Idaho

From mist to magic: 8 iconic waterfalls of southern Idaho

Published

1 year ago

February 1, 2025

From mist to magic: 8 iconic waterfalls of southern Idaho

When considering places to see waterfalls, southern Idaho may not be the first place to come to mind. However, the region’s rolling hills, ancient volcanic formations, and deep canyons house some of America’s most unique waterfalls. Julie and I recently explored the area to discover its cascade wonders. We highlight eight waterfalls in southern Idaho that should be on your travel bucket list.

Shoshone Falls

Julie and I were apprehensive when we heard Shoshone Falls is dubbed the “Niagara of the West.” Well, seeing is believing. Much like Niagara, Shoshone Falls may not be the tallest waterfall, but you cannot deny its allure. Shoshone Falls quickly won us over with its raw power and sheer volume. In a word, we were mesmerized.

You will find the 212-foot natural wonder in Twin Falls, less than a two-hour drive southwest of the surreal . Shoshone Falls Park provides various vantage points along the rim and gorge where you can savor the view. We encourage you to try a few of the different perspectives.

Perrine Coulee Falls

Our favorite waterfall on the list, Perrine Coulee Falls, gives you the rare opportunity to see the backside of water. That’s right. You can walk behind the plunging waterfall that drops nearly 200 feet over a cliff nestled in the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. Be warned. You will get wet, but the experience and the views are worth it! Julie and I loved it so much that we went back to see it the following day.

As a bonus, the nearby stretches 1,500 feet across the Snake River, 486 feet above the canyon. Seeing the bridge and the Snake River Canyon took our breath. It is the only bridge in America where BASE jumpers can legally jump year-round. I encourage you to stop by the bridge early in the morning for the best odds of seeing BASE jumpers. It is something we will never forget.

Pillar Falls

Perrine Bridge over Snake River at Twin Falls, Idaho, USA

While in Twin Falls, be sure to check out Pillar Falls as well. The best way to reach the natural wonder is by a pontoon boat ride or kayaking from Centennial Waterfront Park, one of the many . Trust me—it is worth it. You gain spectacular views of the Perrine Bridge and the Snake River from the canyon. Keep a watchful eye on the bridge. We were fortunate to witness a BASE jumper during our voyage to Pillar Falls.

Massive rock formations create a unique landscape, resembling pillars that soar above a waterfall shelf. The timing of your visit will impact the size of the falls. Although the waterfall may not be tall during summer, the views and the overall experience are so rewarding that it is still worthwhile.

Minnie Miller Falls

The small town of Hagerman is home to Thousand Springs State Park, which consists of six unique units. One of those units, Ritter Island, sits between two natural springs along the legendary Snake River. Julie and I could not believe how crystal clear the water was in these springs. Surrounded by lush green plants and towering basalt cliffs, you cannot help but gaze in awe.

You will walk across a footbridge to reach the island. After a short stroll on the island, you will discover several streams cascading down a cliff covered with verdant vegetation. It is unique, if not peace-inducing. During your visit, spend a little time touring the historic dairy farm.

Lemmon Falls

After visiting Minnie Miller Falls, check out Lemmon Falls on the mainland across from Ritter Island. With a short walk, you will observe two gushing streams pour over a bluff, combining into a wide waterfall descending the cliff.

Lemmon Falls is the most impressive of the two waterfalls at Ritter Island. However, both are worth your time. Since these two are so close together, enjoy a morning or afternoon of exploring the natural beauty and history of Ritter Island and Minnie Miller Farm.

Niagara Springs

Part of Thousand Springs State Park, Niagara Springs, is reminiscent of Minnie Miller Falls with a closer vantage point. The drive into a 350-foot-deep section of the Snake River Canyon is half the fun of accessing this waterfall. Please note the narrow road is steep and full of curves. The drive eventually yields a roadside view of white rapids tumbling through lush green cliffside vegetation. Keep a watchful eye. The area is known to attract birds and wildlife.

Malad Gorge and Devil’s Washbowl

The Malad River winds through the famous Malad Gorge under a dramatic sky in southern Idaho.

Many consider Malad Gorge the crown jewel of Thousand Springs State Park. The Malad River, a 12-mile-long tributary of the Snake River, carves a canyon through basalt rock, tumbling over a cliff and into a deep basin called the Devil’s Washbowl.

Julie and I thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We marveled at the massive black rock gorge and spotted quails and yellow-bellied marmots. You can view the gorge by walking across a footbridge and from various overlooks along a short drive through the park.

Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve

Yet another section of Thousand Springs State Park, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs, requires a hike into its namesake canyon. Along the way, you will savor spectacular views of the canyon. Your reward is a breathtaking scene of a 20-foot waterfall thundering over rocks into a crystal-clear pool of water.

Plan Your Southern Idaho Adventure

Whether you want to discover natural attractions on foot or by car, southern Idaho has it all. Julie and I enjoyed exploring the region’s deep rocky canyons and ancient volcanic formations. Although a surprise, the southern Idaho waterfalls made a lasting impression.

As you plan your adventures, check out our recommended . These are among some of our favorite lodgings throughout the country. Never stop exploring!

