Waterfalls in North Idaho
The Northern portion of the Idaho Panhandle has some of the most beautiful North Idaho waterfalls. If you are thinking of visiting the area or live nearby but haven’t experienced these hidden gems then get those trips booked on your calendar! Winter, spring, summer or fall these waterfalls and their beauty are captivating in all four seasons.
Waterfalls in North Idaho
Copper Falls
Located near the Canadian border the trailhead to this waterfall is a 1.4 mile loop. The first part climbs the hill through gentle switchbacks up to the falls. The falls from above has a fence for safety. Continuing down into the dark and shaded canyon you will cross a series of wood bridges. You will have the chance to access the falls from below if you’re willing to go off the trail and climb over rocks but probably isn’t great for those not confident in their footing or for very small children as they will need a lot of help but the falls from below is equally stunning and some are known to enjoy waterfall showers. In winter the road is not plowed much past the Copper Creek Campground (2 miles from the trailhead), so you may or may not be able to get to the trailhead depending on your transportation but it is a stunning waterfall in winter and some are known to ice climb.
Directions: Take HWY 95 North. 1 mile from the Canadian border (Easport, ID) take a right onto Copper Falls Rd. The first part is paved and then it turns into a dirt road. The trailhead (with sign) is located 2 miles up the road from Copper Falls Campground. Pit toilet at trailhead.
Snow Creek Falls
Located near Bonners Ferry, ID this is a must-see for those wanting to get the most bang for their buck, accessing two waterfalls in one hike! The trail starts at the top of the canyon and finds its way to the bottom through switchbacks and a nice stroll through a shady forest. Once you get closer to the falls the trail will fork where you can explore the upper and lower falls separately. The path to the upper falls leads to an overlook where you can feel the mist of the waterfall and can get cool quickly even on a hot summer day. The path to the lower falls ends at a viewpoint with no fence so you can get closer to the water if you do wish. When you have viewed both falls you can snake your way back up the canyon the way you came down.
Directions: On US-95, take the Deep Creek exit about 2 miles south of Bonners Ferry. Follow Deep Creek Loop westwards for 3 miles, then turn right onto Lions Den Road. After .6 miles Lions Den will turn into West Side Road at a right angle. Continue north for another 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Snow Creek Road #402. Continue for 1.2 miles to the trailhead (it is signed). There is parking for 4-5 cars.
Kootenai Falls
Worth the drive and not actually in Idaho but just over the border into Montana this waterfall should be one of the seven wonders of the world but didn’t make the cut. The well-traveled trail is great for all ages. It wanders through a cedar forest, over a caged bridge that goes over the train tracks, down many flights of stairs, and then meanders its way to the river. You will reach a fork in the trail, the right going to Kootenai Falls and the left going to Swinging Bridge. Veering off to the right will take you to the iconic overlook of the powerful, roaring turquoise falls. Do not let children get anywhere close to the edge as there is no fence and a very steep drop off into the churning water. If you can respect the edge then this is a place to take a picnic lunch and admire the falls for an hour or so. If you go back to the main trail then you can go another 0.25 miles to the swinging bridge where your toes will tingle it you choose to cross it. While some waterfalls you can admire for ten minutes and then hop back in the car to the next falls, this is one you will want to dedicate a little more time to to do and appreciate it all.
Directions: 45 minutes from Bonners Ferry. Take HWY 2 into Montana. You will look for milepost 21 on HWY 2 about 20 minutes after crossing into Montana from Idaho. The pullout is extremely large (can have a couple dozen cars in summer). You will find pit toilets at trailhead as well as a little food cart / cafe in summer as well.
Myrtle Falls
This 0.9 mile out and back trail in Bonners Ferry by the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for all ages in all seasons! Accessible 365 days a year this is a great hike in both warmer weather as well as in the snow either on foot or with snowshoes. You don’t walk long on the trail before passing over a metal bridge. Continuing further up the trail you will climb the hillside through a series of gentle switchbacks.Finally you will reach the falls overlook where you will see the water cascading into the deep canyon. There are a couple benches as well as a fence for safety as the drop off into the canyon is very deep.
Directions: From HWY 95 just over the bridge in Bonners Ferry head west on Riverside Road for about 5 miles. You will veer north onto Westside Road where you will quickly find the trailhead on the left. It’s right across the street from the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge entrance.
Yaak Falls
Located 6 miles off HWY 2 it doesn’t get any easier for accessibility and viewing – this waterfall is right on the road! There is a pullout for parking and you can get a great view of the falls by just getting out of your car but the view is even better if you choose to climb down the rocks just a ways. The falls are very powerful during spring snowmelt but is quite the sight to see any time of year, including winter when it should be accessible.
Directions: From HWY 95 head East on HWY 2 towards Troy, MT. Shortly after crossing into Montana you will turn left onto Yaak River Rd where you will find the pullout for Yaak Falls 6 miles up the road on the right..
Bonners Ferry Cabin Rental
The Moyie River Hideaway is a riverfront 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom cabin nestled in the tall cedars along the Moyie River located 30 miles north of Bonners Ferry with direct access to over 100,000 acres of public hunting, fishing and recreation. An excellent launching point for exploring all of the waterfalls North Idaho has to offer.
Share Your Adventures With Us!
Moyie River Hideaway | Cabin Rental in Bonners Ferry, Idaho