Big Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Big Falls
Big Falls is a dramatic waterfall set within Boise National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Framed by dense forest, the falls make a rewarding destination for photographers and day-hikers looking for a relatively quick escape into wild Idaho scenery. The hike to the viewpoint is a manageable outing: the established trail is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate. If you’re planning an overnight, note that the nearest developed campground (Park Creek) lies about 12.6 km away.
The Setting
Big Falls sits at 3,484 feet within Boise National Forest, fed by the South Fork Payette River, in the mountains of Idaho.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back; Distance: 2.4 miles; Elevation gain: ~350 ft; Difficulty: moderate. The route is a short, clearly routed hike that gains elevation in steady sections—moderate fitness is recommended for the climbs. (No USFS trail number, surface classification, or grade was provided in the supplied data.)
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during spring and early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Boise National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the edge of the viewing area as rocks can be slippery. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become hazardous during heavy rain or snow.
Current Water Conditions
367 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 85 years of record
3.36 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH FORK PAYETTE RIVER AT LOWMAN, ID (8 km away).
Today
Roaring
367 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
367 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
367 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
367 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
367 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
367 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
367 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lowman hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 185 feet of descent through Big Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 3,496 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 340 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 343 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,496 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 185 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Big Falls is located near Ashton, Idaho, within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. It can be accessed via a short drive from Highway 20, followed by a gravel road leading to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the trailhead, but availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
3,484 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.066285° N, -115.723166° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery, especially after rain.
Where to Stay
Idaho City Hotel
The Gold Mine Hotel
Ski-In Out Retreat - Trailhead & Mountain Views
Mountain Condo Ski Access & Sunset Deck
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
PARK CREEK (IDAHO)
7.9 miles away · 26 sites
Overview Park Creek Campground is located 4 miles from Lowman, Idaho, off the beaten path at the confluence of Park and Clear Creeks. Visitors enjoy fishing, hunting and exploring local trails.Recreation Park Creek and Clear Creek both offer good trout fishing. Various hiking, biking, horseback and off-road vehicle riding trails are in the vicinity.Facilities The campground contains two group sites available by advanced reservations, each can accommodate up to 100 people per group site. The Rainb
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Nearby Attractions
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, Harriman State Park, Yellowstone National Park (approximately 1.5 hours away).
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and occasionally bears. Always practice caution and keep a safe distance from animals.
Cities near Big Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Big Falls
23 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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