Sheep Falls on Henry's Fork
Island Park, Idaho
| Address: | ~Sheep Falls Rd, Ashton, ID 83420, USA |
| GPS: |
44°11'59.9"N 111°24'0.2"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Idaho |
Hike
Sheep Falls is a beautiful, lesser-known waterfall on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River near Island Park, Idaho, where the river squeezes through a narrow basalt chute and drops about 25 feet in a churn of whitewater. It may be shorter than the famous Upper and Lower Mesa Falls just across the way, but it's every bit as scenic — and far quieter, making it a wonderful reward for a short, easy hike.
The trail to Sheep Falls is a gentle stroll of roughly a mile each way on a relatively well-maintained path, suitable for the whole family and rarely crowded. The route sits on the opposite side of the river from Mesa Falls, off Highway 20: head north past Ashton, turn onto Sheep Falls Road, and follow it to the trailhead — though be warned, the final dirt road is rough and rocky, so a high-clearance vehicle is a good idea.
There are calmer pockets near the falls where people wade and swim on hot summer days, but the water here deserves real respect. The current above and around the chute is powerful and can sweep you off your feet and pull you toward the drop. Stay well back from the lip, keep a close eye on children, and only consider getting in where the water is clearly calm and you know it's safe — when in doubt, enjoy the falls from the bank.
The best season runs roughly May through October, when the road is passable and the river is at its most beautiful. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and a camera, pack out everything you bring in, and you'll discover one of the Island Park area's most underrated natural treasures.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Island Park, Idaho
- Head south on Hwy 20 W toward Riverside Dr (17.3 mi)
- Turn left onto Sheep Falls Rd (2.4 mi)
- Turn left (0.2 mi)
From the Snake River bridge just north of Ashton, Idaho, travel 6.5 miles north on Highway 20. Turn east onto the Sheep Falls Road.
After turning east onto Sheep Falls Road drive 2.45 miles. This road is wide and well travelled and typically in good condition. In good weather 2WD cars will have no trouble on this section. The road winds around a bit and passes several turnoffs onto side roads. At 2.45 miles you'll reach a 4-way intersection, turn east (left). From here, you may need 4WD but if it doesn't look like your car will do it, find a good place to park and add 0.2mi to your hike (each way).
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