Twin Falls Waterfall

Telephoto view of the north falls, May 2019. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Informational sign on the Snake River gold rush in the late 1800s. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Telephoto view of the hydropower plant in the south channel. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Entrance to the hydropower offices and park. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Description of the hydropower installation. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

View downstream from the falls. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Gold rush on the Snake River in the 1800s. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

The north falls during high runoff, May 1982. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

The falls before the dam, ca. 1930. The hydropower installation was put in the channel on the right. Jacoby

The falls and hydropower plant as they appear today. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

View downstream from the falls. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Historical views of the falls and the hydropower plant construction. slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)

Twin Falls, on the Snake River a little over five miles upstream from the eponymous city (and about two and a half miles upstream from Shoshone Falls), consists of similar-sized falls in chutes on either side of a stubby basalt pillar. Hence the name was particularly appropriate.

In 1935, however, Idaho Power built a hydropower plant in the south channel, completely blocking it. Hydroelectric power and rural electrification were priorities at the time, and no doubt job creation during the height of the Great Depression was another primary motivation for the project. The powerplant is still in use, and after an upgrade in 1995, the plant capacity is just under 53 megawatts. Although the aesthetic loss is regrettable, the plant has provided clean and sustainable energy for almost a century.

The north channel is now effectively a spillway. A low, submerged arch dam (weir) completely crosses the north channel on the upstream side and provides an even level over which the current now falls.

Know Before You Go

Idaho Power maintains a picnic area and overlook at the site. There are also some hiking trails in the vicinity. Check their website for hours and restrictions.