Pillar Falls

Pillar Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River in Idaho where water drops over a wide rocky shelf and is divided into multiple channels by basalt columns. The river flows through a landscape shaped entirely by volcanic rock formations.

This waterfall originated from volcanic activity millions of years ago that laid down massive basalt layers across the region. The Snake River gradually carved through these rock formations over thousands of years to create the falls we see today.

Visitors gather at this location to watch the water and photograph the rocky landscape throughout the seasons. The falls have become a place where people connect with the river and its dramatic setting.

The trail to the falls starts from Pole Line Road and involves a moderate hike with steep sections that require solid footing. Wear appropriate hiking shoes since the ground can be uneven and slippery in places.

What makes this place special is how the basalt columns split the water into separate streams that rejoin at different points downstream. This pattern shifts depending on how much water the river carries at different times of year.

GPS coordinates: 42.59857,-114.43153

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47