Ross Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Ross Falls
Ross Falls is a tucked-away waterfall in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The cascade sits in a quiet, forested setting that rewards hikers with a scenic, peaceful viewpoint—ideal for photographers and families looking for a shorter nature outing. The site is served by the short Ross Falls (Interp. Trail), USFS Trail #7244, which provides direct access and interpretation of the surrounding riparian and forest habitats. Although the interpretive spur to the falls is brief, many visitors make a longer loop out of the visit: the full outing is typically a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. If you’d like to camp nearby, the Lower Penstemon campground is just 2.24 km away, making Ross Falls a convenient stop on a multi-day Sawtooth National Forest trip.
The Setting
Ross Falls sits at 6,381 feet within Sawtooth National Forest, fed by the Goose Creek, in the high mountains of Idaho.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Ross Falls (Interp. Trail) (#7244), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
ROSS FALLS (INTERP. TRAIL) #7244
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.21 miTrail Description
USFS ROSS FALLS (INTERP. TRAIL) #7244 is a short, 0.21-mile spur with a native-material surface and a typical grade of 12–20%. The trail is rated Class 3 by the Forest Service, so expect steeper sections and a bit more scrambling or uneven footing on natural tread. The overall outing to visit Ross Falls is commonly completed as a 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is generally rated moderate. Boots or sturdy shoes are recommended; the native-surface tread can be slick or soft after rain.
What to Expect
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 Ross Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Ross Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest 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 may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall to avoid accidents. Always stay on marked trails and supervise children closely.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 19.1 miles away
3 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
1.09 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge GOOSE CREEK AB TRAPPER CREEK NR OAKLEY ID (31 km away).
Today
Roaring
3 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
3 cfs
8/10Mon
Roaring
3 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
3 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
3 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
3 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
3 cfs
9/10Best window: Mon — roaring flow, partly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 Hansen 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 220 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 6,350 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 176 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 71 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 6,350 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 220 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Ross Falls is located near the town of Twin Falls, Idaho. Access typically involves driving on rural roads, and the exact location may require local guidance or GPS navigation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the trailhead. Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.
Elevation
6,381 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.214848° N, -114.289610° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the falls without crowds. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may be less accessible after heavy rain.
This trail sits at 6,381 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.
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
LOWER PENSTEMON
1.4 miles away · 7 sites
Overview Lower Penstemon Campground is located along the scenic Rock Creek Road, in southern Idaho, at an elevation of 6,600 feet. Visitors come to the area to enjoy its abundant trails and natural beauty.Recreation Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle trails crisscross the surrounding area. Third Fork, Pike Mountain, Rim View and Porcupine Spring trails all begin nearby. Rock Creek runs along the campground, offering good trout fishing.Facilities The campground contains
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Twin Falls, Idaho on SoakingSprings.
Explore Idaho springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Shoshone Falls, Perrine Bridge, and Dierkes Lake are popular attractions near Twin Falls, Idaho.
Wildlife
The area around Ross Falls is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes during warmer months.
Cities near Ross Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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