When Dustin’s longtime friends invited us to visit them in Boise, Idaho, neither of us knew what to expect. Dustin was under the impression that Idaho was mostly flat with fields of potatoes. I know, geography is not our strongest point… To convince us, Brian kept sending us these gorgeous photos of all these awesome areas near Boise. One of them was Shoshone Falls. I was sold when I first set eyes on this magnificent fall. As I did more research, I found out that we can actually kayak to the bottom of it. Just like that, our flight tickets were booked and our bucket list had one more thing written on it. You can read more about the history and stats of Shoshone Falls here.

STATS:

Where: Centennial Waterfront Park: Canyon Springs Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83301

Coordinates: 42.601099, -114.470614

Rental Company: AWOL Adventure Sports

Parking: paved parking lot with free parking. Restrooms are available.

Distance: 7.5 miles R.T.

Level: Difficult (because of the portage in the middle)

Estimated Completion Time: 6 hours

Ideal Weather: End of June and July seems to be the best time to go. The water level at the portage is low enough for you to be able to carry your kayak/paddle board over, but still high enough to make Shoshone Falls impressive. Calm days are the best to avoid strong headwinds.

Ideal Time: Early morning. The wind usually picks up toward the evening. Also, the water level rises toward the evening time, which makes the portage extremely difficult to navigate.

GETTING THERE:

Shoshone Falls were about 2 hours and 150 miles away from our friends’ house in Boise. I must say that some parts of the drive are a little bit on the boring side. Seemingly endless amounts of plain fields with not a lot of interesting features. To kayak to the bottom of the falls, I believe Centennial Waterfront Park is the closest place you can drop your kayak down on the snake river. We’ve seen people bring their own kayaks and paddle boards to drop down from here. Since we were visiting, we couldn’t bring our own kayaks. Lucky for us, AWOL Adventure Sports has their rental booth set up right in the park.

Once we turned onto Canyon Spring Road, we found ourselves driving down a somewhat steep road with several switchbacks on it. After the first curve, we were treated to a beautiful view of the Perrine Memorial Bridge, as it spanned 1,499 feet across and 486 feet above the Snake River. Feel free to stop just before the second switchback to get a couple of photos of the bridge. Follow the road to access Centennial Waterfront Park. You should soon see AWOL Adventure Sports on your left. If you continue just a bit further, you should see the parking lot on the right. There were quite a few parking spots when we got there, but then again we went on Tuesday.





After we parked, we headed over to the AWOL’s E-Z Up in front of the shipping container where we greeted by Maddie. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the adventure that we were about to embark on. Maddie informed us that we were going to need at least 6-8 hours for the trip. We got there on the latter side, around 1 pm, since we didn’t expect this adventure to take more than 4 hours. Maddie mentioned that part of the challenge would be carrying our kayak from one section of the river to the upper one. She also warned us not to hang out below the Perrine Bridge, because, unfortunately, people like to throw things off of the top.

We rented two single kayaks for 8 hours. Prices may change, but at the time of our adventure, it cost about $75. Even when they close around 8:30, they told us that we can bring the kayaks back around 9 pm since we had a late start. Maddie then wished us luck, handed us a paddle and life jacket and pointed us in the direction of the dock where we could pick up our kayaks. We were pleased when we arrived at the docks to see that we would be making the journey in two Perception sit-in kayaks. They were quite nice for rentals. AWOL had a really neat dock with rollers on it so you can get into your kayak and then they roll you down the ramp into the water. This is much easier than trying to get into a kayak in the water from a dock!





THE JOURNEY:

Once in the water, we got our bearings and checked out the water conditions. The current isn’t very fast, but you are heading upstream on the way to the falls. Our main challenge that day was the wind. It was blowing upstream, which help on the way there. However, it kind of canceled out the current on our way home. To get to the falls, you will need to paddle toward the Perrine Bridge. The first leg of your journey is easy. The water was quite calm, and smooth despite the wind. It was a very pleasant and beautiful trek with little waterfalls running down the side of the canyon walls along the way. Around 2 mile mark, you will encounter Pillar Falls. This is your first series of waterfalls. This is where you need to pick up your kayak and carry it over to the other side of the falls. The easiest way is to approach it from the right-hand side.





Besides the wind factor, this is the main reason you want to get an earlier start. On our way back, they appeared to have opened up the dam a little more. The majority of the trail was now underwater which made it even more challenging. If I had to guess, I would put the single seat kayaks at around 40-45 pounds. We had attempted to both carry one end of the kayak, with Dustin being in the back. However, Dustin found himself tripping over rocks and other obstacles. He found it to be easier just to just flip the kayak upside down and carry it over his head. This wasn’t the easiest task though, considering that you have to carry each kayak, 280 yards with 28 ft elevation gain as well as over and around various obstacles. But we were on a mission and Dustin’s beast mode kicked in.

WATER SHOES ARE A MUST!! We forgot to pack ours. It would have made our lives so much easier as we trekked through the water-filled areas and mossy, slippery rocks. Even though it was only about 800 ft, the trail seemed so much longer.





After about 30 minutes or so, Dustin got both of kayaks up to the other side of the Pillar Falls. There were a few people hanging out on the beach area on that side. I believe there is a trail for you to hike down to the Pillar Falls from the top. We didn’t really have a chance to explore it. After taking a quick break and a few photos, we were ready to begin part 2 of the kayak trek to Shoshone falls.

