Shoshone Falls

Snake River Waterfalls

While on a trip to Idaho, I stopped to photograph some of the prettiest waterfalls along the Snake River. The first was Fall Creek Falls near Idaho Falls. The falls is formed by Fall Creek flowing into the Snake River. It creates a terraced waterfall with green moss and grass around the edges. Then, after a trek through the Sawtooth Wilderness, I stopped in Twin Falls to photograph two of the more dramatic waterfalls in the state–the famous Shoshone Falls and its smaller cousin, Perrine Coulee Falls. Shoshone Falls is a massive fall over a dam in the Snake River Canyon. It tumbles over a 200 foot drop in the river creating a powerful waterfall that rivals Niagara Falls. An overlook at the edge of a small park allows visitors to take in the falls and get an up-close view of its power. The spray form the falls is an awesome sight to behold. Further down the Snake River just past the Perrine bridge, Perrine Coulee Falls pours into the Snake River. Although much smaller than Shoshone Falls, this is a wonderful waterfall to visit because you can walk behind it.

Getting There

Shoshone Falls is located off of Falls avenue about 4 miles east of Highway 93. Cross the Snake River bridge on your way into town on Highway 93 and turn left onto Falls Avenue. Take Falls Avenue east for 4 miles and turn left following the signs for Shoshone Falls park. It is about a 1 mile to reach the park where the road dead ends. There are two overlooks to view the falls from at the park and and a path that leads along the river. There is a high railing that encircles the observation deck so you can either brace your camera on it or bring a tall tripod. The falls faces west so it best photographed before sunrise, in the late afternoon, or ideally at sunset. I arrived near sunset and all the shadows and contrast issues were eliminated due to the late hour. There is normally a $3.00 fee to park when the entrance gate is manned.

Perrin Coulee Falls is harder to locate. Many locals don’t even know of its existence as I had trouble getting directions. The best way to get there is to take Highway 93 north toward the Snake River bridge. Then turn left at Canyon Springs Rd, just past the mall. Take the road halfway down. You will then see a pullout on the right. Park here and cross the road. There is a small entrance down some rocks around a large bush. You will see a path leading behind the waterfall. You can also access the falls from the bottom. There is a steep path that leads up to it. I found the best view was from the back or the left side in the morning.