New Viral Video Shows Why You Need to Plan Ahead When Visiting Idaho’s Famous Shoshone Falls

I’ve said this before, and I’ll stick to my belief that Idaho is an amazing state, but some of its most famous tourist destinations are actually tourist traps.

You can get in your car and drive anywhere in the state and be impressed by the beauty that you’ll find and the surprisingly awesome adventures you can go on. But there are a few places that will disappoint if you go at the wrong time or visit the wrong part.

I’m not going to pick on the Idaho Potato Museum because I don't think anyone truly believes that place will be awesome. Instead, I’ll pick on places like Craters of the Moon and the Shoshone Falls.

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Craters of the Moon is the worst. Period. There are a few cool hikes that take you to small caves you can play in, but for the most part, it is hot and desolate.

READ MORE: Craters of the Moon is the Biggest Tourist Trap in Idaho

Twin Falls has three pretty big tourist destinations, and only one of them is consistently worth the visit. Those three locations are the Perrine Bridge, the Evel Knievel Jump Site, and the Shoshone Falls. Surprisingly, the consistent one is the bridge.

You may catch BASE jumpers at the bridge or enjoy a walk across it (or not enjoy it like my brother, who is terrified of heights), but it’s always cool to visit. Some may disagree, but the Evel Knievel jump site is almost as bad a tourist trap as Craters of the Moon. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who went there and said ‘Wow, this is truly amazing’. No, most people get there and don’t realize they are at the site because it is such a letdown.

Here’s Video Proof That Idaho’s Famous Shoshone Falls Can Be Disappointing

That being said, the toughest tourist trap in probably all of Idaho is the Shoshone Falls - if you go at the wrong time. These two pictures were taken less than a week apart and show how different the water flow can be.

That’s the issue: the waterfall isn’t always a waterfall. Sometimes it’s a lighter trickle than my shower at home. That’s what a family experienced on their latest trip to Idaho and they documented their disappointment on social media.

The good news about the Shoshone Falls is that the City of Twin Falls is pretty good about letting us know when they are ‘turning on the water’ and you can always check the live video feed before you head out to see if it’s worth the trip.

READ MORE: Live Video Feed of the Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho

Since the Shoshone Falls can be disappointing, you don’t have to experience that sadness. Instead, you can visit one of the other beautiful (and more consistent) waterfalls around the Magic Valley.