Twin Falls
Cascades and extreme adventures entice thrill seekers
The town of Twin Falls first made the radar for adrenaline junkies in 1974, when stuntman Evil Knievel attempted to launch himself over the Snake River on a rocket-powered motorcycle. Though his plans fell short, this feat is still memorialized at the site of the jump. Today’s thrill seekers come to the area for the wide range of outdoor activities found in the Twin Falls region.
Twin Falls is located near the southern border of Idaho and is the ninth largest city in the state. Named for a matching pair of waterfalls on the Snake River, the town was once a stopping point on the Oregon Trail in the late 1800s. Though the original twins of the falls are now a single stream due to a dam built upriver, a number of impressive waterfalls are found in the area. At 213 feet high, the striking Shoshone Falls, just northeast of town, are taller than their rival in the East, the Niagara Falls. Nearby, the water at the base of Pillar Falls is a favorite spot for kayaking; adventurous paddlers can get close to the cascade.
Soaring Over the River
The Snake River isn’t just famous for its waterfalls. The Perrine Memorial Bridge on the town’s north border is an engineering marvel that was the tallest bridge in the world when it was first constructed. Rising 500 feet above the waterway below and spanning almost 1,000 feet, this massive structure attracts sightseers and daredevils like a magnet. While the bridge itself is picture perfect, it attracts spectators for another reason: BASE jumping (BASE stands for the four categories of fixed object that attract jumpers: building, antenna, span and Earth).
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Imagine standing high on a bridge above the river below and then taking a flying leap forward into the air. As you careen toward the water below, your parachute opens and slows your fall to a more reasonable speed. While this is not for the faint of heart, hundreds of visitors take such jumps from the Perrine Bridge each year since it is one of the few places that allow BASE jumping year round without a permit. Even if jumping isn’t your thing, it makes for an intriguing spectacle to watch.
Slowing it Down
For those seeking calmer recreation, the Snake River offers abundant opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and more. Listen to the splash of the paddle in the water as you float down the river watching for wildlife along the shores and in the blue skies above. Dierkes Lake is another appealing spot. On hot summer days, the refreshing waters will cool you off quickly.
While the great outdoors just feel greater in the natural beauty of the Twin Falls area, you may find yourself seeking some creature comforts, as well. A number of local restaurants and watering holes will tempt your taste buds. Take a stroll through the historic district or along the banks of the river to truly get a feel for this charming Idaho town.
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