Shoshone Falls
Idaho • 212 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls (shoh-SHOHN), often called the “Niagara of the West,” tumbles from the Snake River about three miles (5 km) northeast of Twin Falls, Idaho. The falls plunge 212 feet (65 m)—about 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls—over a rim nearly 1,000 feet (300 m) wide, creating broad, dramatic viewpoints that make it one of the West’s most striking natural cascades. Its accessible location just outside Twin Falls makes it an easy stop for families and photographers alike. Though frequently enjoyed as a drive-up destination, the site features short walking routes and multiple viewing platforms that let visitors take in different perspectives of the 212-foot drop and the sweeping river gorge. The setting is welcoming and easy to explore, making Shoshone Falls a must-see for anyone traveling through south-central Idaho.
The Setting
Shoshone Falls sits at 3,255 feet in the mountains of Idaho. At 212 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Idaho.
Height: 212 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Perrine Coulee Falls (200 ft) lies 3.6 miles to the west.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Shoshone Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Primarily a drive-up attraction, the developed area around Shoshone Falls offers a short 0.1-mile out-and-back walking route with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain. Classified with a drive_up difficulty, the trail and nearby viewpoints provide quick, accessible access to multiple overlooks of the 212-foot falls and the river rim nearly 1,000 feet across. Expect a brief, easy stroll from parking to the main viewing areas — ideal for visitors seeking a short walk with big views.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 212 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Shoshone Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Shoshone Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit Shoshone Falls, as the water flow is typically at its highest. Summer and fall can also be enjoyable, but water levels may be lower.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay on designated paths and viewing areas, as the terrain near the falls can be slippery and dangerous. Be cautious around the edges of the canyon.
Current Water Conditions
9 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 40 years of record
1.31 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DEVILS WASHBOWL SPRING NR KIMBERLY 10S 18E 04AAD1S (4 km away).
Today
Moderate
10 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
10 cfs
6/10Mon
Moderate
9 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
9 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
9 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
10 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
10 cfs
8/10Best window: Mon — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early September to early December, peaking in September.
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 Twin Falls 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.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 232 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The listed height of 212 feet matches what the lidar sees. The ground at the falls is roughly 3,294 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 101 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 124 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,294 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 232 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Shoshone Falls is located approximately 3 miles east of Twin Falls, Idaho. Visitors can access the falls via Shoshone Falls Park, which is well-signposted from the main roads. The park is accessible by car, and the falls are visible from designated viewpoints.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Ample parking is available at Shoshone Falls Park, including spaces for larger vehicles. Parking fees may apply during peak seasons.
Elevation
3,255 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.595189° N, -114.400869° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit in the spring for the most impressive water flow. Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
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For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
OR Sombriolet Sun Hat
UPF 50+ sun protection with vents so your head doesn't cook on exposed trail sections.
Where to Stay
La Quinta by Wyndham Twin Falls
Comfort Inn & Suites Jerome - Twin Falls
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Twin Falls
Holiday Inn Twin Falls by IHG
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 Attractions
Nearby attractions include Dierkes Lake, Perrine Bridge, and the Snake River Canyon. Visitors can also explore hiking and biking trails in the area.
Wildlife
The area around Shoshone Falls is home to various bird species, including hawks and eagles, as well as small mammals and reptiles.
Cities near Shoshone Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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