Idaho is known as the “Gem State” because it has some of the most beautiful natural sights in the country. One of the state’s biggest attractions is its waterfalls. Idaho’s vast wilderness is filled with dozens of waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best hiking trails in Idaho to see its most scenic waterfalls up close.
Trail 1: Shoshone Falls Trail
The first trail takes us to Shoshone Falls, called the Niagara of the West. The falls are 212 feet high and 900 feet wide, making them one of the biggest natural waterfalls in the United States. The Shoshone Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that is easy to walk.
The best time to see Shoshone Falls is in the spring when the snow melts and the water level is at its highest. At this time of year, the falls are especially beautiful, and photographers love to go there.
The golden hour is one of the best times to go to Shoshone Falls to take great photos. This is the hour after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft and warm, giving off a beautiful glow that makes for stunning photos.
Trail 2: Mesa Falls Nature Trail
Mesa Falls is in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and our second trail takes us there. Mesa Falls is a waterfall that drops 114 feet over volcanic rocks. It is known for its beautiful scenery. The Mesa Falls Nature Trail is a loop that goes for 0.8 miles and is easy for people of all ages to hike.
The best time to go to Mesa Falls is in the summer when the weather is warm, and the falls look their best. Along the trail, there are several places where you can stop and look at the beautiful scenery.
To get a good picture of Mesa Falls, you should use a wide-angle lens so you can see the whole thing. You can also try different shutter speeds to make the water look smooth as silk.
Trail 3: Perrine Coulee Falls Trail
On our third trail, we see Perrine Coulee Falls at the Snake River Canyon. Perrine Coulee Falls is a 200-foot waterfall that drops into a deep canyon, creating a beautiful and dramatic landscape. The Perrine Coulee Falls Trail is 3.5 miles round-trip and moderate trail.
The best time to see Perrine Coulee Falls is in the spring when the snow melts and the water level is at its highest. At this time of year, the falls are especially impressive, and the landscape around them is bright and green. There are many great places to take pictures along the trail, so bring your camera and capture the beauty of the falls.
It’s important to pay attention to the light when taking pictures of Perrine Coulee Falls. When taking pictures of the falls, it’s best to use a tripod and a slow shutter speed because the canyon can be very dark.
Trail 4: Upper Mesa Falls Trail
We’ll return to Mesa Falls on our fourth trail, but we’ll hike the Upper Mesa Falls Trail this time. The Upper Mesa Falls Trail is a one-mile round-trip path that leads to the top of the falls. The trail isn’t hard or easy, so hikers of all skill levels can use it.
The best time to go to Upper Mesa Falls is in the summer when the weather is warm, and the falls look their best. From the top of the falls, you can see them from a different angle, and the landscape around them is beautiful.
To get a good picture of Upper Mesa Falls, you should use a wide-angle lens to see the whole thing. You can also play around with different shutter speeds to make the water look different.
Conclusion
Idaho has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, and the best way to get close to them is to hike. Idaho has trails for everyone, whether you’ve never been hiking or have done it a lot. Each waterfall, from the majestic Shoshone Falls to the beautiful Falls Creek Falls, offers a different view and a chance to connect with nature.