If you love waterfalls, your travel list will include Shoshone Falls and Idaho Falls for sure. Idaho is a nature lovers’ dream. Waterfalls, canyons, rivers, trails, lakes – every such amazing natural beauty is here in Idaho.
Shoshone Falls or Twin Falls, as they are popularly called, are the ones which are even more majestic than Niagara Falls, when they have full water flowing in them. Shoshone Falls are also called Niagara of the west. These are situated around 3 miles out of city of Twin Falls in southern Idaho on Snake River. There is a platform few steps down on the falls, where you can go and enjoy the falls. It has a nice lake and park area, which is a good spot for family recreation. Easy parking right next to falls makes your outing easier. During summer, it’s too hot to enjoy the Falls for long time. Go in the evenings in summer or wait for change of season. One important tip would be to check water level in the falls online before making plans. Some tourists went disappointed because when they came water level was too low.
Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls city has spectacular views. You can stop to see the scenic views around it. There is a visitor center nearby which can tell you about the history of the bridge. It has nice walkways both ways, so you can take walks and enjoy the beauty both sides. Specially during sun rise and sunset, it becomes a place right out of a portrait, so photogenic and stunning. The Base jumpers can be seen jumping from the Perrine bridge into Snake River Canyon.
Snake River Canyon Trails offers great trails, little difficult though. It is pet friendly and family friendly trail which offers variety of unexpected views.
Idaho Falls is the name of city in Idaho. Idaho Falls have beautiful landscaped garden around the waterfall. The area around the falls is called Snake River Greenbelt, as the Falls are on Snake River itself. So many interesting statues of animals can be seen here. A bear seat, bike bench and abstract art bench, along with full blooming flower baskets hanging welcome you. Such a calm and nice place for a quick lunch and picnic. It has so many good spots for photo ops.
The Zoo at Idaho Falls Tautphaus Park is small yet clean and adorable. Great exhibits. You can see lions, birds, penguins, zebras and monkeys, and many more animals. Kid friendly overall.
Museum of Idaho has a good space exhibit that kids love. It has some interesting exhibits related to Idaho history and even NASA. It has some interactive features as well which specially the kids love.
Hell’s Half acre trail has an unusual geology, as it is found on an island of lava. This is molten rock, where lava has cooled over hundreds of years to form such distinct landscape. Good stop to take a break and walk in nature.
Japanese Pavilion is a beautifully landscaped garden with lots of waterways and amazing plants. It’s so much fun to go on those waterways. It’s very near to snake river greenbelt.
Twin Falls and Idaho Falls, both cities, are worthy of a visit if you love waterfalls and love to be pleasantly surprised with unexpected nature. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip now!!
