5 Must-See Waterfalls in Idaho (2026)
If you only have time for five Idaho waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley, Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho, and North Idaho Panhandle.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Idaho waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Shoshone Falls
Twin Falls, ID · Twin Falls County · Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 936 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Idaho, and it holds 4.7 stars. Older records also call it Canadian Falls. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Pillar Falls and Twin Falls. 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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2. Upper Mesa Falls
Ashton, ID · Fremont County · Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho
Why it is a must-see
With 466 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Idaho, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "A viewing platform offers a close view of this powerful 10-story waterfall along the Snake River." The USGS gazetteer describes it as: The falls have a vertical drop of 114 feet. 3 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Lower Mesa Falls and Sheep Falls. 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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3. Jump Creek Falls
Marsing, ID · Owyhee County · Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 392 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Idaho, and it holds 4.7 stars. Expect family hike, canyon, and walk to falls, the topics reviewers bring up most. 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. Fall Creek Falls
Victor, ID · Bonneville County · Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho
Why it is a must-see
With 127 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in Idaho, and it holds 4.8 stars. Expect rope for descent, slippery path, and access to the falls, the topics reviewers bring up most. 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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5. Snow Creek Falls
Bonners Ferry, ID · Boundary County · North Idaho Panhandle
Why it is a must-see
With 70 Google reviews it is the 7th most visited waterfall in Idaho, and it holds 4.9 stars. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Moyie Falls. 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.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 716 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Snow Creek Falls (start, near Bonners Ferry)
- Jump Creek Falls, about 359 mi south
- Shoshone Falls, about 141 mi southeast
- Fall Creek Falls, about 164 mi east
- Upper Mesa Falls, about 52 mi north
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.
Explore More Idaho Waterfalls
See all 66 waterfalls in the Idaho waterfall guide, or browse by town: Twin Falls, Ashton, Marsing, Victor, Bonners Ferry.
More Idaho Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Idaho?
Shoshone Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.7-star rating from 936 Google reviews. It is near Twin Falls in Twin Falls County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Idaho waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 716 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
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.
Why is Shoshone Falls lower in late summer?
Water from the Snake River is diverted upstream for irrigation during the growing season, so the falls carry much less water by mid to late summer. Spring, before diversions peak, is the best time to see it at full force.