Perrine Coulee Falls is a waterfall located in the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, Idaho. The falls are part of an area known as Shoshone Falls Park, which also includes Dierkes Lake and Centennial Waterfront Park. Perrine Coulee Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state because it has a total drop of 212 feet – more than twice that of Niagara Falls!
Details about Perrine Coulee Falls
The name Perrine Coulee Falls comes from two local pioneers who settled near what was then known as “Coulee Creek”. In 1884, they built a house at what would become known as Perrine Coulee Falls. The home still stands today and can be seen from across the river. The falls have been designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior due to its breathtaking beauty and unique geological features. You can access the park from several trailheads along Highway 93 south of Twin Falls or from other nearby attractions such as Pillar Butte or Thousand Springs State Park.
Once you make your way up to Perrine Coulee Falls you’ll see why so many people love coming here. The entire time during the hike up you’ll get unique angles of the towering waters plunging over the cliffside. At the base is where you will really be in awe at just how powerful the waters really are. Although you may not get to see the entire 200 foot drop, the nearly 70 feet up close an personal is equally as impressive.
In the spring and summer months wildlife comes out of hiding and adds to this unforgettable experience. Many tourists in fact like coming out to Perrine Coulee to catch glimpses of bald eagles, ospreys, and the occasional elk that wonder about. In the summer the state offers guided tours by park rangers to give a great history course in how the falls were first discovered.
Perrine Coulee Falls also serves an important purpose when it comes to protecting local wildlife habitats within its vicinity. This is largely in part to its deep plunge pool which acts as a refuge for fish species during periods when cold winter temperatures cause nearby rivers to freeze over. There have been multiple studies conducted showing how much better off salmon populations are after spending time swimming around inside these pools than if they had stayed out on open waters further upstream.
Map and Directions to access Perrine Coulee Falls
As you will see in the map above, the trailhead up to the waterfall starts right at the first hard turn alongside Canyon Springs Road. Unfortunately there isn’t a lot of parking there and if you aren’t early it can fill up quickly. If you continue down Canyon Springs Road you will see more small parking areas along the road with smaller hiking trails that take you to the main trailhead.
Hiking Trails around Perrine Coulee Falls
1) Shoshone Falls – This two-mile loop trail takes visitors through beautiful canyons and along spectacular waterfalls and cliffs. The path offers amazing views of both Shoshone Falls and Pillar Falls as well as stunning vistas from atop Snake River Canyon walls.
2) Balanced Rock Trail – Located just outside of Twin Falls, this one-mile loop takes hikers up to Balanced Rock which sits on top of a hill offering incredible views over Magic Valley below.
3) Centennial Trail – This 8 mile out-and-back trail follows along Snake River Canyon with dramatic views at every turn. It starts near Dierkes Lake Park, winding through scenic rock formations before ending at Pillar Rock.
4) Perrine Bridge Loop – A relatively flat 4 mile loop located right next to downtown Twin Falls that passes beneath Perrine Bridge giving hikers access to both sides of Snake River Canyon with breathtaking views all around. There’s an optional detour offshoot as well that will take you to Inspiration Point lookout tower.
Camping Spots around Perrine Coulee Falls
One popular spot is the Perrine Coulee Campground located just off Highway 33. This site offers 16 campsites on the banks of the Snake River and includes restrooms, drinking water, and fire rings. It’s also close enough to town that you can make trips into town if need be.
Blue Lake Campground – This campground has 12 sites nestled among towering pines along the shoreline of Blue Lake Reservoir. Many anglers perfect this campsite for fishing or relaxing by the lake after a day spent exploring Perrine Coulee Falls. Amenities here include vault toilets and potable water spigots, but no electricity or showers so it’s best suited for tent camping only.
The area around Perrine Coulee Falls also boasts several dispersed camping areas such as Pogue Flat Road near Lower Salmon Creek Road and Heyburn State Park where you can pull up your RV or pitch your tent without having to worry about making reservations beforehand.
Three Sisters Falls