Are there fees or permits required for Sheep Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Sheep Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Sheep Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sheep Falls.

Live Conditions · 480 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Sheep Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sheep Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Sheep Falls.

Idaho

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Sheep Falls, see below

Targhee National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

D. Garding CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

BLMIdaho CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Sheep Falls

Sheep Falls is a scenic waterfall located on the Snake River in eastern Idaho, nestled within Targhee National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Surrounded by forested slopes, the falls provide a peaceful, photogenic stop for hikers and nature lovers looking to experience Idaho’s backcountry without a long approach. The site is accessible via a relatively short hike and makes a great half-day outing; for overnight trips, nearby camping is available at Squirrel Meadows Cabin, approximately 5.9 km from the falls. Whether you’re stopping for photos or combining the visit with a longer Targhee National Forest outing, Sheep Falls offers an inviting, easy-to-reach taste of the region’s scenery.

The Setting

Sheep Falls sits at 5,909 feet within Targhee National Forest, fed by the Fall River, in the high mountains of Idaho.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Cave Falls (20 ft) lies 6.4 miles to the northeast.

Cave Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Sheep Falls is an out-and-back route totaling about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. The USFS rates the route as moderate; the hike features short uphill sections but is suitable for most hikers and family groups comfortable with moderate terrain. USFS surface/grade/class specifics are not provided in the available data, but the trail serves as a straightforward approach to a viewpoint overlooking the falls.

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 Sheep Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sheep Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Sheep Falls is during late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the water flow is at its peak.

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 Targhee National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the falls as the rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and carry bear spray if hiking in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 44 minutes ago Barely Flowing

480 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

437 487 688 791

Based on 32 years of record

5.49 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

FALL RIVER AB YELLOWSTONE CANAL NR SQUIRREL ID

USGS 13046995

3.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 323 sq mi

Altitude: 5,748 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge FALL RIVER AB YELLOWSTONE CANAL NR SQUIRREL ID (5 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

480 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

480 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

480 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

469 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

466 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

479 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

466 cfs

5/10

Sat

Low

519 cfs

3/10

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

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

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 Drummond 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 139 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 5,925 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 137 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 39 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Sheep Falls near Drummond, Idaho, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Sheep Falls near Drummond, Idaho, showing about 139 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 5,925 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 139 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Sheep Falls is located off Highway 20 near Island Park, Idaho. To reach the falls, take the Sheep Falls turnoff and follow the dirt road to the trailhead. A short hike is required to access the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the trailhead. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

5,909 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.081032° N, -111.091888° W

Land Management

Targhee National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during summer. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring insect repellent during warmer months.

This trail sits at 5,909 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 24% 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

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

SQUIRREL MEADOWS CABIN

3.7 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Squirrel Meadows Cabin is located 24 miles east of Ashton, Idaho, just off the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road. The current cabin was built in 1934, but the site has been used for administrative purposes since 1907. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Only one other cabin in Wyoming was constructed with the same building plan. The 2-room cabin is made of lodgepole pine and features a wood shingled roof. Guests can drive to the cabin from mid-May through mid-November, althoug

Book on Recreation.gov