The Shoshone Falls, sometimes called the Niagara of the West, is a must-explore attraction in Idaho's Twin Falls. The falls stand at 212 feet tall and stretch 900 feet wide, and are among the United States’ largest natural waterfalls. Exceeding the famous Niagara Falls’ height by 45 feet, Shoshone Falls is nestled on the Snake River, the Colombia River’s largest tribute. It doesn’t matter which time of the year one is traveling to Southern Idaho to experience this wonder. Travelers cannot miss adding this destination to their bucket lists; whether they are traveling for hours or days – Shoshone Falls is always worth exploring.
Getting To Shoshone Falls
Wondering which city Shoshone Falls is situated in? People can sometimes get confused about the names of the breathtaking waterfalls and the cities, especially those just getting started to learn about them. It is situated in Twin Falls city and is considered one of Southern Idaho's treasures. And it is not the same as the Twin Falls; they are different waterfalls. Travelers can tour 7 miles from Twin Falls city to get to the Falls.
- Duration: 5-minute drive from Twin Falls city.
Touring from Twin Falls? Well, travelers can go to Falls Avenue, eastward, and drive until they reach Champlin Road. From here, travelers can use the signboards seated at every intersection as a guide to Shoshone. Travelers touring from the east side can follow the Highway-30 route and then take the right turn, which is Champlin Road. This will lead them to Shoshone Falls.
There is an entrance fee to explore the Falls, and the department of parks and recreation collects it at the booth. The fee allows travelers to explore Shoshone Falls as well as Diekes Lake.
- Entrance Fee: $5
The Falls has a parking space, which can be reached on the second road after crossing the gate. Travelers will then find the main viewing point 75 feet away from the Falls’ parking space. There is another viewing deck situated close by, that’s accessible; allows for wheelchairs and strollers. This viewing point is the best for families exploring the Shoshone Falls with kids.
When Is The Perfect Time To Explore Shoshone Falls?
The Shoshone Falls tour experience is beautiful year-round, and travelers looking for a wide range of recreational activities can visit at any time of the year. The fact that the Falls is easily accessible makes it a perfect year-round travel destination. However, water levels of the Falls vary, depending on the season of the year. The late Spring is the perfect time to experience Shoshone Falls in full vigor. Generally, April through June are the best months to explore the Falls.
The Idaho Hydroelectric Power Company diverts the flow of the Snake River into the surrounding neighborhood for irrigation purposes. This happens in the Summer, an activity that reduces the water levels at the Falls by almost half, making summer another beautiful time of the year to explore Shoshone Falls. The views are still incredible even with the reduction in the water levels. For lovers of solitude, Winter is the best time of the year to visit Shoshone Falls. The views of the Falls are not as splendid as during the Spring, but the frozen falls are spectacular.
Experiencing Shoshone Falls After Dark
Niagara Falls is known for the sounds and lights that run for 2 and a half hours and is what draws many travelers to the Falls. Well, the same thing happens in Shoshone Falls in May, and it begins from around 9:00 pm to 11:30 pm. The breathtaking and unique sight offers a magical experience to remember. The only drawback of viewing the Falls at this time is lots of crowds and probably lack of space for parking – all thanks to the popularity of this spectacular natural occurrence. Travelers looking to visit and witness the live show should ensure they get vehicle passes beforehand.
Things To Do At Shoshone Falls
Travelers can enjoy other adventure activities other than visiting and exploring the Falls. Hiking offers the experience of the incredible views of the Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon. There are plenty of hiking trails, some of which start from Centennial Parks and Dierkes Lake Park. One of the popular trails is the Canyon Ri Trail, which stretches 12 miles and extends from the Twin Falls' western side. This trail leads to Shoshone Falls and guarantees splendid views of the Twi Falls town as well.
While other waterfalls allow tourists to swim, it is not possible to do that at Shoshone, but it gets even better – a kayaking adventure on the Snake River to the very bottom of the Falls takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on up to what end a traveler would love to reach. Other activities include going on some relaxing picnics, camping, and exploring other attractions near Shoshone like the Dierkes Lake, the Twin Falls, and engaging in day trips.
Visiting and exploring Shoshone Falls gives the best travel experience in Southern Idaho and is worth every penny and effort.