Shoshone Falls Idaho

Shoshone Waterfalls Idaho - Niagara of the West

Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River in southern Idaho, United States, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of the city of Twin Falls. Sometimes called the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is 212 feet (65 m) high—45 feet (14 m) higher than Niagara Falls—and flows over a rim nearly 1,000 feet (300 m) wide.

Shoshone Falls is in the Snake River Canyon on the border of Jerome and Twin Falls Counties, 615 miles (990 km) upstream from the Snake River's confluence with the Columbia River.  The flows over the falls are seasonal runoffs from the mighty Snake River, which carves its way through deep basalt canyons and is the largest tributary to the Columbia River.

The City of Twin Falls owns and operates a park overlooking the waterfall. Shoshone Falls is best viewed in the spring, as diversion of the Snake River often can significantly diminishes water levels in the late summer and fall.

Shoshone Falls Dam, located directly above the falls, diverts water for hydropower generation and can greatly reduce the flow of the falls in the dry season.

The name Shoshone was given to the waterfall in honor of a tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the area, officially adopted by the USGS in 1905, but it is not known exactly when the falls were first given this name or who discovered them. During the early 20th century when Shoshone Falls was being developed for hydroelectric use and was gaining national notoriety for the comparisons being made to Niagara, several additional names were applied to portions of the falls. The smaller upper tiers of the falls, where the river splits around several pillar-like islands, seem to have each been individually named (left to right): The Bridal Veil, The Brides Maid, The Two Graces and The Sentinel. As there is a nearby waterfall flowing from Dierkes Lake now known as Bridal Veil Falls.

How To Reach : In downtown Twin Falls Idaho, find the junction of Route 93 and East 4000 N Road, and follow East 4000 N Road east for three miles, then turn left onto Champlin Road (watch for signs for Shoshone Falls Park). Follow Champlin to where it becomes Canyon Grade Road and proceed to its end at the park in another 1.8 miles. Several short trails lead to views of the falls along the rim of the canyon.

Address : Shoshone Falls State Park, Shoshone Falls Grade Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83341