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If you are looking for adventure, here are my top five favorite things to do when visiting Shoshone Falls in Southern Idaho.
The trip to this bad boy is littered with blonde dunes, open pastures and endless blue skies.
The drive alone is worth the journey. Shoshone Falls is located in Southwest Idaho and best known for its massive cascades of waterfalls.
If you were wondering which Idaho waterfall is the best to see, it’s definitely Shoshone Falls.
Why is Shoshone falls worth seeing?
Known as the Niagara Falls of the West, this scenic drop is 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide.
It’s also the United States LARGEST natural waterfalls and actually surpasses the height of Niagara Falls. (Which is surprising, since I never hear anything about Shoshone, and it’s honestly so much cooler!!)
The falls is located in a deep basalt canyon carved out by the snake river, which then funnels it’s water down to the Columbia river.
The name Shoshone was given to the waterfall in honor of a tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the area. This name was officially adopted by the USGS in 1905.
What is there to do at Shoshone Falls?
If you are ever given the opportunity to visit Shoshone Falls, I highly recommend dedicating at least a day to explore the area.
But what is there to do besides staring at the waterfalls?
Well for the thrillseeker at heart there are a handful of things to do at Shoshone Falls! Welcome to my list.
5 things to do at Shoshone Falls
Kayak under Shoshone Falls
If you decide to visit Shoshone Falls, one thing you should add to your itinerary is kayaking.
Kayaking at Shoshone Falls is not only a great workout but the perfect way to see the Snake River.
Jump off the Perrine Bridge
The Perrine Bridge is the only man-made structure in the entire United States that allows people to BASE jump year round without a permit.
BASE is an acronym for the things the extreme sport enthusiasts jump off using either parachutes or wingsuits: buildings, antennas, spans (bridges) and earth.
If jumping off 486 feet into the base of Snake Canyon doesn’t get you that adrenaline rush, I have no idea what else will.
I would even say this is one level scarier than skydiving, since BASE jumping done solely alone.
Cliff jumping at Dierkes Lake
Actually less than one mile away from Shoshone Falls, Dierkes Lake is a hidden gem amongst Idaho tourists.
Dierkes Lake is the perfect spot for a private picnic and deep swims.
Discovered by German immigrant John Dierke in 1907, the area was first also known as a “blind canyon”.
Scuba dive down to hidden treasure
If you have had enough of hanging out above water, here is your chance to get under.
Idaho also offers scuba diving. Who would have guessed?
Dierkes Lake is also a popular destination for Idaho’s landlocked scuba divers. The recognized “scuba park” features sunken rowboats, a swimming triangle, a metal shark cut out and a hidden treasure chest.
Hike the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail
An exciting alternative to any water sport, this 12 mile hike gives you the view of the entire canyon!
The best part of the hike is that it features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels.
And if hiking is not your thing, the trail is also open to road biking.
However you may decide to spend your time at Shoshone Falls, make sure to snap a couple bad-ass pictures and free to reach out and I can hook you up with more tips and guidance.
Happy travels!
