So awesome sight seeing. The water was so clear. Could see the fish swimming with such carefree…read moremovements. Seen a guy up to his knees in that snow run-off water fly fishing. Hope he caught something.

I am really confused. How is this possible??? I thought Idaho was known as..."the potato state"…read more But I am wrong. I admit it and I take responsibility. Idaho is really known for its WATERFALLS!!! Yes, waterfalls! I am from Florida and now I know going forward, if you're interested in exploring around some of the USA's most beautiful waterfalls...then come visit Idaho! And so with that dramatic introduction, lol...I'd like to present, well...it's not really Ritter Island State Park...it's more like...LEMMON FALLS located inside Ritter Island. Lemmon Falls is absolutely jaw dropping fantastic! It was the highlight of my visit here. I don't know the height of Lemmon Falls and I tried searching for it online and couldn't find the exact number. But, regardless...it splashes down the cliffside in front of your eyes. You don't have to work hard to be rewarded. Let me explain... You can plug Lemmon Falls into Google Maps and be guided into the park just fine. Once you find a parking spot, you'll notice Lemmon Falls as the focal point of the surrounding backdrop off to the left hand side of the main entrance. Simply walk over to the falls. It's a 5 - 10 minute stroll. From the pathway, you have access to Lemmon Falls and opportunities for magical picture moments. Some visitors climbed on the rocks for closer perspectives, but I didn't find that necessary. From the pedestrian path, photos were very impressive. Lemmon Falls, alongside Perrine Coulee Falls and Fall Creek Falls have been some of my favorite waterfalls exploring around Southern Idaho. Now...there's more to see and do here at Ritter Island SP... One thing, I know this may sound confusing...Ritter Island is really a subsection unit of Thousand Springs State Park. Regardless of this info, there's another waterfall here on Ritter Island I'd like to mention, and that's...Minnie Miller Springs. To gain access to Minnie Miller Springs waterfall, you cross a footbridge to arrive at an overlook viewpoint. This footbridge isn't always open. Specific hours are...Memorial Day through Labor Day, Thursday - Monday 10am - 3pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. There's a bridge volunteer attendant who is there to answer questions. The pathway is easy to Minnie Miller Springs. It's only half a mile. Along the way you'll pass by old fashioned Guernsey Barn which you can walk inside if interested. It's like taking a stroll down memory lane of what life was like back in the day here at Ritter Island. Next, make sure to veer to the right beside the Snake River when leaving the barn area. You'll pass underneath some trees offering shade from the summer sun. Then you'll approach a picnic table and this the lookout point, and in my opinion, the best glance at viewing Minnie Miller Springs. Minnie Miller Springs is a cascading waterfall hung in the background like an art painting. The setting is quaint and charming and if you visit in the afternoon time, the sun will be at your back which creates scenic photo opps. Only problem is the waterfall is located far in the distance. It's not accessible like Lemmon Falls. So basically, you can grab a few pictures of the lush surroundings before returning back towards the footbridge. If you decide you're enjoying the walking path, you can complete the 1.8 mile roundtrip loop around the farm. If not, it's half a mile back to where you started. While here on Ritter Island, people had their canoes, kayaks and paddle boards enjoying the waters. Folks barbecued under trees while lounging around. It was extremely crowded on a Sunday during early August. Granted, it was 105 degrees outside. For me, I had to go swimming and cool off. I just found a little spot beside the banks of the river and hopped in. Surprisingly, Snake River waters were frigid. I couldn't believe how hot it was and you'd assume that'd translate into relaxing swimming conditions, yet that wasn't the case. I think I had a brain freeze from the chilly waters. Still, you adjust to the cold and eventually it's refreshing hanging out in the river on a lazy Sunday. Last extra notes... - It's a $7 fee for day use. You can fill out a slip with payment and drop it into a lockbox. They accept checks. - Ritter Island is located in Wendell, Idaho which is a small town. But, it's 35 miles northwest of Twin Falls, ID, a great city to explore. - I'd suggest arriving sooner than later as there's only so many parking spaces during prime summer visitation season. Overall, coming here to Ritter Island and getting to experience Lemmon Falls was breathtaking. Imo, it's the standout highlight. Minnie Miller Springs is decent and a quiet hike to arrive at. And lastly, taking time to lounge on the grass and have access to the Snake River to cool off on hot summer days is why families make frequent visits. Btw, for those waterfall enthusiasts out there, check out Box Canyon Springs next, 5.5 miles away.

