ahoyne9My brother and I embarked on a camping adventure in Idaho, eagerly anticipating a visit to Shoshone Falls, which had long been on my bucket list.
We left Salt Lake City on May 13th, 2023, choosing it for its convenience and affordability. Our first stop was Bear Lake, where we camped at the Saint Charles Campground. This time of year, camping was free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We were fortunate to have the entire campground to ourselves, nestled right next to St. Charles Creek.
The drive from Salt Lake City to Bear Lake takes about two hours and offers breathtaking views, especially through the canyon past Logan. Notable stops include Hobitt Caves and Rick Springs, with scenic lookouts offering stunning views over Bear Lake. The town itself was quiet, and with the heavy snowfall this year, it seemed summer activities wouldn’t kick off until late June. Keep in mind that there is no cell service at the Saint Charles Campground.
The next morning, May 14th, 2023, we set off for Shoshone Falls. Although Bear Lake wasn’t directly on our route, we thought it would be an interesting camping spot. We decided to take a detour on the old Oregon Trail and visit Soda Springs to see its unique geyser. Created accidentally in 1937 during a search for hot water, the Soda Springs Geyser is the world’s only man-made geyser. It erupts every hour, reaching up to 100 feet, thanks to a controlled valve.
Finally, we arrived at Shoshone Falls, often dubbed the “Niagara of the West.” This impressive waterfall, standing 212 feet tall and stretching over 900 feet across the Snake River, is even higher than Niagara Falls. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. Despite the dramatic snowmelt, which was expected to enhance the falls, we were a bit disappointed. The flow was less than anticipated, likely due to the influence of the nearby hydro dam. The falls were not as spectacular as the photos had led me to believe. Nonetheless, the grandeur of the falls was undeniable.
On our return to Salt Lake City, we sought another campsite at Sublett Reservoir. The rough road conditions made it challenging for our sedan, and we eventually decided to leave due to a lack of firewood and cooking facilities. We ended up camping at Curlew Campground, where we enjoyed a night under the stars on a grassy field.
Next up I had to Spain and Portugal with my girlfriend Katy, Cheers!
