Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls, Idaho, is a city located in the southern part of the state, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor attractions. It’s named after the stunning Shoshone Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” which is located just a short distance from the city. The falls are 212 feet tall and cascade over a ledge into the Snake River, creating an awe-inspiring sight, especially during spring runoff when the water flow is at its peak. In addition to Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls is home to the Snake River Canyon, offering opportunities for hiking, base jumping (the area is famous for this extreme sport), and other outdoor activities. The Perrine Bridge spans the canyon, offering great views and a popular spot for those looking to try base jumping or simply take in the landscape. Twin Falls also has a charming downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s a great base for exploring the natural wonders of southern Idaho, from the stunning waterfalls to nearby canyons and scenic trails.

Perrine Memorial Bridge
Auger Waterfall
Perrine Coulee Waterfall

Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls, is a majestic and powerful waterfall on the Snake River. Often referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” it’s one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States, with a height of 212 feet making it taller than Niagara Falls! The falls are especially impressive in the spring when the snow melt from the mountains creates a dramatic flow, but they are beautiful year-round. Unfortunately, due to drought, the water flow was very low when we visited. The falls have a wide, multi-tiered drop, creating a stunning visual display as the water crashes down into the canyon below. There’s a scenic overlook at Shoshone Falls Park, which provides spectacular views of the falls and the Snake River Canyon. Shoshone Falls is a must-see destination offering one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Idaho.

Shoshone Falls
Downstream from Shoshone Falls

Dierkes Lake

Dierkes Lake is a beautiful, serene spot located near Twin Falls. It’s a popular recreational area known for its clear water, scenic surroundings, and various outdoor activities. The lake is part of Dierkes Lake Park, which offers visitors opportunities for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and fishing. The lake is stocked with fish, making it a great spot for anglers, and the surrounding area is perfect for leisurely strolls or more energetic hikes. One of the most notable features of Dierkes Lake is its cliff diving spot on the northern side of the lake, where visitors can jump from cliffs into the deep, cool waters. The lake is also home to a small beach area, making it an excellent place to relax and enjoy a sunny day.

Dierkes Lake Park
Swimming area
Day use / Picnic area

Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon Jump Site

On September 8, 1974, legendary stuntman Evel Knievel attempted one of his most daring feats when he tried to jump the Snake River Canyon in a rocket-powered motorcycle, aiming to land on the opposite side of the canyon. Although the jump didn’t go as planned—his rocket-powered bike malfunctioned mid-flight, and he parachuted safely to the ground—the attempt remains a defining moment in his career and a legendary part of stunt history. Today, the jump site is marked with a monument and viewing area where visitors can learn about Knievel’s ambitious attempt. The site offers stunning views of the Snake River Canyon, and nearby, you’ll find a plaque and interpretive signage detailing the jump and its significance. The Evel Knievel Jump Site has become a popular spot for fans of the stuntman, as well as those interested in the history of extreme sports.

The ramp used for the jump
Top of the ramp looking across the Snake River Canyon to where Evel should have landed
Top of the ramp

Minidoka National Historic Site

Minidoka National Historic Site is a significant historical location not far from Twin Falls, that preserves the legacy of one of the internment camps used during World War II. Between 1942 and 1945, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and incarcerated at the Minidoka War Relocation Center as part of the U.S. government’s response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 9,000 Japanese Americans were held at the camp, which was one of ten across the country. The site serves as a reminder of this dark chapter in American history and is a place for reflection on the impacts of prejudice, injustice, and the resilience of those who were incarcerated. Visitors can explore the camp through interpretive signs, a Visitor Center (unfortunatly this was closed the day we visited), and walking tours, which highlight the camp’s history and the stories of those who lived there. The site also includes a memorial and plaques honoring the detainees and their experiences.

Sign with information about the Minidoka Relocation Center
Guard tower at the entrance to the camp
Remains of the Military Police building
Remains of the reception building at the entrance of the camp
Names of Japanese who served in the US Army
Root Cellar
Original buildings restored and moved into block 22 – Mess hall (left) and Barracks (right)
Baseball field built by and used by Japanese citizens who were incarcerated here
Fire station for the camp

Park Review – Twin Falls 93 RV Park

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Location:
Filer, ID
Type:
Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times:
1:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities:
The roads and pads are gravel. There are 48 full hookup sites and 20 sites with water and electric only but there is an on site dump station. They claim the sites are 80′ long but I think that is a bit exaggerated. Ours was probably about 65′ long. All sites have both 30 and 50 amp electrical service. There are two large dog park areas as well as restrooms and a laundry room.
Access:
From US-93 south of Twin Falls turn left on Jorden Ln. and then left again on N 2400 E and the entrance to the park will be immediately on the right.
Staff: No one was in the office when we arrived so we never had any contact with staff. We picked up our prepaid packet at the office and went straight to our site.
Cellular/WiFi:
They have WiFi in the park and even claim that you can stream from it on 1 device although we didn’t use it. I had 3-4 bars of 5G on Verizon and was able to get speeds of 390 Mbps upload and 34 Mbps download. There are a minimal amount of trees in the park so Starlink was unobstructed.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: In spite of being along a US highway the park was very quiet. Good stop for our route south east after visiting Washington and Oregon. There were actually more things to see in this area than we realized. For a city of about 60,000 people, Twin Falls was actually very nice with good looking homes, lots of stores and a large medical facility.
What we didn’t like: No real amenities here like fire rings, pools, etc.
Verdict: This is a nice stop for a few days and we’d stay again.

One thought on “Twin Falls, ID

  1. The water areas look very pretty! Y’all are knocking out several states over the years! Don’t forget about Minnesota! Just don’t travel up there in the winter/ summer months as one season is freezing and the other is humid! Both are miserable. 😆

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