Whitewater Wonderland: The Snake River Through Twin Falls
- Justin Smith
- 19 hours ago
- 6 min read
Exploring Idaho’s Hidden Whitewater Mecca in the Heart of the Magic Valley
When people think of world-class whitewater, they picture the Grand Canyon, Idaho's Salmon River, or California’s American River. But deep in southern Idaho’s Magic Valley, the Snake River cuts through volcanic basalt to form one of the most dramatic and diverse whitewater corridors in the United States. From waterfalls taller than Niagara to Class V rapids carved through volcanic rock, this canyon is a whitewater wonderland hiding in the farmland.
The Snake River Canyon: Hidden Whitewater
The Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls stretches for miles of sheer cliffs, hidden creeks, and roaring rapids. It’s both a scenic masterpiece and an untapped playground for paddlers and adventurers alike.
The Magic Valley earned its name a century ago when irrigation transformed a dry desert into rich farmland. But the same canals and diversion dams that made the valley “magic” also reshaped the river, taming its flows and fragmenting its once-continuous whitewater. Today, during spring runoff, the Snake briefly awakens into one of the West’s most powerful river systems before returning to a quiet chain of reservoirs for most of the summer.
The Big Waterfalls
Cauldron Linn
Cauldron Linn is the raw heart of the Snake’s power. A roaring Class VI (sometimes Class V at lower or exceptionally high flows) rapid that churns through tight volcanic walls. At certain rare flows, an alternate channel opens on the left side, creating a narrow, runnable sneak line that only a handful of expert kayakers have ever attempted. During spring runoff, flows here can exceed 20,000 cubic feet per second, turning the entire chute into a cauldron of exploding whitewater.
In 1811, members of the Astoria Party were reportedly “turned back” by impassable whitewater in this region. With modern understanding, they were likely stopped by rapids near present day Milner or Minidoka Dam, well upstream of Cauldron Linn, when their canoes were destroyed by the Snake’s ferocity. Upon hiking downriver and seeing the powerful rapids from the canyon rim, they abandoned their water plans and ventured overland.
Twin Falls
Once a true pair of matching curtains cascading side-by-side, Twin Falls gave the city its name. Today one of the channels is dammed, but the main drop remains an awe-inspiring sight, a reminder of the raw hydraulic power that defines this stretch of the Snake.
Shoshone Falls
The “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls plunges 212 feet, taller than Niagara itself. At full spring flow, it’s among the most spectacular natural sights in Idaho.
Pillar Falls
Downstream of Shoshone Falls, Pillar Falls is less a single drop and more a maze of rock towers, channels, and cataracts. Technically not a falls, but a complex cataract that changes significantly with water levels. With shifting hydraulics, hidden holes, and extreme entrapment hazards, it demands serious respect. Access is difficult, and only a handful of paddlers have ever explored it.
Auger Falls
Downriver of the Perrine Bridge, Auger Falls reveals powerful Class V whitewater at certain flows. It’s a favorite stop for hikers and mountain bikers. It's a vivid reminder of how much gradient remains locked within this canyon.
At high water, Auger Falls is arguably the most impressive place to witness the Snake River’s power, even more so than Shoshone Falls, thanks to its close proximity and the ability to stand close enough to feel the river's thunder. It has been kayaked at select low flows, most notably in 2024 at around 8,000 CFS, when professional paddlers described it as the largest whitewater in Idaho.
At flows exceeding 20,000 CFS, Auger Falls may represent one of the largest rapids yet to be paddled, on the planet!
And 60 More
Across the Magic Valley, over sixty waterfalls pour from the canyon rim. From delicate spring seeps to full-blown side-creek cascades. Together, they make this one of the most waterfall-dense canyons in North America.
The Milner Mile: One of America’s Steepest Big-Water Runs
Below Milner Dam lies the legendary Milner Mile, a violent, high-gradient stretch where the Snake River drops through a maze of ledges and holes. It’s among the steepest high-volume runs in the United States, the gradient and hazards make it too dangerous for any commercial outfitter.
