Nature has been kind to Twin Falls, gifting it with one of the world’s highest waterfalls, a river canyon and thousands of fossils.
Twin Falls is a city that takes its name from a waterfall on the Snake River in South Central Idaho. Nearby are the Shoshone Falls, which has one of the highest drops in the world. The river’s canyon is a good spot for hiking and BASE jumping.
To the east of the city, visit the Twin Falls waterfalls, which are 125 feet (38 metres) high. Then head west to marvel at Shoshone Falls. At 212 feet (65 metres) high, these falls are higher than the Niagara Falls in Canada. It’s best to visit in spring, when water levels are highest. The region’s extremely dry climate contributes to an arid, rocky landscape in summer.
In the recreational complex at Shoshone Falls, cook up a barbecue on the supplied grills or let the kids clamber around in the playground. For panoramic views of the falls, trek along Snake River Canyon.
Get tips from the locals if you decide to BASE jump from the canyon’s 486-feet (148.1-metre) high Perrine Bridge. You don’t need a permit, but basic rules apply. Don’t miss the monument for Evel Knievel, who was to rocket across the canyon on a “Sky-Cycle” in 1974. The famous daredevil escaped with minor injuries after the attempt failed.
Drive out to the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, 35 miles (56 kilometres) northwest of Twin Falls. Find out about the evolution of horses and local plants and examine bones of a saber-toothed cat. While in the area, walk in the footsteps of early 19th-century fur traders on a section of the old Oregon Trail.
After enjoying the natural features of the area, visit the other attractions in Twin Falls city. Go shopping, play golf or browse the Herrett Centre for the Arts and Science. The museum has Native American artefacts, local art and planetarium with observatory.
Southern Idaho’s capital Boise is 128 miles (206 kilometres) to the northwest of Twin Falls by car. You can also fly to Twin Falls, with some airlines serving the nearby Magic Valley Regional Airport.
