From the first time we saw a picture of someone in a kayak at the base of Shoshone Falls, we knew we had to do it. It was high on our bucket list for a few years before we accomplished it. After three years of full-time travel, it’s still one of our favorite memories. They don’t call Shoshone Falls the “Niagara of the West” for nothing. Located on the Snake River in Twin Falls, Idaho, the Shoshone Falls stands 212 feet tall. Most people only view these falls from the top, where you have a beautiful view from the scenic overlook area. But for those of us who are a little more adventurous, did you know you can kayak (or paddleboard) your way to the base of the falls?
Getting There
The most accessible route to the falls is via the Snake River from Centennial Park to Pillar Falls and beyond. Centennial Park has a great kayak put-in area. The park itself is a great place to have a picnic. Once you put your kayak in, you’ll continue to the right, under the bridge.
Pillar Falls
The area known as Pillar Falls is breathtaking in itself. If you only make it this far, you’ve still succeeded. This is about the halfway point to Shoshone Falls. I could have stayed here all day. This place is incredible and beautiful on its own. You will need to portage your kayak over this area to continue on to the falls. It’s not easy due to the sections of water and the uneven rocks, but it’s worth it! Don’t forget to make time to just enjoy Pillar Falls too. It’s a great place to just hang out for a couple of hours and have lunch.
Check out our video below!
Arriving at Shoshone Falls
The first time we visited Shoshone (from above) we learned that sometime during the summer they divert the water flow to irrigate local crops. There was hardly any water flow. So when we went back to kayak the Snake River up to Shoshone Falls, we knew it had to happen early in the year so we didn’t miss the falls. We went in May, which was perfect timing. If you’re looking forward to seeing the waterfall, definitely do not go in the fall season.
Did you know you can view the live feed of the falls before going? Make sure you check it out. It’s all incredibly beautiful, but if this is a trip of a lifetime and you arrive and see no water flowing, you may be disappointed.
We highly recommend taking this kayak trip to the falls. We’d love to go back and do it again, and maybe we will! Please let us know if you have any questions. It really is the trip of a lifetime and though we have seen the falls from many incredible locations, kayaking to the base of the falls was a perspective like no other.
Thank you for visiting our little corner of the internet. We hope you find some value in our information, and we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let us know if you have done a kayak trip down the Snake River too!
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