Move Over Boise! Idaho’s ‘Niagara’ Is The State’s Most Underrated Fall Getaway

Believe it or not, Boise has turn into one among America’s trendiest cities in recent times, sending actual property hovering and airways licking their chops, able to anchor the airport.

Not a lot has modified — not even their well-known blue soccer area.

One of one of the best occasions to go to Idaho is in the course of the fall, a time when Boise is further vigorous on weekends to root on their beloved Boise State Broncos, and when summer time weekend getaway-ers head again to California (largely).

But what these weekenders are lacking out on is the remainder of the state past Boise’s borderline ridiculous fry-to-burger ratio, small city really feel, and plush greenery serving as a pure curtain this vibrant capital metropolis.

When I visited Boise pre-pandemic, it was merely a gateway to what immediately turned one among my favourite states to highway journey, and one of the best cease alongside the best way was Twin Falls, generally known as the “Niagara of the West”.

This under-hyped stunner was simply featured by Matador Network as a must-visit fall getaway, and we at Travel Off Path give our stamp of approval as nicely.

Fly Or Drive: Just Get To Twin Falls!

Boasting small city attraction and astounding nature in a number of kinds, Twin Falls is as simply as a must-visit as Boise, at the least come fall.

The better part about it’s that you may select tips on how to get there. Of course, there’s nothing extra Americana than an old style highway journey.

Well, as old style as Apple CarPlay and all the most recent gizmos and devices permit it to be…

If you fly into Boise, you haven’t any thought the scenic drive that is in retailer as soon as you allow town limits.

While it has been years since I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, I nonetheless have flashes in my thoughts’s eye again to the open winding roads traversing rolling farmland and meandering valleys earlier than in the end reaching Idaho’s most underrated vacation spot, Twin Falls.

The quantity of greenery blew my thoughts, however I visited in spring. Once we’re within the midst of autumn, the journey will certainly turn into an much more magical drive.

But in the event you’re simply not up for a 2-hour drive from Boise, Twin Falls does have an airport connecting to 1 main hub, Salt Lake City by way of Delta.

Upon arrival, irrespective of the way you get right here, you may be welcomed by a charismatic downtown district lined with indie espresso outlets, breweries, and native boutiques.

It’s the proper space to take a break from behind the wheel or squished flight earlier than hitting up all of the close by pure points of interest.

Astounding Nature Awaits

The place I bear in mind most from my 48 hours in Twin Falls wasn’t any Niagara Falls dupe — it was the staggering Perrine Bridge standing practically 500 ft excessive, framing the Snake River down under like a portray.

The views are merely unmatched, irrespective of which method you flip. This engineering marvel is a good place to begin to Twin Falls, so you realize this city ain’t messin’ round.

The identical method folks from everywhere in the mainland make the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore an end-cap to a highway journey, Twin Falls is certainly value a seat on the identical desk, and the magnificent view of the Snake River gorge is simply the tip of the iceberg.

Minutes from downtown, Dierkes Lake is probably the city’s prime hidden gem…for outsiders anyway. It’s tucked away from the “bustle” of city in a tranquil setting for kayaking or a scenic hike.

And to get your ft moist, so to talk, earlier than heading to Twin Falls’ “Niagara”, try a waterfall many guests skip, Perrine Coulee Falls, taking pictures down greater than 200 ft alongside the canyon partitions of the Snake River.

Shoshone Falls: The “Niagara Of The West”

Buffalo could have been hyped as one among America’s greatest surprises this 12 months, however now that we’re nearing the tip of 2025, reports point out that close by Niagara hasn’t had an excellent turnout so far.

While Shoshone Falls does not maintain practically the identical stage of notoriety as Niagara, it does have a number of issues going for it for bragging rights:

• You do not must put on a goofy poncho to rise up shut
• You do not must struggle off crowds
• It’s estimated to be 45 ft taller than Niagara Falls

Shoshone Falls cascaded 212 ft down and spreads roughly 900 ft broad. The spring blooms I witnessed solely enhanced the already spectacular pure marvel, however do not sleep on wildflowers changed by golden cottonwoods and autumn aspens.

The surrounding park is well-equipped with designated picnic areas with Snake River views, and there is an overhang throughout the falls to snap pictures or hang around and take all of it in.

The entrance price is simply $5 per automobile. Do know water circulate is unpredictable, so some days within the fall are extra photo-worthy than others.