Kayaking or paddle boarding in Twin Falls, Idaho is shocking! There are many waterfalls flowing through the canyon, secret caves to explore, and jaw dropping views of the Snake River Canyon. Be safe while exploring, and remember to treat the earth kindly. You must pack out everything you pack in with you on these paddling adventures. Now, let’s get into paddling around the Snake River in Twin Falls like to Shoshone Falls, at Dierkes Lake, around Twin Falls Park and Centennial Waterfront Park.
Centennial Waterfront Park to Shoshone Falls
Kayaking to Shoshone Falls is one of the most incredible things you can do in Idaho! This is a big adventure, and begins at Centennial Waterfront Park, continues under the Perrine Bridge, then to Pillar Falls. Here you have to portage. It is about a .25 mile hike over rocks and some running water to the other side of the river. It is important to stay far right (south) on Pillar Falls to not hit flooded areas. Be so careful! Never swim at Pillar Falls. There are crazy undercurrents.
Here is an affiliate link to some of my favorite Airbnbs in Twin Falls and nearby! #airbnbpartner
Airbnb Creators Link (Affiliate) to all my favorite Airbnb’s in town
The paddle is long, but there is an alternative to kayaking the full 8 miles to the falls. A local company called AWOL Adventure Sports rents out kayaks and paddle boards for your trip, plus they offer boat rides halfway so you don’t have to paddle the entirety! If you boat half way with AWOL you only have to paddle 4 miles total. They also will carry your kayaks over Pillar Falls so you don’t have to.
Full guide on how to kayak to Shoshone Falls: How to Kayak to Shoshone Falls
Twin Falls Park to a hidden Waterfall
If you are driving from Twin Falls (the city,) follow Falls Avenue east for a few miles. You will pass by a sign that shows directions to Shoshone Falls. A couple miles later you will see a sign directing you to turn north towards Twin Falls Dam. Follow this, then turn right at the fork (east to the park.) From here you can unload your kayak or paddle board. Remember to leave no trace. Pick up all trash you may have with you. Let’s keep Idaho beautiful!
Amazon Affiliate to all of my favorite Swim Suits, paddle board, hiking gear!
From Twin Falls Park put in go east around the river bend to get away from the dam area. Kayak as far up (heading east) on the river as you can until you run into rock formations within the water. You will have passed a couple waterfalls already, and will begin to see the rocks under water just feet below your kayak. Be careful! Depending on water flows they can be exposed more or less. Just always be aware of your surroundings. I prefer not to swim in rivers like this because the undercurrents are unknown in tight, potentially rushing, river flows. Here you can place your kayak on dry rock and hike around. The specific magical waterfall pictured above is right where the rocks begin!
Check out the full details here: Kayaking at Twin Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho
Dierkes Lake
Paddling around Dierkes Lake is calm and chill. It is located above Shoshone Falls! You can put in at any of the docs and enjoy floating around the lake. There is a large parking lot and even a little ramp you can drive down at the north end of the lot. Or, you can carry your kayaks to the docs and put in there. There are some cliff jumping rocks here and even a trail that goes all around the lake.
Centennial Waterfront Park
You can just kayak around Centennial Waterfront Park without going all the way to Shoshone Falls and it is really beautiful. A really popular thing to do is just to go to Pillar Falls for a 4 mile round trip. It’s also so fun to float around and just hang out under the Perrine Bridge to see BASE Jumpers. There are hidden caves along the north side of the canyon too. You can pull your paddle board or kayak up on the rocks and lay out here.
Amazon Page of all my gear including my paddle board!
BE SAFE!!! Please don’t swim in the Snake River around any sort of rock formations. There are undercurrents in the river that claim lives yearly. If you’re not sure it’s safe, don’t risk it. I lost a great friend in this river, he was a strong swimmer, but Pillar Falls undercurrents are crazy. Please take this advice very seriously.
LEAVE NO TRACE! You cannot leave any trash behind at any of these places. Most are only accessible by boat and no-one will pick up after you. Please be kind to other travelers. Centennial can get pretty busy in the summer and you will have to hot wash your boats in order to access. Patience is key!
Here is an affiliate link to some of my favorite Airbnbs in Twin Falls and nearby! #airbnbpartner
Airbnb Creators Link (Affiliate) to all my favorite Airbnb’s in town
Here are 10 Hikes to do in Twin Falls! 10 Hikes in Twin Falls, Idaho
Earth to Sarah 