Tandem Kayaking to Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls

Boat, hike, then paddle to the Niagara of the West

A 3-hour tandem kayaking activity on the Snake River near Twin Falls, Idaho, where you ride upriver by boat to Pillar Falls, trek through rock formations and caves with a certified guide, then paddle a shared kayak 4 miles round-trip to Shoshone Falls. The activity includes the kayak, paddle, life jacket and bottled water. Moderate fitness is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour to Shoshone Falls

• Boat ride 2 miles up Snake River
• Trek through Pillar Falls rock formations
• Swim and admire views at Pillar Falls
• Kayak 4-mile round-trip to Shoshone Falls

The experience

The day starts with a 2-mile boat ride up the Snake River under the Perrine Bridge, moving upriver to reach Pillar Falls. Once there, your certified guide leads a trek through towering rock formations, hidden caves and crevices, with time to take a dip and absorb the geology and history of the area. Then you climb into a tandem kayak built for two and paddle 4 miles round-trip on the river toward Shoshone Falls, nicknamed the Niagara of the West. River flow over the falls changes daily without notice, so what you see depends on the day you go.

You'll paddle a tandem kayak, meaning you and one other person share the boat and the paddle work. The kayak, paddle and life jacket are included, as is bottled water. A certified guide leads the whole outing and speaks English. The activity takes about 3 hours total and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Tandem kayak and paddle for two people.
• life jacket.
• bottled water.
• certified guide leading the trek and kayaking portion.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 29 May 2027

Book up to2h before

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by AWOL Adventure Sports

Is this one for you?Book this if you're going with one other person and want a mix of paddling, hiking and water time in a single outing. The tandem setup means you'll share the kayak and the effort, so it works best for two people comfortable working together on the water.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Shoshone Falls and why is it called the Niagara of the West?

Shoshone Falls is a major waterfall on the Snake River near Twin Falls, Idaho, known for its dramatic drop and power. The nickname comes from its scale and force, though the exact appearance changes with river flow, which varies daily.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle the tandem kayak?

No prior kayaking experience is required. You'll be paddling a tandem kayak with one other person, and the certified guide leads the outing and provides instruction as needed.

What happens at Pillar Falls during the trek?

After the boat ride, you hike through rock formations, hidden caves and crevices near Pillar Falls with your guide. You'll have time to swim in the water and explore the area before returning to the kayak portion of the day.

How long is the kayaking portion of the activity?

The kayak paddle to Shoshone Falls is 4 miles round-trip. The entire activity, including the boat ride and the guided trek, takes about 3 hours.