About Big Falls
Big Falls is a named waterfall in Boise County, Idaho, located about 17 miles north of Idaho City. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Pine Flat 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°03′59″ N, 115°43′23″ W (44.06629, -115.72317). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Little Hole in the Wall Creek (stream, 0.3 mi), Long Gulch (valley, 0.4 mi), and Birch Creek (stream, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Little Falls, 2.0 miles to the west.
USGS gazetteer description: Located in sec 35,T9N,R6E, Boise Meridian
More Photos
30 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Big 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 Big 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 Big Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Big Falls holds a 4.5 average from 6 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Big Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Little Hole in the Wall Creek — stream, 0.3 mi
- Long Gulch — valley, 0.4 mi
- Birch Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- Hole in the Wall Creek — stream, 1.2 mi
- Rattlesnake Gulch — valley, 1.3 mi
- Big Pine Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Little Fall Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
- Pine Flat Hot Springs — spring, 1.9 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 44.06629, -115.72317. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Big Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Falls located?
Big Falls is in Boise County, Idaho, about 17 miles north of Idaho City. Its coordinates are 44.06629, -115.72317 (44°03′59″ N, 115°43′23″ W).
What town is closest to Big Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Idaho City, ID, about 17 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Big Falls?
The closest is Little Falls (2.0 mi west). Others within reach include Fern Falls (32 mi), Bridal Veil Falls (32 mi), and Lady Face Falls (33 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Big Falls?
Big Falls appears on the USGS Pine Flat 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.