How to Kayak to Fall Creek Falls in Swan Valley, Idaho
Fall Creek Falls Idaho is a beautiful waterfall located on the bank of the Snake River near Swan Valley.
This 60 ft waterfall is particularly interesting because it’s muli-tiered with different layers and pools all covered in moss.
What’s better, is that this waterfall can be accessed two different ways! Either by driving, or (our favorite) via the Snake River – taking visitors on an immersive journey through incredible scenery as it winds its way towards Fall Creek Idaho Falls.
If you are planning a trip to Eastern Idaho, read on to learn everything you need to know about getting to this scenic waterfall destination.
Where is Fall Creek Idaho? It’s located just an hour from Jackson Hole, WY outside of the town of Swan Valley, ID in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Fall Creek Falls Idaho Directions
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How to Get to Falls Creek Falls
There are two ways you can view this scenic Idaho waterfall, either by car or by going down the snake river by kayak or boat. This waterfall is extremely accessible.
Getting To The Waterfall By Car
This Idaho waterfall is located about 14 miles west of Palisades on US highway 26.
To get to the falls by car from Twin Falls, take US Hwy 26 East towards Swan Valley.
Just before the bridge, take a right onto National Forest Service road 058 (NF-058) for 1.4 miles on gravel road.
There is a small pull off on the side of the road that can fit a few cars. After parking, you can walk down less than a mile hike, and take in the amazing sight.
Fall creek falls Idaho Hike
Palisades waterfall hike is not actually much of a hike, but it’s still worth a visit for its natural beauty and accessibility.
I will say, getting to the bottom of the falls is more of a scramble since the short trail to get to the base of the falls is quite steep.
Be sure to wear proper shoes with lots of traction if you decide to make the trek.
Getting To The Falls Via the Snake River
The beautiful Snake River is a 77-mile long navigable riverway that allows boat access. We visited this waterfall twice, once by jetboat and the second time on our kayaks.
If you decide to view the falls via the Snake River, make sure you have a good understanding of the location of the falls, since there are so many channels you could pass by the falls without realizing it!
To Get to Fall Creek Falls by Boat:
The first time we visited Fall Creek Idaho Falls was on our friend’s jetboat (and it was epic). If you plan to take a motorized boat to the falls, You can launch boats at the dam. Here are the GPS coordinates of where we launched the jetboat.
Most of the beautiful river was lush with marshy river banks. It was prime moose territory, and we saw a big moose when we took the jet boat on the river. We also saw so many bald eagles we lost count.
There were many other boats on the river and we were expecting it to be busy. But when we arrived, there were only a few other visitors. We parked the boat and got an excellent viewing spot. Then we walked all around the different layers of the falls.
To Get to Fall Creek Waterfall by Kayak:
This will require a bit more planning as you will want to have a vehicle waiting for you at the pick-up location past the falls at the boat ramp near the snake river bridge called spring creek boat ramp.
Before we floated down the river, our group shuttled an extra vehicle down the dirt road to the boat launch just after the waterfall, and then put our kayaks in right from camp!
The river was moving at a good speed and we calculated it was going about 5 mph because of the amount of water being released by the dam. We were able to make it to the waterfall in just a couple of hours.
We barely had to paddle! Even though our hard-sided kayaks aren’t really meant for rivers, they did really good and we made it to the falls, paddled around the base of the falls for a while, then floated down to the pick-up location at spring creek boat ramp.
Here’s some photos of our journey to Fall creek falls snake river Idaho:
Fall Creek Idaho Fishing
I can’t think of a better way to spend your time than fishing on one of these great rivers. The Snake River and its tributaries offer an endless supply for anyone who loves the sport.
With the abundance of rainbows, browns, cutthroats – it’s no wonder this area attracts many outdoorsmen each year!
Is Fall Creek Falls Free?
Completely Free! There is no fee to see this waterfall.
What to Bring
- Water shoes
- Life vest (if you plan to visit on a watercraft)
- Water + Snacks
- Sunscreen + Hat
- Swimsuit (if you plan on enjoying the swimming hole)
- Camera or GoPro
- Dry Bag
Dispersed Camping: There is an accessible camping spot about 1/4 mile from fall creek falls. And, because this is located in a National Forest, camping is free. Mixed growth cottonwood trees provide partial shade and grassy meadows. Since this is dispersed camping, there are no picnic tables or campfire rings.
Other campgrounds in the area: Falls Campground, Bear Creek Campground, Indian Creek Campground, and Pine Creek Campground.
Visit Idahos Fall Creek Falls Waterfall
Fall Creek Falls Idaho is the best waterfall in Eastern Idaho! Whether you visit as a family adventure, with friends, or as couples on a romantic getaway, there are endless ways to experience this natural wonder.
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