Ah, Central Idaho - what a beautiful place you are! A beloved destination and all-seasons retreat for Idahoans and visitors alike, our nationally-recognized Sawtooths, Frank Church Wilderness, and epic Salmon River (to name a few) are all right here in the heart of Idaho. But as if pristine mountain vistas, rushing rivers, and wildlife-filled forests weren't appealing enough, the central region of Idaho is also home to a number of beautiful waterfalls hidden within its recesses. And what better way to visit them than with an Idaho waterfalls road trip? With 14 hours of drive time and plenty of hiking involved, this adventure is only doable as a multi-day endeavor - but the challenge is worth it!

Are you ready to go chase some waterfalls near you in Central Idaho? Let the journey begin! First, visualize your waterfall road trip in Idaho using Google Maps.

1. Tohobit/Warbonnet/Baron Creek Falls

Baron Creek is one of the deepest canyons in Idaho's Sawtooths, but it also leads to some even more spectacular alpine areas for those willing to take on the challenge. The falls are amazing, but the hike alone is worth it! From eight or so miles beyond the campground, take Baron Creek Trail #101. You'll hike past Tohoboit and Warbonnet Falls through lightly forested terrain and majestically serrated rock formations to where Baron Creek Falls tumble 50 feet in multiple threads. For overnight camping, we recommend the extra hike to the three upper lakes.

2. Lady Face Falls

High spring water levels could cause this road trip segment to be postponed (you'll have to cross a quickly moving knee-deep creek), so plan carefully. Park near the trailhead off of Stanley Lake Road and hike along the Stanley Lake trail for just shy of three miles. The elevation will rise quickly and you will need to follow the ridge path an additional half a mile to find a rim view of this wide cataract plummeting into the basin below. Lady Face Falls is a pristine slice of paradise in Idaho, and absolutely worth a visit!

3. Bridalveil Falls

Not to be confused with Bridal Veil Falls in Southern Idaho, Bridalveil in Central Idaho is a much more challenging excursion. A rocky hike beyond Lady Face Falls for just over a mile will offer a distant view of the falls’ 120 to 160-foot tiered cascade. You will see a sign bolted to a tree, and a small opening along the creek provides a scenic picnic spot and viewing point for this ethereal, wispy cataract. You'll definitely want to spend some time at the falls and explore the surrounding beauty.

4. Goat Falls

It's a challenging hike to get to this deep wilderness waterfall... but it's well worth the extra effort. The seven-mile hike to Goat Falls makes an ascent along Iron Creek under a canopy of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest in the official Sawtooth Wilderness. Those looking for a shorter, less challenging hike (and scramble) will find the shaded banks of the creek to be a beautiful destination, but continuing on to Goal Falls is an epic journey! The climb follows a landscape of wildflowers and far-reaching vista views. For an extra challenge, continue on to see the larger watersheds of Fern and Smith Falls. Whatever you do, be sure to add a hike to the tallest waterfall in Idaho to your bucket list!

5. Fountain Creek Falls

Often overlooked, this lovely waterfall cascades lightly down a rocky cutout along the Salmon River. Easily accessible without a hike, we are always surprised when folks don't know about this beautiful Idaho gem! To find Fountain Creek Falls, take Highway 93 and exit west at North Fork onto Salmon River Road. You'll have an hour drive westward towards Cache Bar Camp.

6. Napias Creek Falls

This waterfall in Idaho is full of history and lore - just over a century ago, gold was discovered near the headwaters of Napias Creek in Lemhi County. Today, an even greater treasure awaits those willing to take the drive. Roadside views of this rocky, 70-foot cascade are easy to find after following Highway 93 for just over 20 miles, and it'll give you a whole new perspective as to why "Napias" means "money" in Shoshoni. Napias Creek Falls really does boast some million-dollar views!

Due to the remoteness of Central Idaho's mountains and wilderness areas, please be extra cautious, respectful, and bear-aware as you travel. We highly recommend booking a guide service as there are many smaller, hidden falls in Central Idaho, particularly around the Stanley area that are accessible only by foot and by those with advanced backpacking experience. And really, who can pass up the opportunity to see more of the best waterfalls in Idaho?

Are you excited to take this Central Idaho waterfalls road trip? Be sure you gear up with a few things from our ultimate hiking packing list!

To ogle even more Gem State beauty, check out our other waterfall road trips in Idaho. We've been covering every single region!