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.
Photo by depositphotos.com
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.
Photo by depositphotos.com
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.
Photo by depositphotos.com
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.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho, USA
- Coordinates
- 42.5960059, -114.4021619
- Access
- The City says the closest parking is about 75 ft from the main viewing platform and several viewpoints are ADA accessible without stairs. Dogs are allowed on leash; overnight camping is not. The City announced that seasonal restroom closures at City parks begin October 15, 2026; it does not identify which Shoshone Falls facilities have closed, so check availability before travelling. Temporary poor-road closures are also possible.
- Admission
- The City lists a $5 vehicle fee from March 1 through fall, a $25 season pass, $20 per tour bus and $5 for school buses carrying children. A 2026 City notice says the ticket booth reopened April 1 and charged 11:00–17:00, but does not define the fee season’s end date; confirm late-fall collection with the City.
- Time needed
- The City publishes no recommended visit length. The closest parking is about 75 ft from the main viewing platform; add time if walking the canyon-rim trail to other viewpoints.
- Best season
- The City identifies spring snowmelt as the best viewing period, typically when flows peak around 10,000–12,000 cubic feet per second. Summer irrigation diversions reduce flow; by fall the falls can be nearly dry. Actual flow varies with snowpack and water management.
- Opening hours
- The City lists Shoshone Falls Park as open year-round, dawn to dusk, except temporary closures due to poor road conditions. A June 16, 2026 City notice temporarily set the entry gate to open at 7 a.m. and lock at 9 p.m. nightly; it does not say when this temporary schedule ends. Confirm the current gate schedule before travel. The separate 2026 ticket-booth notice lists fee collection 11 a.m.–5 p.m., not park hours.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-19
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-26
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