The Murtaugh Section: Idaho’s Grand Canyon in a Day
Stretching roughly 13 miles through a 30-mile canyon corridor, the Murtaugh Section of the Snake River is one of the most advanced commercially run stretches of whitewater in the nation.
While Grand Canyon rafters cover nearly 200 miles to find 20+ major rapids, the Murtaugh packs that same punch into just 13 miles, delivering over 20 major rapids nearly back-to-back.
At low flows under 2,500 CFS, the river becomes a steep, technical channel requiring precise maneuvering. As flows rise toward 12,000 CFS and beyond, it transforms into a continuous series of Grand-Canyon-sized wave trains - massive, thundering rapids that test even veteran boaters. Learn More about rafting the Murtaugh
It’s one of the few licensed outfitted sections in the country where guests can experience Class IV+ whitewater at this scale.
The Hagerman Section: Family-Friendly Whitewater for Everyone
Downstream, near the town of Hagerman, the Snake River mellows into fun, splashy Class III rapids — perfect for families, kids, and first-timers. The Hagerman Section offers a half-day run through scenic canyon walls with warm water and wildlife viewing.
It’s easily accessible from Sun Valley, Boise, and Salt Lake City, making it a perfect weekend rafting destination. Learn more about rafting the Hagerman
Other Notable Runs
Several tributaries of the Snake in the Magic Valley also offer vibrant whitewater:
Malad River: Short, steep, and full of punchy Class III–IV rapids.
Camas Creek: A Class III creek-run through tight basalt gorges.
Deep Creek: A demanding Class V descent for expert kayakers.
Sewer Run (Canyon Springs Run): Rapids on the Snake River from Auger Falls park to Broken Bridge.
Salmon Falls Creek: Class II commonly run as an overnight trip.
Jarbidge/Bruneau: Class IV multi-day trips in remote wilderness.
The Lost Whitewater of Twin Falls
Several tributaries of the Snake still flow naturally, but many of the playful surf waves and mini-rapids that once existed across the Magic Valley have disappeared. In earlier decades, even small irrigation drops created local play spots - pockets of whitewater that became community gathering spots for paddlers.
Over the past century, those features were repurposed, dammed, and converted into hydroelectric projects. Wherever the canals had gradient, the water was diverted into power channels, and the natural whitewater dried up. What was once a vibrant, free-flowing network of channels and creeks became a carefully managed system of concrete flumes and spillways.
Whitewater Potential of the Magic Valley
Today, a growing movement of paddlers and community advocates is working to restore some of that lost magic. There’s increasing momentum behind developing a whitewater park - ideally near the Auger Falls complex or another location - that would restore safe, consistent play features for kayakers, surfers, and families.
These projects could blend sustainability and recreation, offering controlled flow channels, artificial surf waves, and public river access. Similar whitewater parks across the West have revitalized local tourism, increased property values, and provided healthy opportunities for communities.
Twin Falls has the geology, gradient, and community passion to make it happen.
The Case for Weekend Flow Releases
Because the Snake River is managed primarily for irrigation and hydropower, natural flows drop sharply by late spring. But a new vision is emerging, one inspired by Niagara Falls.
By holding back water overnight and releasing it for a few hours on weekends throughout the summer, it’s possible to temporarily restore full-flow spectacles at Shoshone Falls, Auger Falls, and throughout the Murtaugh Section.
These coordinated high-flow weekends could draw thousands of visitors, photographers, and whitewater enthusiasts — injecting tourism revenue into the region and showcasing the raw natural power of the Snake River at its best.
It’s a simple idea with big potential: celebrate the river, maintain irrigation storage, support local business, and reconnect Twin Falls to the area's whitewater potential.
Plan Your Trip
Adventure Idaho operates spring trips on the Murtaugh Section and summer family adventures on the Hagerman Section and rafting trips on the Salmon River.
Lock in your spot now: Adventure Idaho Rafting – River Adventures