Shoshone Falls Earthcache EarthCache
Shoshone Falls Earthcache
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Welcome to the Niagara of the West. This is an easy and very beautiful gem of the Magic Valley. This area is accessible by all.
Open daily year-round
Hours 6 am to 10 pm
Cost: $3 per car or
$20 per bus from Early
April to Late September
Shoshone Falls tumble 212 feet to the canyon floor -- more than 50 feet farther than the famous falls on the New York - Ontario border. The waterfall's terraced thousand-foot span is truly one of Idaho's most magnificent sites.
Springtime is the best season to visit Shoshone Falls. In years of heavy precipitation, the Snake River swells with snowmelt, creating an awesome display at the waterfall. Swirling mist, swooping birds, and rainbows rise from the sheets of water. Overlooks give visitors great vantage points for sightseeing and photography. Later in the year, much of the river's flow is diverted to produce hydroelectric power and irrigate Idaho's fertile farmlands, and Shoshone Falls' cliffs may be nearly dry. But even when water levels are low, there's always plenty to see and do at Shoshone Falls Park.
Some Geology
Many of the rivers in this region have cut deep and meandering canyons. West of Twin Falls, the plain is mainly covered with stream and lake sediments. During the Miocene, lava dams created Lake Idaho, which covered a large portion of the Snake River Plain between Twin Falls and Hells Canyon. This large lake expanded and contracted several times before finally receding in the early Pleistocene. In more recent geologic time, about 14,500 years ago, glacial Lake Bonneville spilled catastrophically into the Snake River Plain. The flood carved deep into the land along the Snake River, leaving deposits of gravel, sand, and boulders, as well as a scabland topography in places. Results of this flood include the falls and rapids from Twin Falls and Shoshone Falls to Crane Falls and Swan Falls, as well as the many "potholes" areas.
Some History
Attracted by the roar, mid-19th century pioneers on the Oregon Trail would sometimes hike several miles out of their way to see the falls, which were named after Indians who lived in the region.
A Mr. Wolgamoth obtained squatters rights to the land at Shoshone Falls prior to 1883. In 1883, W.A. Clark of Butte Montana, John A. Creighton, Charles H. Dewey, and E.L. Stone , all of Omaha Nebraska bought the property from Mr. Wolgamoth and paid him in Valentine script.
They spent about $50,000 in building roads, a ferry, and a two story hotel in order to accommodate visitors. These early visitor amenitties are long gone.
After the death of all but Mr. Clark, Mr. Frederick J. Adams bought out Mr. Clark's interest and acquired the balance from the different estates.
In 1932, Frederick J. Adams and Martha Stone Adams donated the Shoshone Falls park to the City of Twin Falls with the stipulation that the land be maintained as a public park for park purposes only and for the beneficial use and enjoyment of all people.
The year after the Adams donated the land, the State of Idaho donated land on the West Side of the park to the City of Twin Falls.
When you look to the left of the main falls you will see a large basalt formation. Estimate the from the base of water the top how tall is it and email over the answer? Please post your pictures of your visit.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ubj uvtu vf gur snyyf?!?