Beyond Shoshone Falls: 10 Hidden Outdoor Gems in Twin Falls, Idaho

Just two miles upstream from Shoshone Falls lies a remarkable geological exhibition that remains wonderfully uncrowded. Pillar Falls features massive basalt columns that divide the Snake River into channels, creating a natural playground of cascading waters and stone sculptures that have been meticulously crafted by millennia of flowing water.

What makes this site particularly special is its accessibility for families with children. A relatively gentle 2-mile round trip hike from Centennial Park rewards visitors with these distinctive rock formations that rise like ancient monoliths from the river. During spring, the water flows vigorously around the pillars while wildflowers dot the canyon walls with splashes of color.

I discovered this treasure during an impromptu kayaking expedition down the Snake River. As our small group navigated the gentle waters between towering canyon walls, the river suddenly revealed these magnificent stone sentinels standing guard in the water. We beached our kayaks and spent a delightful afternoon exploring the area, watching osprey dive for fish in the pools between pillars.

Tucked away within Thousand Springs State Park lies what I consider the crown jewel of Idaho's hidden waters: Box Canyon Springs. This remarkable spring produces 180,000 gallons of crystal-clear water per minute, creating a mesmerizing aquamarine pool that seems transported from a tropical paradise rather than the Snake River Plain.

The approach to Box Canyon offers a perfect family adventure. From the parking area, follow a well-maintained but less-traveled path that descends 400 feet into the canyon. The moment the springs come into view is truly magical – the otherworldly blue waters contrast dramatically with the black volcanic canyon walls.

For families with water-loving children, I recommend packing a waterproof dry bag to protect your valuables while allowing little ones to splash in the shallower edges of the springs. The water maintains a constant 58°F year-round, which feels refreshingly cool during spring afternoons.

During my visit last May, I spent hours simply observing the interplay of light on the water's surface. The geological story here is fascinating – these waters spent decades filtering through porous volcanic rock before emerging in this perfect amphitheater of nature.

Just 25 miles southwest of Twin Falls sits a geological anomaly that has fascinated me since my first visit: Balanced Rock. This 40-ton boulder perches improbably atop a wind-eroded pedestal merely 17 inches across at its narrowest point. Standing nearly 48 feet tall, this natural sculpture seems to defy physics itself.

The small park surrounding this wonder makes for a perfect family picnic destination. Children are invariably drawn to the seeming impossibility of the formation, creating a natural opportunity to discuss erosion, geology, and the patient artistry of wind and water.

The surrounding landscape of volcanic rhyolite formations creates an otherworldly playground for exploration. For families with young adventurers, I suggest bringing a kids geology kit to inspire budding geologists. My friend's daughter collected small samples from the surrounding area (not from the protected formations, of course) and spent the summer learning to identify different rock types.

The short trail around the rock formation is manageable for all ages, and spring brings desert wildflowers that add splashes of color to the otherwise stark landscape. Pack a compact picnic blanket for a comfortable lunch spot with a view of this natural wonder.

The Snake River Canyon reveals another hidden treasure at Auger Falls Park, where a network of family-friendly trails offers intimate encounters with both flowing water and fascinating volcanic geology. Unlike the more dramatic Shoshone Falls, Auger Falls presents a series of cascades and rapids that demonstrate the river's persistent power in shaping this landscape.

What particularly captivates me about this location is the rich tapestry of human history layered upon the natural features. Ancient petroglyphs can be spotted on select rock faces (though their locations are intentionally not widely publicized to protect these irreplaceable cultural treasures). The area once housed a hydroelectric plant, and remnants of this industrial past create an intriguing juxtaposition against the wild river.

The trail system accommodates various ability levels, making it perfect for families with mixed ages. The main loop extends approximately 4 miles, but shorter options are available. Spring brings rushing waters and the chance to spot nesting waterfowl along the river's edges.

For families with bird enthusiasts, I recommend bringing a field guide to identify the diverse avian residents. During my April visit last year, we spotted bald eagles, great blue herons, and numerous waterfowl species. For little ones who might tire on longer walks, a child carrier backpack allows the whole family to complete the full loop while keeping young explorers comfortable.

Perhaps my favorite discovery in Twin Falls for families with children is Dierkes Lake, a spring-fed swimming hole nestled within the Snake River Canyon just a stone's throw from Shoshone Falls. While the main falls draw crowds, this peaceful alternative offers a more intimate connection with the water.

The small but charming beach area provides a perfect base for families. Clear, cool waters invite swimming during warmer spring days, while fishing platforms extend over deeper sections for those hoping to catch rainbow trout. The surrounding rock formations create natural exploration zones where children can discover small caves and climbing opportunities under parental supervision.

A gentle walking path circumnavigates the lake, offering scenic views and access to picnic areas nestled among mature trees. For families with water-loving children, I suggest bringing a inflatable paddle board which can be easily transported to the lake and provides hours of entertainment for older children and adults alike.

What particularly charmed me during my visit was watching local families engage in the timeless ritual of teaching children to fish from the docks. The patience and knowledge being passed between generations reminded me of my own childhood summers at my grandparents' cabin in Quebec, where similar intergenerational connections formed around simple outdoor activities.

While daytime adventures abound in Twin Falls, the region offers equally magnificent nocturnal treasures that connect us to the cosmos. Melon Valley Overlook, located just 15 minutes from downtown Twin Falls, provides an accessible dark-sky experience that captivates visitors of all ages.

As someone who has spent decades marveling at the night sky from locations around the world, I find the clarity of stars visible from this accessible viewpoint truly remarkable. The elevated position above the Snake River Plain minimizes light pollution interference, revealing constellations with striking clarity.

For families introducing children to astronomy, this location offers the perfect combination of accessibility and darkness. A short walk from the parking area leads to several perfect viewing spots where you can spread out blankets and settle in for cosmic observation.

I recommend bringing a star guide wheel to help identify constellations, as the analog nature of this tool works better than phone apps that can disrupt night vision with their screens. During my visit last spring, I witnessed a family using a laser pointer to trace constellations for their wide-eyed children – a perfect tool for helping young stargazers connect the celestial dots.

The spring season offers particularly good viewing opportunities as the air tends to be clear and the Milky Way begins to become more visible in the eastern sky later in the evening.