The Rugged Hike To Idaho S Tallest Waterfall Is Worth Every Step

The Gem State is filled with many beautiful drive-up waterfalls, like the famous Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls or Upper Mesa Falls near Ashton. However, Idaho’s tallest waterfall isn’t so easily found. Located at the end of a rugged hiking trail in the Sawtooth Wilderness, finding Goat Falls makes for an adventure to remember. Traversing this 8-mile trail can be a challenge, but you’ll find that it’s so worth it once you get a view of the majestic falls at the end. After all, it’s the tallest in Idaho by a long shot and it’s an unforgettable sight!

Hiding in the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley is a crystal-clear alpine lake known as Goat Lake. The lake itself is definitely a beauty, but it’s the nearby waterfall that makes this an adventure you’ll want to add to the bucket list.

Michael Richardson/AllTrails

Both Goat Lake and Goat Falls can be found by traversing an 8-mile out-and-back trail that starts at the Iron Creek Trailhead in Sawtooth Wilderness. You can find the trailhead at Iron Creek Campground, located just west of Stanley off Forest Road #619.

Ellie Frost/AllTrails

Once you set off from the trailhead, you’ll follow the trail as it stretches alongside Iron Creek for a little over a mile. Once you officially enter Sawtooth Wilderness, you’ll come across a marked junction. Turn left at the junction and start following the Alpine Way Trail.

Grahm Sweet/AllTrails

The first section of this trail is fairly easygoing. After taking the junction, you’ll cross a creek and a bridge before starting a steep ascent deeper into the wilderness. This section of the trail is difficult, but the spectacular views that overlook the forest are a great distraction!

Donna Vetter/AllTrails

After this steep section, you’ll come across another fork in the trail. Take a right this time and you’ll be led through a hillside covered in glorious wildflowers. Keep following the trail for around 3.3-miles before reaching the incredible Goat Falls.

Chris Byington/AllTrails

According to the Northwest Waterfall Survey, Goat Falls is a whopping 650-feet tall. This makes it the tallest waterfall in Idaho by leaps and bounds. The sight of it cascading down the mountainside is simply glorious!

Eric Fenner/AllTrails

To reach Goat Lake, you’ll have to do some scrambling from the falls up a granite slab. An unmaintained trail will then take you directly to the lake, located just west of the falls. All in all, this is a rugged adventure that requires hikers to pay close attention, but it’s all worth it for the sight of the beautiful Goat Falls and Goat Lake at the end.

Bryce Landau/AllTrails

Did you know Goat Falls was the tallest waterfall in Idaho? Tell us about your favorite waterfall adventure in the Gem State in the comments below! There’s definitely a lot to choose from.