Idaho Falls River Walk - Greenbelt Trail
4.8(2.9K)google
4.4(9)yelp
RiverHikingFamilyOutdoor
Overview
The Idaho Falls River Walk spans nearly 14 miles along both scenic banks of the rushing Snake River, serving as the cultural and recreational spine of the city. This paved, highly accessible greenbelt trail guides visitors through beautifully manicured municipal parks, historic stone bridges, and bustling downtown commercial centers. The absolute highlight of the trail is the spectacular, wide human-made waterfall located directly in the heart of town, providing an incredibly scenic backdrop for early morning jogging, evening romantic strolls, and peaceful waterfront photography.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeMay through October offers the best conditions along the riverbanks. The golden photographic hour is 30 minutes before sunset through twilight. Strolling along the continuous paved path lets you capture the setting sun turning the wide, cascading city waterfall into a sheet of amber light before the multi-colored LED floodlights illuminate the falls.
Getting ThereRunning straight through the urban core of Idaho Falls. Public transit access is straightforward with central stops nearby. Driving is highly convenient: ample free angle street parking runs parallel along Memorial Drive, and massive complimentary public surface lots are available directly adjacent to the historic LDS Temple Visitors' Center.
Travel Tips
- The river walk framing the hydro-dams features low guard rails; never hoist children onto the concrete retaining walls or step past safety flash lines.
- The west trail branch borders the LDS temple grounds; maintain absolute quiet, lower speed limits on all bicycles, and dismount if entering plazas.
- The primary municipal greenbelt lots enforce a strict night curfew between 23:00 and 06:00; overnight vehicle boondocking triggers automatic impoundment.
Reviews
Positive
- The downtown riverside trail is beautifully shaded, following wide tiered concrete falls on the Snake River for a sweeping vista.
- Flawlessly paved with clear bike divisions, complemented by immaculate public benches, free restrooms, and total handicap ramps.
- It smoothly connects the Japanese Friendship Garden, historic monuments, and dining rows, offering top-tier transit convenience.
- Completely free, open 24/7 with excellent public safety order, peppered with clear educational signs for a relaxing walk.
Heads up
- During peak spring runoff, rushing water can submerge low-lying boardwalks, triggering sudden safety barricades by the city.
- Weekend afternoons experience heavy crowding with baby strollers, fast bicycles, and loose pets, making narrow paths feel hectic.
- Certain older underpasses lack adequate overhead lighting later in the evening, feeling isolated for solo night walkers.
- There are no integrated commercial beverage kiosks along the greenway, requiring visitors to carry bottles to avoid heat thirst.