If you are hoping to see a waterfall while visiting Boise, there is one thing to know before you start. It is that you have to drive outside the city. This is because of the city’s landscape. Owing to its desert geography, waterfalls are scattered through the Owyhee Canyonlands, Snake River Canyon, and southern Idaho.
Besides, the good news is that these drives can be part of the fun. For a quick outing, Jump Creek Falls is the closest. Big Fiddler Creek Falls, Shoshone Falls, Malad Gorge, Ritter Island, and Box Canyon Springs are advised for longer day trips.
Recommendations from locals and past visitors also reveal that what they saw may differ from the photos. Water flow changes with the season. Easy-looking trails become rocky near the falls, and popular spots can get crowded on summer weekends. Nonetheless, here is what you can expect from each one.
6 Best Waterfalls Near Boise, Idaho
Boise is surrounded by waterfalls, from easy-to-reach spots close to the city to day trips across Southern Idaho. Of them, some are perfect for a quick stop, while others offer hiking and beautiful drives. Here are the six waterfalls worth visiting near Boise that make a great addition to your day trip.
1. Jump Creek Falls
If you want to check out a waterfall without wasting a whole day, Jump Creek Falls is an excellent choice. It is about 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Boise, near Marsing. The journey will take you about 50 minutes.
Visitor discussions show that they have a soft spot for this waterfall. Some visit the place for years and still think it is one of the best short hikes near Boise. However, not many people know about the place. When you go there on a summer weekend, you can expect full parking areas and a lot of people on the trail.
The trail is about 1 mile, but the canyon section includes stepping stones and loose rocks near the falls. For this reason, you will need some good hiking boots.
Further, the pool is another great reason to visit the place in hot weather, although the water can be extremely cold. Water shoes are also useful because of sharp rocks around the pool.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- There are two parking lots.
- One of them has restrooms and picnic tables.
- The place is free to visit.
- The other parking lot offers additional viewpoint paths.
- You may encounter poison ivy and ticks.
- Mobile phone signal may be weak or unavailable in some parts of the canyon.
- Dogs are allowed, but you should keep them leashed.
2. Big Fiddler Creek Falls
Big Fiddler Creek Falls is found in Elmore County, Idaho, in Boise National Forest. It falls about 170 feet over two drops into a gorge. Although the falls are referred to as Big Fiddler Creek Falls, the water actually comes from Wood Cabin Creek, which runs next to Big Fiddler Creek.
You can see the falls from the South Fork Boise River Scenic Byway, a 38-mile dirt and gravel road that runs between Anderson Ranch Reservoir and Arrowrock Reservoir. The falls are located just 8.5 miles across the canyon from the road.
To witness the falls from a close distance, you can park your car at 8.4 miles and then walk around the rocky rim of the canyon to take in the view. Because the falls are seasonal, spring is the best time to see them in full flow.
Points to remember before heading out there:
- The best time to visit is usually between April and June.
- The falls might dry up depending on the amount of snowmelt.
- The byway has dirt and gravel sections and can be rough.
- It is better to have a high-clearance vehicle for this trip.
- Generally, the road is open from March to November, depending on snow conditions.
3. Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls is nicknamed “Niagara of the West”. This is because the falls are higher than Niagara Falls in North America. However, before visiting, it is essential to check the water flow.
If you visit the falls during spring, you will see a powerful waterfall. If you go in summer, you might be disappointed, as there is not as much water as there is in photos. Local talks tell of late April to May is a suitable time to see strong flows.
Also, the falls are about 128 miles (206 km) from Boise, and it takes about 2.5 hours to get there by car via I-84. Also, you can visit the waterfall on a road trip from Boise to Twin Falls.
Some practical information includes:
- $5 entry fee per car
- Paved walkways leading to the viewpoints
- Gift shops
- Dierkes Lake for swimming and boating
- Pets are not allowed at the falls
- If you choose to go to the falls, make sure to check the flow conditions prior to the visit.
- Lastly, enjoy the canyon and waterfalls without expecting it to be miniature Niagara.
4. Devil’s Punchbowl
The next waterfall, Devil’s Punchbowl, is about 120 miles away (193 km) from Boise. It is close to highway I-84 near Gooding. Being a part of Malad Gorge, the Malad River flows through volcanic rocks and creates this waterfall. This fall drops into a large, bowl-shaped pool, which gives Devil’s Punchbowl its name.
You can see the waterfall from a footbridge over the gorge, but the better view comes after crossing the bridge and following the trail. In addition, the surrounding gorge, viewpoints, and rocky landscape also make this more than just a quick waterfall stop.
Here, you can expect:
- The fall is about 60 feet high
- Marvelous footbridge over the gorge
- Some rocky sections and limited shade
- The daily vehicle entry fee is $7
Tip: Give yourself extra time here. Some visitors planned to stay only 10-15 minutes and ended up spending an hour or more. The George is what makes the drive worthwhile. Hence, treat this place as a scenic park stop rather than a quick waterfall photo opportunity.
5. Ritter Island
Ritter Island is located in Thousand Springs State Park. It can be reached from Wendell in about two hours rounding a distance of approximately 120 miles (193 km). Even though you will not find a grand waterfall on Ritter Island, you will be able to see pure spring water flowing from the walls of the canyon and directed into the Snake River. Commonly, visitors describe the site as peaceful, green, and quiet, with numerous waterfalls, short trails, and historic buildings.
Things you will be able to do there are:
- Short walks
- Waterfall viewing
- Picnic
- Fishing
- Kayaking around the area
- Exploring the historic site
- You will be able to find restrooms and picnic tables; however, access is seasonal.
- Visitors mention that it is often difficult to find out the precise opening hours and the site availability for private booking.
- So it would be better to check this information beforehand.
Note: It should also be pointed out that some visitors note the presence of ongoing construction nearby that may influence the view.
6. Box Canyon Springs Preserve
Box Canyon Springs Preserve is approximately 118 miles (189 km) away from Boise, which means it would take roughly 2 hours to reach there. It is famous for its scenic springs and canyons, but it has a lot of trails that can be difficult to walk on.
The trail going downhill is not easy. This is because the trail may be rocky and steep, which is why wearing good footwear is important.
The highlights of this place are its pools that have clear water and a blue-green color. You can swim in those pools. However, the water would be approximately 50°F, which may not be that inviting to swim in.
Here’s what to know before visiting:
- It takes approximately 2 hours to reach this place from Boise.
- You would have to walk about 0.5 miles one way to reach the main area.
- The entrance fee is $7 per car.
- There are steep and rocky places along the way.
- It is also good for those who are active enough to go hiking.
- One tip is to think about the hike down may be easy, but the uphill walk back can be more tiring.
Summing Up…
All in all, for a quick half-day trip, I would pick Jump Creek Falls. However, if accessibility matters most, Shoshone Falls is hard to beat. Besides, for a longer outdoor adventure and drives, the other mentioned falls are worth the drive.
A car makes these trips much easier, especially if you want to visit more than one waterfall. Hence, check Boise Car Rentals before heading out. Also, keep in mind that drive times can change with road conditions and your exact starting point in Boise.
