7 Best Waterfall Hiking Locations in Idaho (2026 Updated)
These 7 Idaho waterfalls are reached on foot and rated highly by the people who hiked them, led by Copper Falls, Lower Mesa Falls, and Elk Creek Falls. The list spans the North Idaho Panhandle, Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho, and Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley.
How We Picked
We started with the 7 publicly accessible Idaho waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Copper Falls
Bonners Ferry, ID · Boundary County · North Idaho Panhandle
Why hike it
Reviewers describe the hike with words like "easy hike", so it suits most hikers. It is rated 5.0 stars by 36 Google reviewers. Copper Mountain, a summit 2.0 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 17 named falls in the North Idaho Panhandle region. The nearest town is Bonners Ferry, about 21 miles to the south.
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2. Lower Mesa Falls
Ashton, ID · Fremont County · Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho
Why hike it
On the trail: "Picturesque waterfall with an overlook reached by beginner-friendly & advanced forest hiking trails." It is rated 4.9 stars by 62 Google reviewers. 2 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Upper Mesa Falls and Sheep Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 6 named falls in the Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho region. The nearest town is Ashton, about 9.6 miles to the southwest.
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3. Elk Creek Falls
Orofino, ID · Clearwater County · North Idaho Panhandle
Why hike it
It is rated 4.9 stars by 38 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Bull Run Creek Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 17 named falls in the North Idaho Panhandle region. The nearest town is Orofino, about 18 miles to the south.
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4. Fall Creek Falls
Victor, ID · Bonneville County · Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho
Why hike it
It is rated 4.8 stars by 127 Google reviewers. It is one of 6 named falls in the Henrys Fork and Eastern Idaho region. The nearest town is Victor, about 17 miles to the northeast.
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5. Jump Creek Falls
Marsing, ID · Owyhee County · Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley
Why hike it
Reviews are mixed on difficulty, mentioning both "family hike" and "easy hike" and "rocky trails". It is rated 4.7 stars by 392 Google reviewers. It is one of 16 named falls in the Snake River Canyon and Magic Valley region. The nearest town is Marsing, about 7.4 miles to the northeast.
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6. Lady Face Falls
Idaho City, ID · Custer County · Central Idaho Mountains
Why hike it
It is rated 4.6 stars by 5 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Bridal Veil Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. McGowan Peak, a summit 1.5 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 27 named falls in the Central Idaho Mountains region. The nearest town is Idaho City, about 46 miles to the southwest.
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7. Grouse Creek Falls
Ponderay, ID · Bonner County · North Idaho Panhandle
Why hike it
It is rated 4.6 stars by 31 Google reviewers. Wylie Knob, a summit 1.8 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 17 named falls in the North Idaho Panhandle region. The nearest town is Ponderay, about 14 miles to the southwest.
When to Visit Idaho's Waterfalls
Snowmelt makes late spring the peak season across Idaho. In the Snake River Canyon, Shoshone Falls usually runs fullest from about April into early June; later in summer, upstream diversions for irrigation can reduce it to a fraction of its spring volume. Mesa Falls and the Panhandle falls generally peak in May and June as mountain snow melts. Central Idaho's higher-elevation falls may not be reachable until roads and trails clear of snow, often in late June or July, and flows remain decent through midsummer. Late summer and early fall bring lower water, smoke from wildfires in some years, and fall color in the northern forests. Winter is quiet; some canyon falls form ice, but many mountain roads are closed or unplowed.
Before You Go
Ownership in Idaho varies by region. Shoshone Falls is a city park in Twin Falls, while canyon falls around it mix city, state, private and federal land. Jump Creek Falls is on Bureau of Land Management land. In the mountains, most falls sit in national forests such as the Caribou-Targhee, Boise, Payette, Salmon-Challis, Nez Perce-Clearwater and Idaho Panhandle. Expect long gravel roads, seasonal closures and patchy cell service in central and north Idaho. Hazards include cold, swift snowmelt rivers, unstable basalt and canyon rims without railings, and slick rock in spray zones. Wildfire activity and smoke can close areas in late summer. Carry a paper map and plan fuel stops in remote counties.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. Hiking with children? Read waterfall hikes with kids.
Explore More Idaho Waterfalls
See all 66 waterfalls in the Idaho waterfall guide, or browse by town: Bonners Ferry, Ashton, Orofino, Victor, Marsing, Idaho City, Ponderay.
More Idaho Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking waterfall in Idaho?
Copper Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 5.0-star rating from 36 Google reviews. It is near Bonners Ferry in Boundary County.
How was this list made?
We started with the 7 publicly accessible Idaho waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager.
How many waterfalls are in Idaho?
Our directory lists 66 named waterfalls in Idaho. See them all, sorted by town, in the Idaho waterfall guide.
Why is Shoshone Falls lower in late summer?
Water from the Snake River is diverted upstream for irrigation during the growing season, so the falls carry much less water by mid to late summer. Spring, before diversions peak, is the best time to see it at full force.