I always start my road trips off with my Roadtrippers App. It highlights places to see on my route that normally I would never find. My trip from Arizona to Oregon started the same way…. I knew I was going to Utah but after that anywhere was possible. I plugged in my trip itinerary and there was my next stop in the Southern part of Idaho, Shoshone Falls.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to Idaho, and definately didn’t know anything about this waterfall I was chasing. I could have googled it, but I would rather just go with no plan of attack or image in my brain, so if this waterfall in Idaho was a dud I wouldn’t be disappointed.
It’s a 20-25 minute drive off the highway out in the country and as I got closer I was really thinking “I hope this is worth it”.
Do you see that? Yes, yes it was worth it. So had I googled this magnificent waterfall I would have known that it is the largest natural falls in the United States. Larger than Niagara. The falls flow into the Snake River as it carves its way through a deep basalt Canyon on its way to the Columbia River.
It’s beyond beautiful! The mist rising high into the air, the sun reflecting off the river and the sound of the roaring falls…. its perfect.
The park is open from dusk til dawn, all year, and costs $5 to get in. Honestly the best $5 I spent on my road trip. It is primarily day use, so pack a picnic because you will want to stay all day long until the sun sets over the river.
There is another park, Dierkes Lake, that is included with your entrance fee. Two parks for less than a latte!
A short 3-5 minute drive will get you to the parking lot, or you can walk it. The 1.8 mile Dierkes Lake trail, loops around the lake and offers beautiful views from the high basalt rocks. Wear good trail shoes, and be prepared for lots of rock stairs.
If you find yourself cruising down highway 84 heading towards Twin Falls Idaho, make sure you stop at Shoshone Falls. Better yet, plan to spend the day there!
For directions to Shoshone Falls set your navigation device to 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade Road Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Day use only
Swimming, Fishing and Hiking
michelle in the wild 