Shoshone Falls: Visit a Magnificent Waterfall in Idaho

Most travelers who are charting a course for a great American road trip are unaware that one of the most impressive waterfalls in the United States is located on the outskirts of a sleepy Idaho town called Twin Falls. Shoshone Falls is a thundering waterfall that stands 212 feet tall—which is 14 feet taller than Niagara Falls. Visitors have been marveling at the cascading beauty of Shoshone Falls since the mid-19th century.

If you’re in the mood to view a stunning natural wonder without overexerting yourself, Shoshone Falls features several parking areas with lookout platforms where onlookers can gaze at the waterfall’s splendor by simply walking a few steps. Travelers must pay $5 to park. Shoshone Falls tends to be most robust in the month of April, but visitors can expect to see cascading water from March to September.

Visitors who enjoy hiking and exploring can visit Shoshone Falls Park and traverse a network of trails, including the 8-mile Canyon Rim Trail. The Canyon Rim Trail offers plenty of opportunities to walk through clouds of cool waterfall mist and view vibrant rainbows that appear when the sun shines on Shoshone Falls.

Adventure lovers can follow the Centennial Trail—which originates at Shoshone Falls—to view a 500-foot-deep section of Snake River Canyon that daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump over in a steam-powered rocket in 1974. The ramp where Evel Knievel launched his Skycycle rocket is visible from the Centennial Trail. Unfortunately, Evel Knievel’s jump was not successful due to a parachute malfunction, but thankfully he only suffered a broken nose.

AWOL Adventure Sports rents out kayaks and paddleboards to travelers who are interested in paddling near Shoshone Falls. Every kayak and paddleboard rental comes with a fitted life jacket so you can enjoy the beautiful waters of Shoshone Falls safely.

Those who want to stay near Shoshone Falls can book a room at the Fillmore Inn in Twin Falls. The Fillmore Inn is a boutique hotel with cozy rooms and friendly service. Visitors can enjoy a home-cooked breakfast and a suite equipped with a romantic jacuzzi. The Governor’s Mansion in nearby Shoshone, Idaho, is a historic hotel that features five rooms and was once a residence of Idaho Governor Gooding’s family.

Shoshone Falls has long been known as the Niagara Falls of the West due to the size and power of the falls. No road trip is complete without a stop at one of America’s most magnificent waterfalls.