Niagara Springs is a natural phenomenon south of Wendell, Idaho, and way off the beaten path. But…read morethis is surely my favorite hidden gem in Idaho, and the effort to get there is worth it. With parking for only two vehicles located at GPS coordinates 42.664699, -114.674502, you'll almost feel like your lost as you pass the fish hatchery on a road named S 1950 E and enter a very narrow span of the roadway. But within seconds as you cross the short bridge and catch a glimpse of this stunning natural spring to your left, you'll know you're in the right place. After parking, walk on a short path toward the sound of rushing water and you'll be rewarded with a freshwater spring gushing forth from the earth out of a dozen different openings along a steep cliff in the Snake River Valley. It's the Niagara Falls of natural springs and certainly earns its name. But I wouldn't recommend a continued drive east on S 1950 E which only leads to a booth at the state park entrance where you'll pay a fee (US$7 for cars) for a very tiny greenspace and an uninspiring view of the Snake River. It isn't worth the price. Thankfully the springs are completely free and located just before the booth.

The park ranger at Malad Gorge told me that the park entry I paid for at that park was good for…read moresame-day entry at a half-dozen other parks in the area. I checked the map and decided that Niagara Springs was the most convenient. The park is on a dirt road and down a pretty deep canyon. I had no trouble getting there in my sprinter van so unless you're in a big Class A, you should be fine. The spring itself is pretty darned cool. A huge force of water pushing it's way out of the rocks and then down to meet with the Snake River. The park has a circular loop of parking spaces and camping spots. It's so very peaceful that I decided to park for a bit and took a nap. Note that this is well below the surface level and you probably won't have any cell service here. [Review 17792 overall - 62 in Idaho - 1313 of 2022.]

Box Canyon is a 20 foot waterfall located in one of the Thousand Springs State Park units near…read moreWendell, Idaho. It's $7 entrance fee which is asked to be paid when you enter. Fill out a slip with payment and drop it into the safe box beside the gate. Then it's one mile drive to the parking area. Box Canyon Springs is not hard to reach. It's a half mile descent 400 feet into the valley floor below. As you keep going, the falls will be on the right hand side. They can't be missed. Then you can turn around and head back towards the canyon summit. But, if you have the time and want to explore more, Box Canyon Springs is a 3 mile loop. This will give you better opportunities to walk among nature alongside the Snake River. I must confess...the hike was better than seeing the actual waterfall, imo. Starting out beside the parking lot, take in the views from high above the canyon looking down as the Snake River veers its way through the valley floor. It's worthy of a photo from the overlook. You'll notice a small staircase with a few steps to climb over the barbed wire fencing. It adds a unique element to the journey. Then walk a short distance more until reaching a sign saying..."Caution: Unimproved Trail, Use at Your Own Risk". Don't be deterred by this sign. It's not dangerous whatsoever. It's here you'll discover the pathway leading down to the bottom. It's just a few switchbacks and is safe for everyone. Coming upon Box Canyon Springs...it's a decent waterfall. But with it being only 20 feet, it doesn't pack a punch of excitement or have that "wow factor" element I was anticipating. You may think the first area to see Box Canyon Springs is the best it'll get. The initial look at the falls is a side angle glance. But, if you continue just a little further on the trail, you'll discover a much more fluid backdrop of the falls splashing down the Snake River. There'll be a specific rock to stand upon which allows you to take in the scenery of Box Canyon Springs in its entirety. Going back to the actual hiking trail...it's easy - moderately challenging. What I really liked about hiking it was...for early August, the temperatures in Idaho were reaching 100+ degrees, but being next to the river offered a breeze and fresh air which cooled things down considerably. And when I started hiking, it was still morning time so being in nature without suffering from the heat was a relief, lol. Although I just did the out and back hike, according to visitsouthidaho.com, the path wraps around an aqua blue pool which you can go swimming in. Although the waters are mighty cold, they can be refreshing. Lastly, just a note on what I was doing. This whole area of Thousand Springs, Idaho is waterfall accessible. I visited 5 waterfalls all in one day. Starting out in Twin Falls, ID, they were...Niagara Springs, here at Box Canyon Springs, Lemmon Falls and Minnie Miller Springs (located together on Ritter Island) and finally...Devils Washbowl at Malad Gorge State Park. Out of these 5 waterfalls, Lemmon Falls was the clear winner from my pov. In the end, Box Canyon Springs is a quiet setting to bask in the heart of the great outdoors. I was just one of a handful of visitors out exploring this under the radar part of Southern Idaho that's surrounded by total farmland. Although the 20 foot waterfall wasn't magical looking, I still enjoyed making the trek down to the canyon floor and taking time to explore around.

Beautiful hike and amazing water to swim in! Not to many people either. The water is really cold…read morebut is worth it on a hot day and also beware is your brings pets the ground is really hot!

An absolutely gorgeous family friendly park located on the edge of Twin Falls. Centennial park has…read morewaterfalls, hiking trails, multiple docks to the Snake River, a playground, multiple picnic areas, grassy areas, rocky terrain to explore, and more. Theres really so much to do here for the entire family. During peak season they even have a zip line open. The parking was ample, the bathrooms and park were kept clean, and the park really provided a nice well rounded experience for everyone. I definitely recommend stopping by here for the views if nothing else if you're in the area.

