{"id":4438,"date":"2020-06-20T07:29:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-20T07:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=4438"},"modified":"2021-07-24T01:57:02","modified_gmt":"2021-07-24T01:57:02","slug":"shoshone-falls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/shoshone-falls\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Visiting the Spectacular Shoshone Falls (Niagara of the West)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoshone Falls is a picturesque waterfall in Twin Falls, Idaho called the “Niagara of the West.” Actually, at 212 feet, it’s 45 feet taller than the famous Niagara Falls. About 10,000 cubic feet per second of water from the Snake River flows over the appropriate 1,000 feet wide rim of the falls. After visiting the Twin Falls area recently, I can say that you really need to visit Shoshone Falls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you view the falls you will also notice, a hydroelectric plant is incorporated into the falls with a spillway above the dam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to viewing the falls, the area offers other recreational activities around the falls and in the nearby Dierkes Lake. Shoshone Falls has one main viewing area and a few smaller ones that a short hiking trail leads to. On the other side of the parking lot is a large grassy area for playing and picnicking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dierkes Lake Complex provides a swim beach, shaded cool grassy areas, a playground, visitor information, and restroom facilities. The $5 fee covers the entrance to both Shoshone Falls and Dierkes Lake. It is worth planning to see both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: This is part of our series based on our visit to Twin Falls. Read more about Things to do in Twin Falls<\/a> and visiting the Hummingbirds. <\/a> Don’t worry, I’ll give you these links at the end again. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When is the Best Time to Visit Shoshone Falls? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best time to visit the Shoshone Falls is April through June. The water level rises due to snowmelt and the demand for irrigation water is minimal. Due to the hydroelectric plant and irrigation diversions, the flow dwindles during the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, the first time I saw the falls many years ago, the flow was so small that I was very disappointed. During our recent late May visit, more water was flowing and I shot the photos in this post. The falls are most impressive in years of high snowmelt flows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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History and Fun Facts about Shoshone Falls <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Shoshone Falls Viewing Deck overlooking the Snake Canyon and Shoshone Falls<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Shoshone Falls is located near the town of Twin Falls but is not the same as the Twin Falls waterfall. Both are in the Snake River Canyon, but Shoshone Falls is located downstream from Twin Falls and upstream from Pillar Falls (source<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several interesting historical stories attached to Shoshone Falls. The falls are around 14,000 years old, formed due to a catastrophic outburst that resulted in flooding in the Pleistocene ice-age (source<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Shoshone Falls received its names from the Native American tribe who lived in this area. The name was then officially adopted in 1905 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) (source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The place was popular for its fishing that included salmon for the Native Americans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being an isolated location, Shoshone Falls become a famous tourist spot during the 1860s. (source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1900, citizens tried to have Shoshone Falls designated as a national park. The proposal was unsuccessful but drew attention to the area (source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoshone Falls is also nicknamed as the “Niagara of the West” because it is as big and spectacular as the Niagara Falls. The estimated average volume of the waterfall is about 3,600 cubic feet per second (source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Shoshone Falls, there are only two dams, namely Milner Dams and American Falls situated upstream. Another dam was installed around the 1900s that draws up to 1,000 cubic feet of water. Some of the water is diverted for the hydroelectric plant and some for irrigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Plan Your Visit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning to visit the Snake River Canyon, make sure you check the Shoshone Falls. The best time to visit this place, to see the most water and the fewest crowds is spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can include a walk or drive across the Perrine bridge, visit the Snake River Canyon, visit Dierkes Lake or Bass Lake or you can zip-line in the canyon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Grassy Area for a Picnic at Shoshone Falls <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Several other places that are near the Twin Falls that you can visit are <\/p>\n\n\n\n