About Tappan Falls
Tappan Falls is a named waterfall in Lemhi County, Idaho, located about 36 miles northwest of Challis. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Aparejo Point 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°52′44″ N, 114°44′58″ W (44.87889, -114.74944). Historical sources also record the names Tappen Falls, Tappan Falls Rapid, and Tappin Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Cove Creek (stream, 0.5 mi), Grouse Creek (stream, 0.9 mi), and Tappan Gulch (valley, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Napias Creek Falls, 32 miles to the northeast.
USGS gazetteer description: 6 ft. high falls; on the Middle Fork Salmon River in the Salmon-Challis National Forest/Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, 0.6 miles W of the mouth of Cove Creek; Sec. 19, T18N, R15E, Boise Meridian
Name history: The name is associated with Tappan Gulch, which is named for Fred (1878-?) and Daisy Tappan (1908-1984), who homesteaded nearby.
Weather at Tappan Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Tappan Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Boise time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Tappan Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Tappan Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Cove Creek — stream, 0.5 mi
- Grouse Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Tappan Gulch — valley, 1.0 mi
- Camas Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 44.87889, -114.74944. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Tappan Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tappan Falls located?
Tappan Falls is in Lemhi County, Idaho, about 36 miles northwest of Challis. Its coordinates are 44.87889, -114.74944 (44°52′44″ N, 114°44′58″ W).
What town is closest to Tappan Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Challis, ID, about 36 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Tappan Falls?
The closest is Napias Creek Falls (32 mi northeast). Others within reach include Velvet Falls (33 mi), Dagger Falls (36 mi), and Devlin Falls (40 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Tappan Falls?
Tappan Falls appears on the USGS Aparejo Point 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.