Shoshone Falls, Idaho
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Your RV road trip through Idaho will be filled with beautiful scenery just about anywhere you go, but perhaps nothing will be as memorable as Shoshone Falls. The famous Snake River, winding in from Wyoming, carved its way through a canyon over many thousands of years and has provided us with this incredible water feature. Standing at 212 feet tall, the Shoshone Falls are sometimes referred to as the “Niagara of the West” and their power is something truly special to witness.
The falls are at their most impressive flow in the springtime when the snowpack in the mountains upstream begins to melt. Visitors have been making their way to Shoshone Falls since the time of the historic Oregon Trail to pay their respects to this powerful force of nature. The modern-day park is ready to welcome RV adventurers for a day of exploration and wonder as you explore the falls and beautiful surrounding land.
The cold mountain water that flows down from the mountains makes for fantastic regional fishing for trout. The Snake River is nationally renowned for its massive brown and rainbow trout. If you’re really looking for a challenge, the river is also well-known for the prehistoric White Sturgeon. These impressive fish can reach weights in excess of 500 pounds and are strong fighters.
For a more relaxed and quaint fishing setting, anglers can also head over to nearby Dierkes Lake. Here, you will find plentiful bluegill, largemouth bass, and a few trout. The trail that surrounds the little lake makes it easy to access and fish by foot.
If you’d either like to have more control over your fishing situation or you would like to view the falls up close, the Centennial Boat Launch is available for you to put your kayak in. It’s a few miles from the falls themselves but is perfectly located to still enjoy the area. Be aware that the river flow can be hazardously fast in the spring during peak snow melt. Snake River travel by kayak is best starting at the end of June for both safety and comfort.
If you are dying to paddle to the base of the falls themselves, it is possible and not terribly challenging for those with a little experience. The journey will be about eight miles, round trip, which includes a portage of 280 yards and your time investment will be somewhere around six hours. If you’re willing to put in the effort, local kayakers say the unique experience is definitely worth it.
Get out and stretch your legs on the park’s three hiking trails. The most popular one is the paved, easy trail that leads out to the observation deck. The half-mile stroll will lead you to the elevated platform where you can get some of the most picturesque views of the falls.
The other two trails explore the surrounding lands for a more comprehensive appreciation of the area. If you enjoy longer hikes, the 12.6-mile Canyon Rim Trail will work down the river canyon’s ridge to the town of Twin Falls. The Canyon Rim Trail is paved with relatively mild elevation gain so it’s good for casual cyclists as well. The Dierkes Lake Trail is about two miles in length and surrounds the small lake near the falls. This trail offers great access to the lake for fishing as mentioned earlier.
If you tend to pack your clubs for every vacation, you’re in luck during your visit to the Shoshone Falls area. The public Canyon Springs Golf Course offers an incredibly scenic mountain river golfing experience. Waterfalls, rock faces, and remarkable canyon views adorn the sprawling fairways for 18 holes that you soon won’t forget.
The championship par 72 course measures 6,763 yards from the tips and features a variety of risk-reward shots that require skillful navigation of water and bunkers. The onsite bar and grill are also ready to refuel hungry and thirsty golfers after their rounds. One interesting thing to note is that the canyon creates a unique microclimate that allows the course to remain open year-round.
The views of the canyon and falls are impressive from the observation deck, but if you’re feeling adventurous, how about shooting yourself across the canyon at 45 miles an hour instead? A few miles downriver from the falls, the AWOL Adventure Sports group offers these heart-pounding zipline tours from Centennial Park. Four different zip lines will give you views like you’ve never imagined with the longest line measuring an impressive 1,750 feet long.
Zip line tours are available spring through fall and reservations are required. You should expect the tour to take one-to-two hours, depending on the size of the group and close-toed shoes are necessary. Children are allowed to participate, however a minimum weight of 50 pounds is strictly enforced.
On the north side of the falls right off of I-84, the Anderson Camp has tons of amenities to keep kids and adults happy and comfortable. Full hookup RV campsites will cover all of your day-to-day needs along with laundry services, Wi-Fi, and propane service. The onsite convenience store and gas station are also a huge plus. For fun, check out the 18-hole mini golf course, snack bar, and two swimming pools with a 100-foot water slide.
About 6 miles to the southwest of the falls, you’ll find Twin Falls 93 RV Park in the small town of Filer. The park has an open atmosphere with greenery and white fencing, resembling a pasture of sorts. RV campsites offer full hookup service year-round and can accommodate big rigs up to 80 feet in length. Bathhouses, laundry facilities, and full-service restrooms are available for your comfort. There is a small pond for fishing and horseshoe pits for entertainment. Otherwise, this park is a quiet one and a good option for campers looking for a relaxing and peaceful camping experience.
The Twin Falls/Jerome KOA campground is located right off I-84 a couple miles north of the Snake River and has plenty of amenities to keep everyone entertained. Your full hookup RV site will fit rigs up 90 feet in length and provide up to 50-amp electrical service. Unique amenities include a fishing pond, heated swimming pool, bike rentals, and a variety of staff-hosted activities like craft hours and ice cream socials. An onsite café also serves hot breakfasts and dinners for hungry campers.
Just five miles to the south of Shoshone Falls, the Oregon Trail Campground. Here, you’ll find everything you need including full hookup campsites, bathhouses, Wi-Fi, and ice service. The primary advantage of this particular campground is its close proximity to the town of Twin Falls where you’ll find a nice variety of dining and shopping options.
Head south for about 20 miles for an incredibly unique camping experience at the Nat Soo Pah Hot Springs and Campground. The natural mineral hot springs have been tapped and channeled into a modern pool, complete with a water slide. For RV camping, full hookup sites are available with 30-amp electrical and a dump station for your convenience. Additional amenities include bathhouses, horseshoe pits, and a snack bar.
The park at the falls is a simple one and as far as dining facilities go, all you’ll find are some picnic tables and benches. This is great for a scenic snack or lunch, but you will need to head into town to enjoy a proper meal.
To find plentiful dining options, all you’ll need to do is head a couple miles west into Twin Falls. Here, you’ll find Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Thai, craft breweries, and plenty of American eateries. There are also a ton of popular chains you can find throughout town. The hungry and thirsty camper will not go wanting in the town of Twin Falls.
No matter where you stay, the majesty of Shoshone Falls will be one of your fondest memories from your RV road trip through the great Gem State.