Lemmon Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Thousand Springs State Park unit Ritter Island. Near Hagerman, Idaho you can walk right up to this waterfall by following these directions. Remember when visiting that you must not leave trash behind, and you must follow all leave no trace principles. This is an Idaho State Park and must be taken care of and protected.
Drive to Thousand Springs State Park – Ritter Island
This is how it will show up in Google: Thousand Springs State Park – Ritter Island. You will see signs along the drive that direct you to stay off of private property. Ritter Island is also the Idaho Power Plant. There are a lot of roads with dead ends or that lead to farms, so just be mindful and respectful. Visiting will require you to drive down a narrow road down a canyon grade. While driving down the grade you will see the waterfall, Lemmon Falls!
Hang that photo in your home! Lemmon Falls Photo Print by Me! 🙂
Cost/Parking Fee
Thousand Springs State Park is divided up in six different units. Ritter Island is one of those units! It costs $7.00 to visit any of the units (one fee covers all parks.) Alternatively, an Idaho State Parks annual pass is $10.00. Ritter Island (the island itself) is closed from Labor Day to Memorial Day. You can still access the waterfall even if this is closed.
Get high quality clothing that doesn’t stink when you hike: Merino Wool Clothing
How to Find Lemmon Falls (the iconic waterfall)
Follow your map directions to the canyon’s grade. Drive down the road carefully. There are Idaho Power workers who live with their families here. Take a look at the sides of the canyon to see aquifer water pouring out into small pools! Drive all the way down to the large parking lot, and stop BEFORE the bridge.
You can park here and walk, or drive the car south following the road towards the waterfall. It is a short drive next to the blue water on a narrow dirt road to the final parking lot. The gate will read “River Trail” and this is where you will walk about .2 of a mile towards the waterfall. Yes you can get a little damp from the mist! Also a little warning, the water sometimes smells like cow poo.
You can continue walking along the river in the summer time. In the winter time the continuation river trail gate is usually closed, but the falls are always open. The waterfall does not freeze since the water temperature remains around 54 degrees F year round. The reason for the water temp is because the waterfall comes from the Snake River Aquifer.
Book a Best Western Hotel nearby!
Kayaking here
You can kayak into Ritter Island’s blue water, or you can put your kayaks/floating devices in right at Ritter Island. The currents are crazy! Know that if you are kayaking from 1000 Springs Resort (across the Snake River,) the current will be fast. The water is flowing and fighting against you. It will be tough regardless of the way you enter into the island’s blue water.
It is very possible, but know you will be kicked out swiftly so keep your paddles at the ready! If you just paddle at Ritter Island, put your boat in on the north side of the bridge. This will allow you to float under it, and towards the waterfall. Remember you’ll have to make it back though! Check out these other two locations nearby: Box Canyon and Blue Heart Springs!
Let me know if you have any questions about visiting Thousand Springs State Park!
Remember when visiting that you must not leave trash behind, and *you must follow all leave no trace principles.* This is an Idaho State Park and must be taken care of and protected. Where to stay nearby? Hagerman Valley Inn (Locally Owned & an Adorable Hotel)
Find more of my adventures here! https://www.instagram.com/earthtosarahphoto/
Earth to Sarah 