Shoshone Falls – Kimberly, Idaho - Atlas Obscura

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Shoshone Falls

Kimberly, Idaho

These falls, sometimes called the "Niagara of the West," still put on a good show at the right time of year.  

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 One of the largest waterfalls in the United States at some 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, Shoshone Falls can be spectacular when the Snake River is running full. They’re located in the Snake River Canyon about three miles upstream from Twin Falls, Idaho, and form the centerpiece of Twin Falls city park. 

A fraction of the flow is diverted to a small hydropower plant (capacity a little less than 15 megawatts), which has minimal effect on the falls’ display. The major effect on the flow is upstream diversions for irrigation. Between these diversions and the dwindling of the river flow over the summer, the falls can be completely dry by late summer-early fall.

A viewing platform overlooks the falls, and there are also ADA-accessible views. Adjacent Dierkes Lake, also a city park, has picnicking, fishing, swimming (in the warm months), and a short hiking trail.

Know Before You Go

The best views are most likely to come during spring (pictures were taken in May), while the snowmelt is bolstering the flow and before irrigation diversions have started. Shoshone Falls is just east of Twin Falls and is easily reached from the city (see linked map). There is a $5 entrance fee.

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