Lower Salmon Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 415 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Lower Salmon Falls

Idaho

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Snake River WSR · DESG
Photo Credits (5)
1.
U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS
2.
waterarchives CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr
3.
waterarchives CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr
4.
5.
waterarchives CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Lower Salmon Falls

Lower Salmon Falls is a scenic waterfall located on the Snake River in Idaho. It is part of a series of waterfalls along the river and is known for its picturesque views and accessibility. The waterfall is often visited by those exploring the Snake River Canyon.

The Setting

Lower Salmon Falls sits at 2,657 feet within Snake River, fed by the Malad River, in the hills of Idaho.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Lower Salmon Falls is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It is a well-maintained path that leads to viewpoints of the falls and the surrounding Snake River Canyon.

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 Lower Salmon Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Salmon Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is usually strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Be cautious near the water as rocks can be slippery. Strong currents in the river can pose a hazard. Always supervise children and pets.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

415 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Based on 109 years of record

3.29 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 13152500
5.9 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 2,990 sq mi
Altitude: 3,344 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MALAD RIVER NR GOODING ID (10 km away).

High confidence
Moderate right now
415 cfs
→ Holding steady
71717171717171TodayTomorrowThuFriSatSunMon

Today

Moderate

415 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

406 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

355 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

355 cfs

9/10

Sat

Moderate

350 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

367 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

385 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid June, peaking in April.

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

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Lower Salmon Falls is located near Hagerman, Idaho, along the Snake River. It can be accessed via local roads off US-30. The area is well-marked with signs leading to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a parking area near the falls, which is typically sufficient for visitors. However, it may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

2,657 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.842958° N, -114.904225° W

Land Management

Snake River WSR

Managed by BLM

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Thousand Springs State Park, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, and other waterfalls along the Snake River.

Wildlife

The area is home to various bird species, including herons and eagles, as well as fish and other river wildlife.

Cities near Lower Salmon Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

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