Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, ID

The Snake River is home to the Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls, Idaho. Twin Falls was at one time close to the Oregon Trail which was used to get settlers from the eastern part of the United States to the western borders. Robert Stuart, who led the first successful overland expedition from Oregon to Missouri, is credited with helping the development of Twin Falls, Idaho.

The Shoshone Falls is about five miles from the town of Twin Falls. It is sometimes compared with Niagara Falls in New York and Canada. The falls are two hundred and twelve feet high, which is more than thirty five feet higher than Niagara Falls. The rim of Shoshone Falls is nine hundred feet wide.

There is a park that looks over the Shoshone Falls. It is operated by the cityof Twin Falls. The spring is the best time to see the falls as the water is quite high. The summer and fall may leave the Shoshone Falls without much water because the water from the Snake River is diverted for irrigation purposes.

Fish that are below the Shoshone Falls are the sturgeon, steelhead and salmon. The fish that reside in the area above the falls are the rainbow trout and the Yellowstone cutthroat trout. There are fourteen species of fish in the upper part of the Snake River. It is also home to snails and clams.

Many recreational facilities are available atShoshone Falls. There are playgrounds, beautifully landscaped picnic areas, hiking trails, and a scenic overlook. Visitors can launch their boats from the boat launch area and go for a dip in the swim area.

There are bathroom facilities along with a visitor information area. A nominal entrance fee is charged per car. Shaded grassy areas allow visitors to picnic or just relax and view the falls.

Shoshone Falls is open all year from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. The fee is three dollars per car, twenty dollars per bus and season passes are available for twenty five dollars. These can be purchased at the Twin Falls City Hall, theCity Parks and Recreation Office or at the Park Entrance.

Staying near the Shoshone Falls is easy as it is only three or so miles from Twin Falls, ID. Many of the major chain hotels are available such as the Hampton Inn, Red Lion, Super 8, Holiday Inn Express, Motel 6, and aBest Western. Several of the hotels are next to the Gorge walking path and have views of the canyon overlook.

The hotels are located in the downtown area so walking to shopping and dining can be very easy. Several of the hotels have their own restaurants or at least have a continental breakfast for their guests.

Twin Falls has many restaurants with varied cuisine choices. Places like the Depot Grill, Buffalo Caf,and 9 Beans & A Burrito serve homemade meals. They pride themselves on serving large portions so their customers don't go away hungry. There are also Italian, Chinese and chain restaurants in the vicinity.