Shoshone Falls - Niagara of the West? Exploring Idaho (Including Boise's Freak Alley Gallery!)

Idaho has a lot more to offer then delicious potatoes, but those are pretty great too! We stop at Shoshone Falls, also known as the Niagara of the West. After taking in the beautiful falls, we head to Boise, Idaho's quickly growing Capitol. In Boise we meander through Freak Alley Gallery. Finally, we find some Idaho potatoes to eat at the Boise Fry Company. I think Adam still dreams about those mashed potato balls!

00:00 Shoshone Falls - Niagara of the West
03:04 Freak Alley Gallery - Boise, Idaho
04:38 Boise Fry Company - Eating Local Potatoes in Idaho

Shoshone Falls
https://www.tfid.org/309/Shoshone-Falls

Often referred to as the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls is a must see attraction in Twin Falls, Idaho. At 212 feet tall and 900 foot wide, Shoshone Falls is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States surpassing the height of the famous Niagara Falls. Shoshone Falls is located on the Snake River as it carves its way through a deep basalt Canyon on its way to the Columbia River. For directions to Shoshone Falls Click here for a map. Or set your navigation device to 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade Road Twin Falls, Idaho 83301. For Frequently Asked Questions, click here.


Seasonal Flows
The flow of the Shoshone Falls is dependent on many variables. One of which is the amount of snowfall our region receives each winter. On years with heavy snowfalls, Shoshone Falls can reach flows upwards of 20,000 CFS (cubic feet per second). In a typical year, the spring flows at Shoshone Falls will peak between 10,000 and 12,000 CFS.

Spring, when the snow pack begins to melt, is the best time to see Shoshone Falls. In the summer months, a portion of the river is diverted for irrigation purposes, which reduces the flow over the falls. In the Fall, you will often experience a minimal flow where Shoshone Falls will appear nearly dry. At this time, the majority of the water coming down the Snake River is used to recharge the reservoir system upstream of Shoshone Falls.

The Snake River serves as the lifeblood of our region. Harnessing the water from the Snake River for irrigation is a crucial part of our local economy. Twenty miles upstream, the water is diverted to irrigate over 500,000 acres of farmland. It is estimated that the crops produced in these fields are worth $62,000,000 annually.

Vehicle Fee and Park Hours
The vehicle fee at Shoshone Falls Park and Dierkes Lake is $5.00 per car. The fee is in effect from March 1st through September 30th. Season passes are available for purchase for $25.00 at the Parks and Recreation office and at the ticket booth. Coupon books are also available for $30.00 for 20 passes. Tour buses are $20.00 at the gate and school buses (full of children) are $5.00.

Shoshone Falls is open year round with the exceptions of temporary closures due to poor road conditions. The park hours are from dawn to dusk.


History
Tourists have been known to visit Shoshone Falls as early as the mid-19th Century when travelers along the Oregon Trail would detour from the trail to visit the Falls. As early as 1900, locals called for the creation of a national park; however, Congress never approved the proposal. In 1932, Federick and Martha Adams donated the land to the City of Twin Falls with the stipulation that the land be maintained as a public park. In 1933, The State of Idaho donated land to the west of the original park site to the City Of Twin Falls.

Idaho

From pristine lakes to sky-piercing mountains, Idaho's state parks offer an impressive variety of terrain and beauty. Whether you're hiking beneath towering ponderosa pines or embarking on a historical journey, there's plenty to discover.

Boise

https://www.boise.org/things-to-do/

The scope and depth of Boise's vast array of activities take many first-time visitors by surprise. After all, few mid-sized cities can match Boise's blend of cultural opportunities and outdoor recreation. Venturing around downtown or enjoying the Boise River or foothills, Boise is no ordinary place.

Freak Alley Gallery
https://northend.org/freak-alley/

Freak Alley is a "notable venue" for murals, graffiti and public art located in an alley in downtown Boise. It is said to be the largest outdoor gallery in the Northwest, and has been a Boise institution since 2002. It began with a painting of a single alley doorway and now extends from the alley itself to gravel parking lot.