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Idaho

Idaho lawmakers introduce bill to phase out state funding for Hispanic Affairs commission

Published

1 hour ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Idaho lawmakers introduce bill to phase out state funding for Hispanic Affairs commission

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho lawmakers have introduced legislation that would phase out state funding for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs while keeping the commission in place.

The proposal, introduced by Rep. Jeff Ehlers, would gradually eliminate general fund support for the commission by July 1, 2028. The commission would continue to operate but would need to rely on private funding.

Rep. Ehlers told the House Revenue and Taxation Committee on Thursday that the proposal came from recommendations by Idaho’s DOGE Task Force, which reviewed government programs and spending.

READ MORE | Idaho DOGE Task Force recommends defunding Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs

The bill would also eliminate the commission from a list of organizations eligible for a state income tax charitable contribution credit.

Rep. Steve Berch questioned why the legislation would remove both state funding and the tax credit option, saying it could make it more difficult for the commission to raise money.

“I hate to use this word, but I’m really offended by this specific effort to make it that much more difficult for private citizens to be able to contribute to the Hispanic commission,” Rep. Berch said in committee. “I don’t think this can be justified from a financial point of view, and quite frankly, I don’t think it can be justified from a moral point of view.”

In response, Rep. Jason Monks said that it would be more “offensive” to not allow further discussion of the bill before a final decision is made.

The proposal comes after an earlier attempt this session to eliminate the commission entirely. In January, Rep. Heather Scott presented a draft bill that would have removed all references to the commission from Idaho law and dissolved it by July 1, but that measure failed to advance out of committee.

The committee ultimately voted on Thursday to introduce the legislation, allowing it to be printed and advanced for further debate.

This story has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Idaho

Local woman having ‘closet revival’ with new consignment store – East Idaho News

Published

13 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Local woman having ‘closet revival’ with new consignment store – East Idaho News

Shanea Fulks is the owner of Seven Sisters Closet Revival, a new consignment store at 260 South Woodruff in Idaho Falls. Take a look inside in the video above. | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com

Do you want to know what’s happening in the eastern Idaho business scene? We’ve got you covered. Here is a rundown of this week’s business news across the valley.

BIZ BUZZ

IDAHO FALLS

New consignment shop in Idaho Falls offers vintage clothes for customers and booth space for sellers

Clothes on display at Seven Sisters Closet Revival | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com

IDAHO FALLS – Curating vintage clothing is Shanea Fulks’s passion, and she’s sharing it with the community through a new business venture.

Seven Sisters Closet Revival opens Saturday at 260 South Woodruff inside Parkwood Plaza in Idaho Falls. It offers racks of vintage clothes for customers and booth space for others to sell their items.

“You get a rack with shelves, and you can come in throughout the week and sell things,” Fulks tells EastIdahoNews.com. “The things you’ll see in the middle of the store are pieces that I have curated. I hand-pick all the things I bring to the store.”

See some of the items in the video above.

Fulks says she’s had multiple people walk in already who are excited about the shop.

The store will have a grand opening this weekend. Fulks is partnering with the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting and open house at noon on Friday. A local band will be performing during the event.

Then on Saturday, a grand opening celebration will begin at 2 p.m. Several vendors and live entertainment will be available. Fulks says she’s looking forward to interacting with the community.

Fulks has been selling items from her personal collection online for years. After helping a mother and daughter find a formal dress during an interaction at another shop in town several years ago, Fulks says she realized there was a need for a store like this.

After about a year of working with real estate agents, Fulks says the Parkwood Plaza space formerly occupied by a beauty salon called Blush became available, and it was an ideal fit.

“It’s just been a whirlwind and we’re just trying to get it going,” says Fulks.

A rack of sweaters at Seven Sisters Closet Revival | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com

Fulks’ interest in fashion stems back to childhood. She lost her dad and stepdad to suicide at a young age and grew up in a household that struggled to make ends meet. As a result, she says they bought clothes at Goodwill and other secondhand stores.

She remembers being made fun of because of the clothes she wore. In time, she learned to embrace her uniqueness and developed an interest in vintage clothes.

“I’ve just always been attracted to old sweaters, military jackets (her dad served in Vietnam),” Fulks says. “I like to help people feel confident wearing something unique, even if it’s not trendy. Be bold and wear whatever you want.”

The idea of making the most of your circumstances and embracing who you are is inspired by her experience with suicide, and it’s reflected in the art that’s on display in her store.

“Part of the theme in my store is ‘Stay. We need you,’” she says.

Art on display at Seven Sisters Closet Revival | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com

The business name refers to her family. She comes from a blended family of six girls and four boys. When she and her husband were married, they had a daughter — the seventh sister.

Fulks says she’s looking forward to offering great deals to customers. She has two sons with autism who love art, and she wants to host art-themed events for people with special needs. She’d also like to host tea parties and other events in the future.

“I want people to come and feel like they belong,” she says. “I’m going to allow people to do karaoke. When you’re here, I want you to feel like you can have fun.”

Seven Sisters Closet Revival will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.