Definitely really neat to check out and get an amazing picture of the bridge! I loved going and…read morewatching the sunset at bridge. Truly breathtaking!

This was a lovely park! There were lots of ducks and ducklings in and out of the pond and the…read moresound of birds was delightful. It was a wonderful lunch stop for us on our way through town.

What a great local park for everyone. Fishing is abundant for the kids and the place is very clean.read more

Niagra of the West!…read more The 212ft waterfall is a jewel destination for the state of Idaho. Spectacular viewpoints, paved pathways for hiking and bicycling. Picnic tables with views. Boat ramp available. *If you have the time, hike the pathway for a few miles to the famous launch site of Evil Knievil's attempt to jump across the Snake River!

Shoshone Falls is the Niagara of the West located in Idaho! We drove from Salt Lake City, Utah…read morewhile vacationing this past summer. There is a small fee of $5 to enter. The park is beautiful, bathrooms are clean, educational signs and its well taken care of. Honestly it wasn't Niagara falls on this particular day we went. I was honestly disappointed. I gave it 4* because its a very nice park for all to enjoy. Maybe on a rainy day the falls will put on a show. Tip: drive around park, Dierkes beautiful lake is in this park. I will review lake in another post.

This park is such a hidden gem! On the hunt for balanced rock, we drove right past the park without…read moreeven seeing it. Luckily we spotted it on the drive out. It's a quiet, gem in the bottom of a canyon with shaded (and not) picnic and camping areas along a flowing stream. It was beautiful, grassy, with bathrooms, bbq's, fire pits, swings, and ample nature surrounding you. According to Google, this area is open 24/7 and camping is free. The signs posted say max 7 days. This would be a perfect place for a picnic or relaxed afternoon to hang out with your family, Just be prepared that there is no cell phone reception. Satellite was available intermittently. If nothing else, it's worth the drive out here to soak in the beautiful views and spot a few yellow bellied marmots.

Loved it! The beauty, mystery of Balanced Rock is awe inspiring! It's a must see! Welcome to…read moreSouthern Idaho! Gods Country

Fleece the campers???…read more I went through the procedure to reserve one of the smaller sites for our 21' trailer. The price of $40 was prominently displayed. OK, a bit high for a one-night stay in a state park with no sewer or water connection. But, I'll pay for the convenience. Big surprise upon checking out. The total cost was shown to be $58.71, nearly 50% higher than the $40 advertised price. Here is what the additional charges were for: $7 Motor Vehicle Fee. My vehicle is registered in AZ. How is this justified? And since everyone get there with a vehicle of some sort, why is this not included in the displayed price? $10 transaction fee. I did all the work that the person who used to take the reservation over the phone would have done. The ID State Parks have replaced that service with a computer program. And apparently I have to pay for their computer system as well. Go figure. 3% Service fee. Who knows how they justify this? It is fortunate that the West has an abundance of Federal lands on which one can camp for a small fraction of the cost of this state park.

We happened on this nice park and visitors center while driving across country in our RV. It…read moreincludes cabins and RV sites, but we were stopping to make a picnic lunch. We enjoyed the visitors center a lot, and had a delightful lunch near the Snake River. History, shade, friendly people, and serenity - what more could we ask for?

We followed our gps & too dirt roads to Canyon Rim Trail. There were benches & markers…read more In 1974, Evil Knievel tried & failed to leap across this mile-wide chasm of the Snake River Canyon west of Shoshone Falls on his engineered rocket motorcycle. His parachute prematurely deployed as the Skycycle left the launching rail but winds caused him to drift into the canyon. At the bottom, he landed near the water. If he landed in the water, he probably would have drowned, due to a jumpsuit/harness malfunction the kept him strapped in the vehicle. Surprisingly, he survived the jump with minor injuries. At the city's visitors center, Knievel's supporters erected a monument to their hero with a carved likeness of the rocket motorcycle. It's engraved, "Robert 'Evel' Knievel: Explorer, Motorcyclist, and Daredevil. Attempted a mile-long leap of the Snake River Canyon on September 8, 1974 employing a unique Skycycle. The large dirt ramp is visible appox. 2 miles east of this point on the south ridge of the canyon. Donated to the community by Sunset Memorial." The mound of his jump is from the marker.

Pretty nostalgic place to visit considering my father used to talk about this stunt a lot while…read moregrowing up. My husband brought me and there is plenty to see. Many roads to certain falls were closed which is such a shame. All in all I had a wonderful time.

Love this cleaned up park! There are a lot of baseball diamonds as well as walking paths…read morethroughout. The playground is updated and nice. There are a couple toddler swings and regular swings, along with a playland that has multiple slides. Multiple picnic bench areas, some in grassy areas, others are covered. There are bathrooms at the park but they are not open during winter.

This park was not where it said it was on the map. Traveling through town and trying to find a…read moreplace for my daughter to play for a pit stop and was disappointed to not find the park where it said it was located.