10 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Idaho (2026 Updated)
Ranked by what visitors photograph and rate five stars, these are the 10 most beautiful of Idaho's 66 named waterfalls, starting with Upper Mesa Falls. The list spans the Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho, North Idaho Panhandle, and Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley.
How We Picked
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 28 publicly accessible Idaho waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Upper Mesa Falls
Ashton, ID · Fremont County · Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 1,865 photos of it on Google, about 4.0 for every review. 91% of its 466 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "A viewing platform offers a close view of this powerful 10-story waterfall along the Snake River." It is one of 6 named falls in the Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho region. The nearest town is Ashton, about 10.0 miles to the southwest.
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2. Elk Creek Falls
Orofino, ID · Clearwater County · North Idaho Panhandle
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 169 photos of it on Google, about 4.4 for every review. 97% of its 38 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Reviewers single out its viewing areas and beautiful place. It is one of 17 named falls in the North Idaho Panhandle region. The nearest town is Orofino, about 18 miles to the south.
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3. Jump Creek Falls
Marsing, ID · Owyhee County · Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 951 photos of it on Google, about 2.4 for every review. 83% of its 392 reviewers rate it five stars (4.7 average). Reviewers single out its canyon. The setting includes Jump Creek Canyon (valley, 0.8 mi). It is one of 16 named falls in the Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley region. The nearest town is Marsing, about 7.4 miles to the northeast.
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4. Lower Mesa Falls
Ashton, ID · Fremont County · Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 270 photos of it on Google, about 4.4 for every review. 90% of its 62 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). Its listing describes it as: "Picturesque waterfall with an overlook reached by beginner-friendly & advanced forest hiking trails." The setting includes Anderson Mill Canyon (valley, 1.1 mi). It is one of 6 named falls in the Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho region. The nearest town is Ashton, about 9.6 miles to the southwest.
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5. Fall Creek Falls
Victor, ID · Bonneville County · Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 529 photos of it on Google, about 4.2 for every review. 82% of its 127 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). Reviewers single out its mountain views. The setting includes Holland Canyon (valley, 1.1 mi) and Echo Canyon (valley, 1.2 mi). It is one of 6 named falls in the Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho region. The nearest town is Victor, about 17 miles to the northeast.
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6. Shoshone Falls
Twin Falls, ID · Twin Falls County · Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 3,405 photos of it on Google, about 3.6 for every review. 79% of its 936 reviewers rate it five stars (4.7 average). The setting includes Dierkes Lake (lake, 0.7 mi) and Mary Alice Lake (lake, 1.9 mi). It is one of 16 named falls in the Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley region. The nearest town is Twin Falls, about 3.8 miles to the southwest.
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7. Copper Falls
Bonners Ferry, ID · Boundary County · North Idaho Panhandle
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 134 photos of it on Google, about 3.7 for every review. 97% of its 36 reviewers rate it five stars (5.0 average). Reviewers single out its overlook. The setting includes Geyselman Lake (lake, 1.8 mi) and Copper Mountain (summit, 2.0 mi). It is one of 17 named falls in the North Idaho Panhandle region. The nearest town is Bonners Ferry, about 21 miles to the south.
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8. Perrine Coulee Falls
Twin Falls, ID · Twin Falls County · Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 668 photos of it on Google, about 3.6 for every review. 83% of its 187 reviewers rate it five stars (4.8 average). The setting includes Bass Lake (lake, 0.7 mi) and Mary Alice Lake (lake, 1.8 mi). It is one of 16 named falls in the Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley region. The nearest town is Twin Falls, about 2.4 miles to the south.
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9. Snow Creek Falls
Bonners Ferry, ID · Boundary County · North Idaho Panhandle
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 226 photos of it on Google, about 3.2 for every review. 90% of its 70 reviewers rate it five stars (4.9 average). The setting includes Snow Peak (summit, 1.9 mi). It is one of 17 named falls in the North Idaho Panhandle region. The nearest town is Bonners Ferry, about 5.4 miles to the east.
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10. Grouse Creek Falls
Ponderay, ID · Bonner County · North Idaho Panhandle
Why it is so photogenic
Visitors have posted 72 photos of it on Google, about 2.3 for every review. 71% of its 31 reviewers rate it five stars (4.6 average). Reviewers single out its beautiful spot. The setting includes Wylie Knob (summit, 1.8 mi). It is one of 17 named falls in the North Idaho Panhandle region. The nearest town is Ponderay, about 14 miles to the southwest.
When to Visit Idaho's Waterfalls
Snowmelt makes late spring the peak season across Idaho. In the Snake River Canyon, Shoshone Falls usually runs fullest from about April into early June; later in summer, upstream diversions for irrigation can reduce it to a fraction of its spring volume. Mesa Falls and the Panhandle falls generally peak in May and June as mountain snow melts. Central Idaho's higher-elevation falls may not be reachable until roads and trails clear of snow, often in late June or July, and flows remain decent through midsummer. Late summer and early fall bring lower water, smoke from wildfires in some years, and fall color in the northern forests. Winter is quiet; some canyon falls form ice, but many mountain roads are closed or unplowed.
Before You Go
Ownership in Idaho varies by region. Shoshone Falls is a city park in Twin Falls, while canyon falls around it mix city, state, private and federal land. Jump Creek Falls is on Bureau of Land Management land. In the mountains, most falls sit in national forests such as the Caribou-Targhee, Boise, Payette, Salmon-Challis, Nez Perce-Clearwater and Idaho Panhandle. Expect long gravel roads, seasonal closures and patchy cell service in central and north Idaho. Hazards include cold, swift snowmelt rivers, unstable basalt and canyon rims without railings, and slick rock in spray zones. Wildfire activity and smoke can close areas in late summer. Carry a paper map and plan fuel stops in remote counties.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. For better pictures, see our waterfall photography tips.
Explore More Idaho Waterfalls
See all 66 waterfalls in the Idaho waterfall guide, or browse by town: Ashton, Orofino, Marsing, Victor, Twin Falls, Bonners Ferry, Ponderay.
More Idaho Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful waterfall in Idaho?
Upper Mesa Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 466 Google reviews. It is near Ashton in Fremont County.
How was this list made?
Beauty is subjective, so we let visitors decide. Among 28 publicly accessible Idaho waterfalls with Google reviews and photos, we ranked by three signals: the share of five-star reviews, how many photos visitors have posted, and how often reviews mention scenery and views.
How many waterfalls are in Idaho?
Our directory lists 66 named waterfalls in Idaho. See them all, sorted by town, in the Idaho waterfall guide.
What river forms Upper and Lower Mesa Falls?
Both falls are on the Henrys Fork of the Snake River in Fremont County, eastern Idaho. They lie along a scenic byway with overlooks for each.