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From mist to magic: 8 iconic waterfalls of southern Idaho

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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

A woman looking tiny in the photo stands next to the massive Perrine Coulee Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho.

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.

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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

Lemmon Falls in southern Idaho

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.

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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

Valley Vikings advance to 2A SRC Championship game against Oakley; Thursday Idaho prep scores

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Valley Vikings advance to 2A SRC Championship game against Oakley; Thursday Idaho prep scores


HAZELTON, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — It may have only been the semi-finals, but it was a championship atmosphere Thursday night at Valley High School.

The No. 3 Raft River Trojans traveled to take on the No.2 Vikings for the third time this season. They split the regular season at one game apiece.

Valley got off to a hot start from beyond the arc with four three-pointers in the first quarter as the Vikings led 19-0 after one.

Raft River came alive, however, in the second quarter, outscoring Valley 18-9 in the second quarter to give the Trojans a three-point lead into the break.

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The momentum wouldn’t last as the Viking came into the third quarter with aggression and would build up an 11-point lead.

Raft River battled back, but it was too little, too late, as the Vikings would win 59-52.

The Vikings had four scorers in double digits as senior Lexi Huettig led the way with 14. Sophomore Hailey Malone scored 13 and had a great game off the bench for the Vikings.

Senior Joanie Lewis scored 12, and sophomore Alora Godfrey had 10.

Ryan Udy led the Trojans with a game-high 19 points. Brooke Bingham added 12 points and nine rebounds.

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Valley will meet No. 1 Oakley for the third time this season in the Snake River Championship on Tuesday. Tipoff is set for 7:30 from the College of Southern Idaho.

Raft River will play Glenns Ferry on Friday in a loser-out game at Jerome High School.

Other girl’s basketball scores

6A High Country Conference

No. 4 Highland 56, No. 5 Canyon Ridge 31

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  • -Canyon Ridge is eliminated.

3A South East Idaho Conference

No. 2 Soda Springs 49 , No. 3 Wendell 32

  • Wendell will host Declo in a loser-out game on Monday

2A Snake River Tournament

No. 1 Oakley 54, No. 5 Murtaugh 20

  • Oakley advances to the championship and will play No. 2 Valley for the third time this season. Tip-off set for Tuesday at 7:30 from the College of Southern Idaho.
  • Murtaugh will take on Shoshone on Friday at Jerome High School in a loser-out game

No. 7 Shoshone 53, No. 6 Hagerman 34

  • Shoshone advances in the consolation side and will play Murtaugh on Friday in a loser-out game. Tipoff is set for 7:30 from Jerome High School.
  • Hagerman is eliminated.

Boys basketball scores

Interclass

Rockland 54 (1A), Hagerman 44 (2A, 11-7)

  • Ky Kendall had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. Wyatt Mavencamp scored nine.

5A

Twin Falls 62 (11-8, 8-0 GBC), Burley 40 (4-15, 3-5 GBC)

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Minico 57 (9-9, 7-1 GBC), Wood River 31 (1-18, 0-8 GBC)

Jerome 46 (7-11, 3-5 GBC), Mountain Home 30

2A

Glenns Ferry 66 (9-9, 7-7 SRC), Sun Valley Community School 37 (2-13, 2-12 SRC)

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Disability advocates gather at Idaho Capitol to support Medicaid expansion

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Disability advocates gather at Idaho Capitol to support Medicaid expansion


BOISE, Idaho — Disability advocates gathered at the Idaho State Capitol on Wednesday for Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness and advocating for policies that support people with disabilities.

For Ian, a longtime attendee, the event is a highlight of his year.

“This is one of my highlights of the year… I’m here basically to help, to give cheer, and to show other people that living by yourself with a disability is possible,” he said. “People with disabilities can do anything they put their mind to.”

One of the day’s key focuses was the impact of Medicaid expansion on Idahoans with disabilities. Medicaid expansion, approved by voters in 2018, has provided healthcare coverage to more than 80,000 Idahoans.

