Shoshone Falls

If you%26#39;re in Southern Idaho, you have a rare and brief window of opportunity to see Shoshone Falls as it was meant to be seen. It is truly the ';Niagara of the West.';

Shoshone Falls

Absolutely! Apparently the amount of water released to go over the falls is recordbreaking. Try to come on a weekday because the lines to get into the park on the weekend can be horrendous. The second time we went, we actually parked on the road leading to the park and viewed the falls from above.

Shoshone Falls

Did not see much of them september 2004, but I guess spring makes a better time to visit. And the views from Perrine Bridge on Snake River are awesome.

FYI: September is definitely the wrong time of year to go. Idaho is desert country, and the water is diverted for agriculture during the growing season.

How long will this brief window last? We will be traveling from Jackson to SLC on June 17, 2006 and wonder if it is worth driving a little out of our way to see Shoshone Falls. Could you please give your advice?

My guess is that it is probably too late, though someone who is in Twin Falls can tell you definitely. The farmers are probably busy in the fields, which always need irrigation. Have a great trip in the Tetons.

The falls are no longer at their peak flow, but honestly, I don%26#39;t know the current water levels. I think it would take half a day out of your way to come to our area -- you would go East from Pocatello rather than South to SLC. It%26#39;s almost two hours from Pocatello to Twin Falls, but the falls aren%26#39;t that far from the interstate. It might take you another 15 minutes from the interstate exit to see them. Then you would return to the interstate, but take a different route South from the Burley/Rupert area.

Even when the water isn%26#39;t flowing over Shoshone Falls, the views are unlike anything else in the U.S. The Snake River canyon is narrow and deep with very rugged terrain. Coming from Virginia 13 years ago, the views still amaze me. The falls, even when water levels are at their lowest, are nonetheless striking.

The Perrine Bridge is one of two bridges that spans the canyon. BASE jumpers from all over leap off this bridge given it%26#39;s height and also because there currently aren%26#39;t any regulations/restrictions in place. I think I read the height is maybe 486 feet. Recently a woman died there because her parachutes didn%26#39;t open and there has been a spate of recent injuries. But%26#39;s it%26#39;s mecca for BASE jumpers. It helps put Twin Falls on the map.

Eval Knieval did his failed jump not too far from the Perrine Bridge. You can still see the ramp he used.

Not far from the Perrine Bridge are many new chain restaurants. If you decided to drive over, see Shoshone Falls and then drive South, then you could have lunch at Outback, Johnny Carino%26#39;s, House of Pancakes, Appleby%26#39;s, Shari%26#39;s. Jaker%26#39;s is a local chain, serves great burgers, salads, some Asian-inspired dishes.

If you have plenty of time, a stop here would be fun. If you%26#39;re rushed, just include us next time. :-)

Absolutely!. The falls were not at their best september some years ago but the area was great and the views from Perrinebridge amazing and Twin Falls made a good stopover. We also were looking fro the Eval Knieval jumping point, but could not find it. Was it: ';silly us'; or was it bad sighposted Jannel43?

Tet

It isn%26#39;t marked, but when you walk out to the middle of the Perrine Bridge, there%26#39;s a dirt ramp on the right side of the canyon. It%26#39;s on private property, you can%26#39;t get to it, but it%26#39;s still there.

If you don%26#39;t mind a bit of a hike, there is a way to get up close and personal with Evel%26#39;s jumpsite. The new Centennial Trail, which takes off from Shoshone Falls, ends right next to the property where the ramp is. Unfortunately, the day we hiked out there, my daughter broke my camera (grrr grrrrrr!!!) so we didn%26#39;t get any pictures. I hope to get out there again soon and take some. This is a foot and bike trail only, no motorized vehicles, but if somebody is making an Evel pilgrimage, this is the way to approach the Holy of Holies. :D

Pug

Thanks both of you!