Idaho Waterfalls - Shoshone, Upper Mesa, and Cave & Big Springs


There are over 100 waterfalls in Idaho.....63 actually listed and named by the Geographic Names Information System.   We were fortunate to have visited 3 of the Falls and also nearby Big Springs.

 Shoshone Falls - located in Twin Falls on the Snake River.  It is referred to as the Niagara of the West. (45 feet higher than Niagara).  It's 212 feet high and 1000 feet wide.  Two years ago we visited in the fall of a drought year and the falls were a trickle  this year water was abundant and the falls were spectacular.




 Upper Mesa Falls -  We visited these falls several times - early May when there was still snow on the ground and again in July when our cousins - the Gafverts (Rick, Peg, Sidney and Kaylin) visited and again when Shantal and the grandkids visited.  This waterfall is located on Henry's Fork in the Caribou Targhee National Forest.  It was a quick drive from our work camp home base in Ashton - only 16 miles.  The falls are approximately 114 feet high and 200 feet wide.  Visitor Center Advice - If it doesn't kill you, if makes you stronger.  EXCEPT BEARS - Bears will kill you.   YIKES - stay away from bears.
Cave Falls - these falls were an hour from Ashton located in SW Yellowstone.  The name comes from a large cave that was off the side of the falls - due to a landslide the cave is no longer accessible.   The falls aren't very high - 20 feet, but they are 250 feet wide.   It's a good day trip and Tom was able to take the top off the jeep for our drive.

Big Springs - is the primary water source for the Snake River.  The Spring produces over 120 million gallons of water each day.   It is one of the 40 largest springs in the US...with water originating from the Yellowstone Plateau.   Really amazing to be at the start of the Snake River.    When you visit, bring your bread crumbs, as there are large trout visible from the nearby bridge.  You will experience a fish frenzy.


Comments

  1. kcorrieAugust 18, 2019 at 8:07 PM

    Beautiful! We’ve seen Shoshone Falls several times, and they are spectacular when the water is plentiful.

    ReplyDelete

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