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For Nole, who has cerebral palsy, Medicaid is critical to his ability to live independently.

“If I lost my Medicaid coverage, that would not be good, and that would make my anxiety go through the roof,” he said.

However, as lawmakers consider measures to cut or cap Medicaid expansion, advocates warn of the potential consequences for people with disabilities.

State Rep. Marco Erickson (R) pushed back against the argument that Medicaid expansion is a financial burden for Idaho.

“There’s a narrative around here often that says it’s costing us a lot more money than it really is… It’s really a wash for us, and we’re getting $1.85 an hour back for every dollar we’re spending. So I think that’s a good investment for the state of Idaho,” Erickson said.

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For Ian and Nole, Medicaid is more than just a program—it is a lifeline to independence.

“People with disabilities are in the community, and they’re just like you and me,” Ian said. “Understanding this population is the first step toward acceptance.”





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Annual fly fishing expo returns to Idaho Falls next weekend – East Idaho News

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Annual fly fishing expo returns to Idaho Falls next weekend – East Idaho News


IDAHO FALLS — The 29th Annual East Idaho Fly Tying Expo will return to Idaho Falls’ Mountain America Center this month, once again looking to raise money for conservation efforts.

The event, organized and hosted by the Snake River Cutthroats — the local chapter of the nonprofit organization Trout Unlimited — will offer various activities, attractions and workshops.

“This is our annual fundraiser,” said spokesman Dave Pace. “This is where we make our money … and all the money we make on this show, we use to fund our conservation projects and our education projects throughout the year.”

This year’s two-day expo will run Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 and 15, and is admission-free.

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As with years past, there will be vendors, workshops, classes, and youth activities. This year, though, there will be even more than ever, according to Pace.

With some 20 new vendors — 64 altogether — the expo will span nearly the entire Mountain America Center arena, concourse and Blue Cross Conference Center.

“We started out just using the arena area, then last year we added a couple vendors out on the concourse,” Pace said. “This year, we’re taking up about two-thirds of the concourse with vendors.”

The event, Pace said, is perfect for anyone who has never tried fly fishing before — with beginner workshops, including those for women-only and youth-teaching-youth — or the experienced fly fishers searching for new gear. And with a casting pond inside the arena, shoppers will be able to try out the new rod before they make a purchase.

Because the event is a fundraiser, some attractions will require a fee. The workshops, which offer lessons in small groups — usually 10 students per instructor — are among them.

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But one event Pace is very excited about is the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, which will include a number of short films on fly fishing. The film festival will be held Friday beginning at 7 p.m. inside the Blue Cross Conference Center (which is inside the Mountain America Center). Admission to the film festival is $15.

There will also be raffles and a live auction. But donations to the Snake River Cutthroats’ conversation work can also be made on the organization’s website — here.

Members of multiple organizations, including the Snake River Cutthroats, stand on a newly constructed bridge. | Facebook

For more than 30 years, the Snake River Cutthroats have been involved in the care and maintenance of fisheries across eastern Idaho. Last year, money raised at the Fly Tying Expo went, among other projects, the construction of four ATV bridges at Rainey Creek, an area the organization has been working on for quite some time, Pace said.

“More recently, we’re working closer to home,” he said. “Rainey Creek has been a project of ours for close to 15 to 20 years. … Even though it’s the biggest tributary (to the South Fork), it’s the least-used. So it’s a big potential there that we’ve been trying to get opened back up. It’s been a hassle, but we’re still working on it.”

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With around 60 members from multiple organizations, they built the bridges to eliminate the use of stream-crossings, which contributed to damage and sediment brought to the area.

The organization is also involved in yearly stream, river and roadside cleanings, all of which are funded through money made at the expo.

For more information about the Snake River Cutthroats, including how you can donate your time, visit their website or Facebook page here.

For further information about the expo, visit its website or Facebook page.

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