Looking for an unforgettable adventure in Twin Falls, Idaho? Paddle to Shoshone Falls—the “Niagara of the West”—for epic canyon views and cascading waterfalls. It’s one of the most rewarding half-day trips you can take in southern Idaho, especially if you get to share it with people you love.
Here’s everything you need to know—plus a glimpse into our own experience.
📍 Start at Centennial Waterfront Park
Launch from Centennial Waterfront Park in Twin Falls. It’s the easiest access point to paddle the Snake River upstream toward Shoshone Falls.
My brother Trace and his wife Sheri suggested this route to us, and we jumped at the chance to meet up for some quality time on the water. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint!
🛶 Rentals & Gear
If you don’t have your own boat, you can rent from AWOL Adventure Sports right at the park. Vance and I rented a paddleboard and a sit-on-top kayak—$45 each for 6 hours, which is just about perfect for the round trip.
Trace and Sheri brought their own kayaks, and all of us were grinning from the moment we hit the water. There’s something really special about paddling through a canyon with people who share your sense of adventure.
🌊 What to Expect on the Water
You’ll paddle upstream along the Snake River, surrounded by steep canyon walls and stunning desert scenery. About halfway to the falls, you’ll reach Pillar Falls, a dramatic series of smaller waterfalls framed by towering rhyolite rock formations.
⛔️ You’ll need to portage around Pillar Falls—a 200-yard carry that requires two people per boat. It’s not too difficult, but it does add to the workout. Think of it as an adventure bonus. 😉
Pillar Falls is beautiful enough to be a standalone destination, but we pressed on. And I’m so glad we did.
🚫 About Swimming at Pillar Falls
Even if water levels seem low in summer, don’t swim here. The undercurrents are deceptively strong and have proven dangerous. Explore the rock formations on foot, but stay dry.
🪂 Bonus Sight: BASE Jumpers at Perrine Bridge
If you time it right, your paddle might come with a side of adrenaline—from someone else. The I.B. Perrine Bridge, which you’ll paddle under early in your journey, is one of the only places in the U.S. where BASE jumping is legal year-round without a permit.
We lucked out and saw five jumpers launch off the bridge around 10 a.m.—and it was absolutely wild. Watching them float down with such control and fearlessness was nothing short of inspiring.
You’ve got to respect BASE jumpers. I mean… I’d never do it, but I totally get why someone would. Maybe I’m a little crazy for admiring them so much. (Yeah, probably.)
🤯 The Payoff: Shoshone Falls
Just when your arms are getting tired (it’s actually not bad), you round a bend—and suddenly, Shoshone Falls roars into view. Towering 212 feet high and 900 feet wide, it’s a surreal experience to see it from the water.
Honestly, I was stunned. The size, the sound, the spray—it stopped me mid-paddle. I never thought we’d be able to float right up to the base of something so powerful and majestic.
💨 Plan for Wind
Ironically, the return trip can be tougher than the upstream paddle. In the afternoon, wind often blows upstream, making it feel like you’re paddling into a headwind even as the current flows with you.
If you’re on a paddleboard, kneel or sit to avoid turning into a human sail. Trust me—your legs (and your pride) will thank you.
❤️ Why This Trip Meant So Much
This paddle wasn’t just about the scenery. It was about sharing it—with Trace and Sheri, who we don’t get to see nearly enough, and with Vance, who makes every adventure better!
I’m so grateful for this life we’re living—a life where we can say yes to spontaneous adventures, where we can meet up with family in wild places, and where our “weekend plans” often look like this: fresh air, sore arms, and memories we’ll never forget.
This trip reminded me why we chase experiences over comfort and why we keep choosing the open road, together.
Final Tips
- Trip length: 8 miles round trip
- Time needed: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (due to distance, wind, and portage)
- Bring: Sunscreen, plenty of water, water shoes, dry bag, snacks, and a buddy per boat
🧭 The Bottom Line
If you’re in Twin Falls and want a half-day adventure that combines natural beauty, physical challenge, and unforgettable moments—paddle to Shoshone Falls. Do it with people you love, and I promise: it’ll be one of those stories you’ll tell again and again.