Twin Falls
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 Twin Falls
Twin Falls sits on the Snake River in the dramatic Snake River Canyon of south-central Idaho, straddling the border of Twin Falls and Jerome counties a few miles east of the city of Twin Falls. This compact but scenic cascade offers classic canyon views and an easy, visitor-friendly stop along the river rim — a great brief detour for people exploring the canyon and nearby attractions. The falls are exceptionally accessible: the site is served by a drive-up spur with a very short walking segment to a viewing area. With minimal walking required, Twin Falls is ideal for families and hikers wanting a quick, high-reward viewpoint on the Snake River without committing to a long hike.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Shoshone Falls, the tallest waterfall in Idaho at 212 feet, lies 2.4 miles to the west. Also nearby: Perrine Coulee Falls (200 ft, 6.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Twin Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Short, drive-up out-and-back spur of about 0.1 miles total with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty is classified as drive_up and the route is very brief and accessible, leading directly to a designated viewing area above the Snake River Canyon.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Twin Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Twin Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and viewing areas. The terrain near the canyon can be steep and dangerous. Exercise caution near the edge of the canyon and supervise children closely.
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 (1 km away).
Today
Moderate
10 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
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: Today — moderate flow, partly 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 Kimberly 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 172 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,497 feet.
The ground changes about 222 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,497 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 172 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.
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
Twin Falls is located near the city of Twin Falls, Idaho, and can be accessed via local roads leading into the Snake River Canyon. The area is well-marked with signs directing visitors to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is parking available near the viewing area, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
3,517 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.590189° N, -114.353923° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or early summer for the best water flow. Arrive early in the day to secure parking, especially during weekends or holidays. Bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
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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
Shoshone Falls, Perrine Bridge, Snake River Canyon Rim Trail
Wildlife
Visitors may spot birds, small mammals, and other wildlife typical of the Snake River Canyon area.
Cities near Twin Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Twin Falls
21 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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