Shoshone Falls

The falls drop about sixty-five metres over a rim some three hundred metres wide - higher than Niagara, though nothing like the volume - into the Snake River canyon. What the visit depends on entirely is upstream irrigation: the Snake is heavily diverted for agriculture across southern Idaho, and in a dry summer the falls can be reduced to a trickle over bare rock, while a wet spring with high runoff produces the full curtain. The Bureau of Reclamation and local agencies publish flow figures and it is worth checking before driving out. The falls were the upstream limit for salmon migration before the dams. Evel Knievel attempted to jump the canyon nearby in 1974 and fell short.

What you actually see

• A drop of about sixty-five metres - higher than Niagara.
• Flow governed by irrigation - full in spring, often dry by August.
• The Snake River canyon - about three hundred metres wide here.
• The Knievel jump site - nearby, where the 1974 attempt fell short.

When to go

April to June, when runoff is highest; check published flow first. Two hours.

Honest expectations

In late summer there is frequently almost no water - this is the single most common disappointment. Flow data is published and should be checked. A vehicle fee applies in season. The viewing area is small and crowds in spring.

Nearby

Twin Falls is west; the Snake River canyon rim trail runs both ways.