LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Phantom Falls
Idaho • 65 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
530 ft
About Phantom Falls
Phantom Falls is the highest waterfall in the South Hills of the Sawtooth National Forest, where Fall Creek drops about 65 feet, roughly 20 miles southwest of Oakley. A signed, foot-traffic-only Forest Service trail runs about 1.5 miles to the falls, for a round trip of about 3 miles. The falls flow best in spring and often dry up in summer; in early spring the frozen falls can form a large ice sculpture.
The Setting
Phantom Falls sits at 6,375 feet within Sawtooth National Forest, in the high mountains of Idaho. The falls drop 65 feet.
Height: 65 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Phantom Falls Trail (#7245), a 3.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 530 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
PHANTOM FALLS TRAIL #7245
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.47 miTrail Description
Phantom Falls Trail is a pedestrian-only Forest Service trail of about 1.5 miles each way (about 3 miles round trip) on native-surface tread through forest and open slopes. Grades are gentle to moderate, with about 530 feet of total climbing over the round trip.
What to Expect
The falls drop 65 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Phantom Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on this Sawtooth National Forest trail; keep them leashed.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Phantom Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is most likely to be flowing due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Sawtooth National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery and uneven, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Cell service may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Goose Creek, 10.3 miles away, not on Phantom Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
16 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 112 years of record
1.75 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
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 GOOSE CREEK AB TRAPPER CREEK NR OAKLEY ID (17 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
17 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
17 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
17 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
3/10Sun
Barely Flowing
18 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
3/10Tue
Barely Flowing
19 cfs
2/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid June, 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 Oakley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Phantom Falls Frozen?
Updated about 5 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Phantom Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 39°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 16 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 255 feet of descent through Phantom Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 65 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 6,400 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 135 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 172 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,400 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 255 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The signed trailhead is off Trapper Creek Road in the South Hills, about 20 miles southwest of Oakley. The dirt road to the trailhead is rough, and a high-clearance vehicle is suggested.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is limited and may be informal, such as roadside pull-offs near the trailhead.
Elevation
6,375 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.091029° N, -114.131567° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven or muddy. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities nearby. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the area can become difficult to access after rain.
This trail sits at 6,375 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 26% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
This easy 3.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Bostetter Campground
5.5 miles away · 0 sites
Bostetter Campground is composed of 10 individual units and 1 group unit. It is located in a stand of Lodgepole pine and stretches along Cottonwood Creek with one site tucked up above in some Aspen trees. The campground is pack it in and pack it out. The area is suitable for trailer and tent camping. Anglers can take advantage of a nearby stream. Campground amenities toilets.
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Twin Falls, Idaho on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other hiking trails and natural features in the surrounding area, but specific details are not well-documented.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of potential encounters with bears or other larger animals.
Cities near Phantom Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Phantom Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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