This second part is only 1.5 miles till you are at the base of the falls. The actual kayaking part is very easy as the river is quite calm. The most difficult part is the carrying part. We did run into an older couple at the beginning of the portage. They were on their way back from the falls. They made the carrying of the kayaks seem so effortless. The great news is that it doesn’t appear that people either A) Know that you can go to Shoshone falls this way or B) Want to put the effort, or have enough strength to get the kayaks up to the second portion of the journey. Either way, we had this second part all to ourselves.





You will definitely not have to contend with any motorized boats because there is no access to this part of the river for them. The wind appeared to die down for us and we made it to the falls with ease. As soon as we went around the corner, we got our first peek at the massive falls.

It gets better and better the closer you get to it. The absolute deluge of water that was flowing over the falls was awe-inspiring. It beckoned us to come closer. Be careful if you decide to paddle closer. The wind picked up once we got close. Between the wind and the current, we could have been sucked into the falls. It is also very misty at the base. If you bring a camera, keep an eye out for your lens. The water from the mist will leave you with some very stubborn water spots on your lens. Luckily, Dustin always packs an extra LensPen in the car that has a cleaning compound that got all of the spots out!





Everything was epic about the falls. The roar sounded like Poseidon himself was laughing with delight as the water plunged 212 feet over the edge. There is a hydroelectric plant on the left of the falls. If you look up to your right, you can see the viewing docks above. We found a nice little spot on the right-hand side to beach our kayaks and take in the magnificent view. Make sure to watch out for rocks when beaching your kayaks. It will scrape up the bottom of the kayaks.





Time flew by as we sat there, gazing at this incredible force of nature. Next thing we knew, it was time to head back. As we were on our way out, I spotted a couple of openings to what looked like some super cool caves. We pulled our kayaks over and went exploring. The caves themselves were shallow, however, still such a neat spot to stop and take a quick look.

Once we got to the portage at Pillar Falls, as we mentioned earlier, the water level had risen up significantly. The once dry land was now covered with fast-moving water. During the Winter or Spring, the overflowing of water makes the passage to Shoshone Falls impossible. It was already difficult enough to have to carry your kayaks up the hill. It was even more dangerous now, carrying them in knee-deep water. Everything became extremely treacherous. The water was murky so you can’t see where you are going. Avoid dark patches, as those are rocks covered in moss. They are very slippery. Dustin was such a champ. He braved one step at the time, bringing our kayaks to the other side. The water was high enough toward the end of the trail that we were able to surf our kayaks out onto the open river.





The way back was quite uneventful. The headwind picked up so it was harder paddling back. Since it was toward the evening, there were a lot more people on the river, kayaking, paddling, and a few occasional motorboats. Make sure to watch out for the motorboats. At one part of the river when you get close to Perinne bridge, on the right-hand side, there were tons of swallow nests on the side of the canyon wall. All the birds are out in the evening. We didn’t even notice them in the morning. Once you get to the dock, they have a dry dock where an employee from AWOL will be there to pull you up from the water. It made it super easy to exit your kayaks. That’s it! You made it! It was definitely an incredible experience that we were able to cross off our bucket list.





If you want to check out Shoshone Falls itself from the top, you can go straight to Shoshone Falls Park, about 7.5 miles away. Along the way, don’t forget to stop by Twin Falls visitor center near Perrine Memorial Bridge. It is such a beautiful viewpoint where not only you can watch the base jumpers make the jump over the bridge, you can also see the expansive view of the Snake River. We were sad that we didn’t have enough time to experience the base jump. I guess there’s always next time! The view from the top of the Shoshone Falls is also incredible. You can definitely feel the power of the rushing water and see another perspective of this amazing falls. It costs $3 to get into the Shoshone Falls Park. Another fun activity that you can do in Southern Idaho is the Boise River float. Check out our adventure and directions here.





If you’re into kayaking, don’t forget to check out our kayaking adventure at Lake Tahoe.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!



RECOMMEND GEAR:

Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

• Sunscreen:

Make sure to bring lots of sunscreens. There is no shade on the river. You will be very exposed to the sun.

We use eco-friendly sunscreen, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen.

• Water shoes!!

This is a MUST!! You will thank us as you cross over the running water at the portage.

We didn’t pack our shoes with us, but we usually use ALEADER Women’s Mesh Slip-on Water Shoes for Vy’s shoes and ALEADER Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes for Dustin’s shoes

• Water

Lots of water! It gets toasty on the river since you are exposed to the sun. It is also a long journey.

• Dry bag

For your extra towels, sunscreen, camera, and phones, etc. We use Field and Stream Dry Bag.

The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag also works amazing.

• Lunch and snacks

It’s good to tame the hangry monster.

• Towels

In case you want to play in the water.

• Jacket

The wind picked up in the evening. It can get a little bit breezy.

• Life jacket

The rental company will supply them. However, if you are going to bring your own kayak or paddleboard, make sure to have these puppies on the watercraft with you. The water is deep and you are a long way from civilization.

• Waterproof Phone Case

Not required but it is nice to have. Especially if you like to take photos with your phone or playing music. It will get wet. Our phone cases were donated by my sister. She got the Mpow Waterproof Case.

CAMERA GEAR:

• Camera:

Sony a99

Gopro Hero 6 Black

• Lenses:

Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens

• Accessories:

Lenspen



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