Don’t Miss Out on the 5 Best Waterfalls in the State of Idaho

Idaho is home to some incredible areas and has a plethora of landscapes to enjoy. There are beautiful mountains, canyons, fields, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Because of the variety of landscapes, it allows for some incredible hiking. When hiking, you can choose what type of area to enjoy, but many like having a destination to end at, such as a lake, a waterfall, or the top of a hill or mountain. Idaho is home to some incredible waterfalls to enjoy and some are easily accessible without much work, and others you can kayak to or hike to. When it comes to waterfalls in Idaho, which ones are the best to take your breath away, and are worth seeing and spending your time enjoying?

Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls

Plaentware.com ranked the best waterfalls in Idaho, and to nobody's surprise, the number one waterfall in the Gem State is Shoshone Falls, or often mistakenly called Twin Falls by tourists. Shoshone Falls has been dubbed the Niagara Falls of the West, and if you have ever seen it when the water is flowing and it is full, you know this nickname is fitting. The good news about the Shoshone Falls is it takes little effort to enjoy, as you can drive down the steep road and get a view of them from Shoshone Falls Park, but if you want the best view, you will need to earn it. Get a paddle board or a kayak and launch from Centennial Park and work your way upstream to get a majestic, up-close view. 

Mesa Falls in Caribou-Targhee National Forest

To see the second best waterfall in the Gem State, you need to head east towards the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. There you will find beautiful waterfalls off of Highway 47. There are two two falls that you wont want to miss and that is the Upper Mesa Falls and Lower Mesa Falls, with the Upper Mesa Falls being the main attraction. This waterfall drops over 100 feet and offers a stunning view with trees around it. You can take the easy route and see this beautiful waterfall from a pullout off of the highway, or you can get out and hike and enjoy the experience and better views.

Perrine Coulee Falls in Twin Falls

The Magic Valley is blessed to have two of the top three waterfalls in the state, and the town of Twin Falls specifically is home to both of them. The Perrine Coulee Falls is the third-best waterfall in Idaho. Located on the road to Centennial Park in Twin Falls, this waterfall is easily accessible and must-see. Tucked away in the canyon is a gorgeous waterfall that you can enjoy from your car, or you can get out and take a short hike behind the waterfall and feel the water against your face. Be careful as the path can be slippery, but it is worth the experience. 

Ritter Island Waterfalls in Thousand Springs State Park

While not in Twin Falls, the Magic Valley claims another one of the best waterfalls in the state. Hidden near Hagerman is an oasis known as Ritter Island, which offers clear water, shade, and a great place to fish, kayak, or enjoy a picnic. One of the things that makes the area so beautiful and special is the waterfalls flowing down the canyon walls. Go at the right time of the year, and the green from trees and plants makes this a spectacle that everyone should enjoy. Pull your kayak into one of the coves, lean back, and enjoy the sound and views of the rushing water. This is another waterfall you don't have to hike for but is a little more hidden if you want to get the best views. 

Fall Creek Falls in Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Fall Creek Falls comes in as the fifth-best waterfall in Idaho and is more unique than the rest on this list. The waterfall is located about 45 minutes East of Idaho Falls, near the Wyoming border, and flows into natural pools creating beautiful scenery and the temptation to take a dip. This waterfall is a hidden gem, and to get the best views, you can hike down to see the falls from below, but beware, the hike back can be a bit tricky

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While these might be ranked the best waterfalls in the state, that doesn't mean they are the only ones worth exploring and enjoying. To see the full list of waterfalls to enjoy in Idaho, make sure to click the link above. They are all worth seeing, and perhaps you will find one you enjoy more than these top five.