Perrine Memorial Bridge
4.8(2.5K)google
4.6(8)yelp
City LandmarkScenic LookoutPhoto Spot
Overview
The I. B. Perrine Bridge is a four-lane truss arch span over the Snake River in the western United States. Located in southern Idaho just north of the city of Twin Falls, it carries U.S. Highway 93 over the Snake River Canyon, connecting Twin Falls County with Interstate 84 in Jerome County.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeThis architectural marvel is great year-round, but clear skies from May to September provide the best experience. The ultimate daily window is one hour before sunset through twilight. The setting sun shoots golden rays directly through the massive steel arch suspended 486 feet over the Snake River Canyon, illuminating the chasm while BASE jumpers plunge into the abyss.
Getting ThereSituated directly on US Highway 93 at the northern entrance of Twin Falls. Driving is exceptionally convenient: from I-84, take Exit 173 and drive straight south on US-93 S for roughly 4 miles until the canyon canyon opens up. Pull directly into the Twin Falls Visitor Center at the south rim, which maintains an expansive, fully paved parking lot that is completely free.
Travel Tips
- As a premier unregulated year-round BASE jumping span, pedestrians on the narrow sidewalks must yield total right-of-way to active parachute handlers.
- Sidewalks directly flank high-speed highway traffic with intense canyon crosswinds; using extended self-shooting sticks or tracking backward is dangerous.
- The southern visitor center offers spacious layout lots; do not park inside the marked country club corporate grid or risk immediate commercial locking.
Reviews
Positive
- The massive steel arch bridge spanning nearly 500 feet over the Snake River Canyon delivers a mind-blowing visual thrill.
- One of America's few legal BASE jumping hubs; watching daredevils leap from the bridge rail offers incredible spectator fun.
- Both bridge flanks feature flat paved sidewalks with heavy safety railings, linking smoothly to the adjacent visitor hub.
- Completely free with a massive free parking asset and clean restrooms, presenting a premier spot to watch canyon sunsets.
Heads up
- Walking the pedestrian flank can be nerve-wracking as fast highway truck traffic causes the entire bridge deck to vibrate.
- High canyon canyon crosswinds hide zero windbreaks; windy days turn bone-chillingly cold and uncomfortable rapidly.
- If you don't intend to hike the rim or watch jumpers, driving across takes seconds, making the casual sightseeing brief.
- The prime rim grass lawns swarm heavily at weekend twilight, causing public trash bins to occasionally overflow.