Kayak Your Way to Idaho’s Stunning Shoshone Falls

Standing 212 feet tall, Idaho’s iconic Shoshone Falls is a must-do when visiting the Gem State. But did you know there is more than one way to experience this towering waterfall? Many visitors enjoy Shoshone Falls from the viewing platforms at Shoshone Falls Park, but there’s an alternative and approachable way to come face-to-face with this wondrous waterfall. To experience Shoshone Falls from the river, you can take part in a kayak tour open to various skill and age levels. Here’s how it works.

Shoshone Falls Tour Overview

This 3-hour kayak tour operated by AWOL Adventure Sports offers various benefits compared to tackling this paddle on your own. The experience includes two guides, your kayak and paddle, safety gear, and the boat ride to and from Pillar Falls. There are up to three tours a day, and each trip is limited to a maximum of 10 guests. Single and tandem kayaks are available.

This excursion is recommended for those who can walk at least 400 yards across uneven terrain. Older children are allowed on the tour and should be prepared to walk the same distance.

Please note: There may be certain times when private watercraft are not allowed on the stretch of river between Pillar Falls and Shoshone Falls due to invasive species prevention tactics. At those times, the only way to reach Shoshone Falls is by tour.

What does the Shoshone Falls Tour Include?

To start, you’ll arrive at Centennial Waterfront Park set along the Snake River in Twin Falls. From here, you’ll head to the AWOL Adventure tent in the northwest corner of the park, where you’ll check in, meet the staff, and pick up your gear. Before the tour begins, you’ll have time to apply sunscreen and utilize the park restrooms. It’s important to note these are the only bathrooms available during the trip.

Guests walk a short distance from the meeting area to the Pillar Falls shuttle boat. The two-mile ride from the park to Pillar Falls takes about 10 minutes and is a fun and scenic way to see the Snake River Canyon. As you pass under the Perrine Bridge, watch for BASE jumpers.

The shuttle boat docks below Pillar Falls, and this is where the portage adventure begins. But what is a portage? It’s the carrying of boats or goods overland from one body of water to another or around an obstacle like rapids. In this case, Pillar Falls is not passable by boat due to rapids, so the detour is necessary. Keep in mind that this is a perk of the tour since you don’t have to haul your own kayak for this portage as the guides take care of that beforehand.

Paddles in hand, tour guests work their way through a small, forested area before emerging alongside Pillar Falls. The guides lead the group through the ups and downs of the basalt rock, carefully navigating the water and rocks and showing guests where and how to cross. Guests wade through water that may sometimes be knee-high, depending on the water level. The uneven terrain here is part of the reason durable river shoes like Chacos are recommended for the experience. Overall, the portage takes about 15 minutes and at the end, you’ll emerge in a small cove where your kayak is ready and waiting.

Once loaded in your kayak with the help of your guide, it’s time to paddle. It’s a tranquil two-mile trip from this point to Shoshone Falls. Take time to soak up the scenery of this area and look for wildlife like peregrine falcons and turkey vultures that call this canyon home.

It only takes 10 minutes of paddling to spot the first signs of Shoshone Falls. The mist from this giant waterfall sprays high into the air and can be seen before the actual falls. Twenty minutes later, you’ll hit the bouncy waves produced by the waterfall as you near the base.

The guides will help you safely dock your boat in a rocky area to the left of Shoshone Falls. From here, the guides show you where to walk, take photos, and admire the falls; if conditions are right, you can swim in the water adjacent to the falls while wearing a life jacket. The group will spend about 30 minutes at the waterfall’s base before embarking on the return trip.

With the group collected, you’ll enjoy a leisurely 30-minute paddle back down the Snake River to Pillar Falls where the shuttle boat will pick you up and return you to the park. With that, you can check Shoshone Falls off your Idaho bucket list!

Know Before You Go

• There is very little shade during this experience. Be prepared to be out in the sun for the duration of the trip and bring plenty of sunscreen.
• Water will be available during the tour but you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (no glass).
• Operating months may vary depending on water levels and safe access to Shoshone Falls. Check the website or call ahead for tour availability.

Feature image credited to Visit Idaho.