high, Shoshone Falls is higher than Niagara Falls! Visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the falls from several vantage points along the riverbank.
Shoshone Falls (sometimes called “Niagara of the West”) is higher than Niagara Falls, and the best viewing times are in the spring and early summer. The water flows (depending on the winter snowmelt), surely a spectacular view without a doubt.
Irrigation diversion of Snake River flows can considerably diminish water over the falls in the summer and fall, mainly during dry years. Although there are high water flows, the views at Shoshone Falls remain remarkable year-round. The City of Twin Falls owns and operates Shoshone Falls-Dierkes Lake, which is complex and provides an exclusive blend of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, landscaped picnic areas, hiking trails, boating facilities, a swimming area, and a scenic overlook.
The complex offers restroom facilities and visitor information, and for a nominal per-car entry fee, visitors can enjoy picnicking and relaxing in the shaded, grassy areas, which offer impeccable vantage points for viewing Shoshone Falls.
It is an entire barrier to the upstream movement of fish. The waterfall has existed since the end of the last ice age, when the Bonneville Flood carved much of the Snake River canyon and surrounding valleys. Before the construction of the several dams on the Snake River below the falls, there were wonderful runs of salmon in the Snake River.
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring, when runoff from winter snowmelt increases the flow of water over the falls. To get to Shoshone Falls Park, take State Highway 30 west out of Twin Falls and turn north onto Eastland Drive. Travel approximately two miles until you reach Snake River Canyon Blvd., which will lead you right into the park.
There are several shaded picnic areas with restrooms nearby, as well as a visitor center offering educational displays on Idaho’s wildlife and ecosystems. Bring along a camera for some perfect photo opportunities! Visitors can also enjoy fishing or kayaking in this beautiful area at their own risk (no lifeguards are on duty).