Shoshone Falls is an epic waterfall located in Twin Falls, Idaho. You can park above it at Shoshone Falls City Park to view its 212 feet of power, or you can kayak to it! Kayaking to Shoshone Falls is an 8 mile round trip paddle. There is an option to boat halfway, then kayak the rest with a local business!
How to kayak to Shoshone Falls?
Boat or kayak to 2 miles from Centennial Waterfront Park to Pillar Falls (passing under the epic Perrine Bridge,) then portage over the rock waterfall area, then you can continue kayaking the final 2 miles to Shoshone Falls! Making the paddle 8 miles round trip.
July 2024 Update: Previously, anyone could kayak to Shoshone Falls, but now that quagga mussels have been detected in the Snake River, only AWOL Adventure Sports can provide tours all the way to Shoshone Falls. You can kayak to Pillar Falls independently.
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Can you boat to Shoshone Falls? No, it is not possible to boat to Shoshone Falls because there is a section of the river called Pillar Falls, that you need to portage over to continue on the Snake River. You can boat from Centennial Waterfront Park to Pillar Falls, where you can then hike the kayaks or paddle boards over the rocks. Be super careful when portaging! Sometimes, the water can be extremely high.
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How to Portage over Pillar Falls? High Water VS Low Water
Stay very far right of Pillar Falls (south) when approaching with your watercraft. This way you will avoid waterfalls for the most part.
If the water is high, it will be more difficult to navigate the portage because it will be flooded. For the most part, you can somewhat drag your kayak through the water but will have to lift and carry it some. Use your paddle to step first! Make sure there is not a hole in front of you when navigating through the water. You will follow the south edge of Pillar Falls through brush and until you get to the other side of the river. Do not swim while portaging. It is not safe to swim at Pillar Falls.
If the water is low, you’ll have to carry the kayaks over the rocky terrain. The distance is only about 0.25 of a mile. I recommend groups of 2 take turns hauling their kayaks across Pillar Falls. One person in front, one in back! I have found this the best way.
You’ll then continue to kayak for 2 miles to Shoshone Falls!
*If you book a tour with AWOL you won’t have to carry your own kayaks and don’t have to worry about this at all! Book with the *awesome* locally owned and operated business here: https://awoladventuresports.com
Kayaking to Shoshone Falls
If you kayak to Shoshone Falls with low water you do have the option to shore your kayak on a sand bank or against the canyon walls. Be very careful when doing so. You don’t want to flip your kayak near the waterfall. Do not get super close to the falls! Especially when the water is high. The waterfall is extremely powerful and can knock you over quickly. The waves can also be very high.
Be safe! Stay out of the water!
If you’re kayaking to Pillar Falls, know that you will have to get hot washed before entering. The wait line for a personal watercraft wash can be up to an hour. This is updated as of June 2024.
Remember to support local business while enjoying Twin Falls! Leave no trace and keep trash out of the parks and waterways. Thank you for reading!
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Earth to Sarah 