Are there fees or permits required for Little Drops?

No, there are no fees required to visit Little Drops.

Is swimming allowed at Little Drops?

No, swimming is not allowed at Little Drops.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Little Drops near Shoshone, Idaho, showing about 27 feet of drop

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Nearby gauge (Big Wood River) · 3 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Little Drops

Q: Are dogs allowed at Little Drops?

No, dogs are not allowed at Little Drops.

Idaho

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Shoshone Field Office PUB · Bureau of Land Management

About Little Drops

Little Drops is a small, picturesque waterfall tucked into Idaho’s quieter backcountry, offering a peaceful stop for hikers and photographers who prefer less-traveled scenery. The falls are most impressive in spring and early summer when snowmelt swells the stream, but their compact cascades and tranquil pool make them a rewarding destination any time of year. Expect a natural, intimate setting rather than a thunderous drop—perfect for a contemplative break or a short nature side-trip. The site sits on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s Shoshone Field Office (designation: PUB), so access is governed by BLM rules and local land-use practices. Because Little Drops is relatively off the beaten path, visitors should check current conditions with the Shoshone Field Office before heading out and practice Leave No Trace principles to help keep this little gem pristine.

The Setting

Little Drops sits at 3,973 feet within Shoshone Field Office, in the mountains of Idaho.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The approach is short but can include uneven footing and changing conditions, so wear supportive footwear and bring water and a basic first-aid kit. As the route crosses public BLM land, check with the Shoshone Field Office for up-to-date trail conditions, seasonal closures, or parking guidance before you go.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil setting with a small waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The flow of the waterfall may be seasonal, with spring and early summer offering the best views.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Drops?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Drops?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the most water flow during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Trail conditions may be uneven or unmarked. Visitors should prepare for potential hazards such as slippery rocks, changing weather, and limited cell service.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Big Wood River, 18.9 miles away, not on Little Drops's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

3 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 6 154 425

Based on 114 years of record

1.80 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

BIG WOOD RIVER BL MAGIC DAM NR RICHFIELD ID

USGS 13142500

18.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,611 sq mi

Altitude: 4,662 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BIG WOOD RIVER BL MAGIC DAM NR RICHFIELD ID (30 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

3 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

3 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

3 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

4 cfs

3/10

Wed

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

3 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

2 cfs

4/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

2/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early August, peaking in May.

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 Shoshone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Little Drops Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Little Drops is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 64°F to 40°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 3 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Idaho.

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 27 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Little Drops. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,975 feet above sea level.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Little Drops near Shoshone, Idaho, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 3,975 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 27 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Little Drops are not widely documented. Visitors are encouraged to consult local hiking resources or contact nearby park services for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear. Visitors should check with local resources or prepare for limited parking options near the trailhead.

Elevation

3,973 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.978794° N, -114.421154° W

Land Management

Shoshone Field Office PUB

Managed by BLM

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device as the trail and access points may not be well-marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, and wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain.