Idaho is home to dozens of extraordinary waterfalls, many of which are hiding at the end of hiking trails or deep in the wilderness. There are also plenty of waterfalls that are quite easy to find — if you know where to look for them, that is. Located right off the freeway, the easy-access waterfall at Malad Gorge in southern Idaho is a brilliant sight and it’s a terrific destination for nature lovers traveling through the area. Rather than search for “waterfalls near me,” here is one gorgeous cascade you need to check out.
Hiding in plain sight along Interstate 84 south of Bliss, Malad Gorge State Park is a surprisingly convenient adventure destination. Travelers who take the time to stop at this roadside park will be treated to views of a rugged gorge and a spectacular waterfall that flows into it.
CrankingChick/TripAdvisor
Malad Gorge is one of several units within Thousand Springs State Park. To access it, simply take the Tuttle exit 147 from I-84 and turn right at the stop sign, following the signs pointing you toward the park. There is an admission fee per vehicle for all Idaho state parks.
Roadsidepictures/Flickr If you want to learn even more about Thousand Springs State Park, check out our feature article on this remarkable and beautiful place to visit.
Once you arrive at the park, you’ll be in outright awe of what was hiding right underneath the interstate — a rugged, 250-foot-deep canyon formed by the Malad River. Known as Malad Gorge, it is simply stunning.
peeterv/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Visitors can explore the area via a flat hiking trail that follows the canyon’s rim. From here, you’ll have a fantastic vantage point of the crystal-clear springs that pop out of the canyon’s walls, forming ponds and streams at the bottom of the canyon.
Treesgrowing/TripAdvisor
Be sure to head to the pedestrian bridge that arcs across the canyon near the waterfall overlook. This spot provides the absolute best view of Malad Gorge and all of its beauty, but that’s not all. What you really want to see is actually right underneath the bridge.
Jeremy Merritt/Flickr
Walk across the bridge and keep following the path. You’ll soon reach the official overlook for Devil’s Washbowl and the raging falls that pours into it from the Malad River. It’s hard to believe such a spectacular sight is just a short detour off of I-84!
Charles (Chuck) Peterson/Flickr
This magnificent view of Devil’s Washbowl and Malad Gorge is well-worth a brief side trip when traveling through the area.
Maxim D/TripAdvisor If you’d like to extend your adventure, consider making the drive to other units in Thousand Springs State Park like Box Canyon or Niagara Springs.
Do you often find yourself searching for “waterfalls near me in Idaho?” Have you been to this easy-access waterfall in southern Idaho? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
CrankingChick/TripAdvisor
Roadsidepictures/Flickr
If you want to learn even more about Thousand Springs State Park, check out our feature article on this remarkable and beautiful place to visit.
peeterv/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Treesgrowing/TripAdvisor
Jeremy Merritt/Flickr
Charles (Chuck) Peterson/Flickr
Maxim D/TripAdvisor
If you’d like to extend your adventure, consider making the drive to other units in Thousand Springs State Park like Box Canyon or Niagara Springs.
For more destinations like this one, check out this article featuring 10 No-Hike, Roadside Waterfalls In Idaho.
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Address: Malad Gorge, Idaho 83332, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me March 21, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho? While the Gem State may not have tons of waterfalls, there are still plenty of cascades around the state that are worth your attention. If you are searching for waterfalls near me or hiking trails with waterfalls in Idaho, we suggest Goose Creek Falls. This waterfall hike is located within the Payette National Forest and is only three miles. It is quite easy and is one hike that you may even consider bringing your kids along for the journey. Plus, once you reach the falls, you’ll be mesmerized — they are an incredible sight, particularly during the spring months. If you aren’t in the mood for a long hiking trail with waterfalls, don’t worry. There are still several easy-access waterfalls around the state. One of our favorites is Lower Mesa Falls near the small town of Ashton. While Lower Mesa Falls is not as impressive as Upper Mesa Falls, these cascades are still worth visiting. Stop by the Grandview Overlook to capture the best view of this waterfall. Fall Creek Falls near Swan Valley is another easy-access cascade that will take your breath away. This 60-foot waterfall is gorgeous and consists of multiple cascades and the scenery surrounding these falls is remarkable! This is one area where you will not want to forget a camera. Another easy-access waterfall is found right in the heart of Idaho Falls. You can view these falls from the Idaho Falls Greenbelt or simply drive across the bridge on Broadway Street. You can check out these falls from one of the overlooks or just take a few minutes to sit on one of the benches in the area and admire the view.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
March 21, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Idaho? While the Gem State may not have tons of waterfalls, there are still plenty of cascades around the state that are worth your attention. If you are searching for waterfalls near me or hiking trails with waterfalls in Idaho, we suggest Goose Creek Falls. This waterfall hike is located within the Payette National Forest and is only three miles. It is quite easy and is one hike that you may even consider bringing your kids along for the journey. Plus, once you reach the falls, you’ll be mesmerized — they are an incredible sight, particularly during the spring months. If you aren’t in the mood for a long hiking trail with waterfalls, don’t worry. There are still several easy-access waterfalls around the state. One of our favorites is Lower Mesa Falls near the small town of Ashton. While Lower Mesa Falls is not as impressive as Upper Mesa Falls, these cascades are still worth visiting. Stop by the Grandview Overlook to capture the best view of this waterfall. Fall Creek Falls near Swan Valley is another easy-access cascade that will take your breath away. This 60-foot waterfall is gorgeous and consists of multiple cascades and the scenery surrounding these falls is remarkable! This is one area where you will not want to forget a camera. Another easy-access waterfall is found right in the heart of Idaho Falls. You can view these falls from the Idaho Falls Greenbelt or simply drive across the bridge on Broadway Street. You can check out these falls from one of the overlooks or just take a few minutes to sit on one of the benches in the area and admire the view.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While the Gem State may not have tons of waterfalls, there are still plenty of cascades around the state that are worth your attention. If you are searching for waterfalls near me or hiking trails with waterfalls in Idaho, we suggest Goose Creek Falls. This waterfall hike is located within the Payette National Forest and is only three miles. It is quite easy and is one hike that you may even consider bringing your kids along for the journey. Plus, once you reach the falls, you’ll be mesmerized — they are an incredible sight, particularly during the spring months.
If you aren’t in the mood for a long hiking trail with waterfalls, don’t worry. There are still several easy-access waterfalls around the state. One of our favorites is Lower Mesa Falls near the small town of Ashton. While Lower Mesa Falls is not as impressive as Upper Mesa Falls, these cascades are still worth visiting. Stop by the Grandview Overlook to capture the best view of this waterfall.
Fall Creek Falls near Swan Valley is another easy-access cascade that will take your breath away. This 60-foot waterfall is gorgeous and consists of multiple cascades and the scenery surrounding these falls is remarkable! This is one area where you will not want to forget a camera.
Another easy-access waterfall is found right in the heart of Idaho Falls. You can view these falls from the Idaho Falls Greenbelt or simply drive across the bridge on Broadway Street. You can check out these falls from one of the overlooks or just take a few minutes to sit on one of the benches in the area and admire the view.
