Fall Creek Falls!!! One of the best landmark activities I have completed in 2024! What a lasting impression I'll have of this place. Feeling mighty blessed to have visited.
Fall Creek Falls is a waterfall area where you can view the falls from high above.....OR....you have the option of scrambling down to the base of the waterfall using the assistance of rope.
Once you're down at the bottom, you can absolutely go swimming in the waters which was refreshing for a hot day in July.
Fall Creek Falls is located 5 miles away from the town of Swan Valley, Idaho. It's in the eastern section of Idaho and not far from the Wyoming border. I discovered the falls by randomly looking for things to do in Driggs, Idaho and this was mentioned positively.
It's free to visit. You can plug "Fall Creek Falls" into Google Maps and you're good to go. Most of the road is paved along the way until the very last section. Simply pull off to the side like other cars there will be doing.
Fall Creek Falls is a 60 foot cascading waterfall with an extremely photogenic backdrop. The scene is terrific. Plus, it's not slippery so you can climb the rock walls of the falls.
The waterfall splashes down into little pools trickling into the Snake River. You can relax in these pools beside the falls...as if they were natural hot springs. It's a wonder to be here. Hard to put into words how special Fall Creek Falls is.
Even the Snake River is calm. You can float away without a worry in the world. You don't need to wear water shoes or flip flops. The ground is gentle on your feet. The water isn't too cold. Just remember to bring a bathing suit, lol.
I'd like to back up one moment and talk more about the experience of getting down to the base of Fall Creek Falls...
- Once you arrive and park, walk through the green shrubs of vegetation and you can view Fall Creek Falls from above. It's a quick 5 minute glance at the waterfall and the scenic Idaho setting, which at least for me...I have done far too little exploring of in this potato state.
- To find the section where you maneuver down to the base with the rope, it's located a few short steps to the right hand side along the rim of the cliffside. There's no trailhead or sign for it, but you'll instantly notice a clearing of the tall green shrubbery.
- I actually had to change my shoes before going down to the base. There's a pretty steep initial decline on dirt that I didn't feel comfortable about. I started questioning the strength of my footing and so I returned to my car and replaced my casual shoes with tennis sneakers with strong soles to give me the grip I needed. And this made all the difference in the world. Next, I made my way down confidently, but still used the rope for safety. If you have a fear of heights, the trek could be intimidating.
- Once down at the bottom, you walk through a tall green marshy swamp passage that unfolds into magic, like you've arrived at the holy grail. The background opens up and the beautiful cascading waterfall is in front of your eyes!
Most people then take their belongings off and start enjoying the waters. Funny extra note, right beside the falls...people were fishing in their little rowboats/dinghy's.
- While drying off afterwards, I noticed a few leaches attached to my bathing suit. I also had a ton of mud, dirt, grass and moss stuck in the undercarriage of my bathing suit. I couldn't believe how dirty I was just lounging in the river, so maybe be prepared for that.
- Lastly, I stopped on by at 4pm at the end of July and pretty much had the place to myself. It felt like a dream come true, honestly. Eventually, a few strangers showed up and it was pleasant to speak with them and hear about where their travels were taking them.
- Returning back to the top of the falls wasn't difficult. Just to be cautious, I used the assistance of the rope most of the way. And that's it, got back in my car and drove away feeling incredible fulfillment.
Fall Creek Falls is fantastic and one of the best waterfall attractions I have experienced in a long time. I highly suggest visiting if you're near the Swan Valley area of Idaho. Just want to thank the great outdoors for this opportunity. It's the fuel I needed to keep going while living life on the road. read more