Falls: The falls in Idaho Falls begin as water flows over dam or retaining wall before cascading down several boulders and rocky areas before flowing back into a tributary stream which joins the river a short distance downstream. In addition to the original retaining wall seen across the upper portion of the photo, the rocky, cascading falls are part of the man-made falls. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Calm: The waters of the Snake River flow very calmly while the waters that flow over the wall become very active as they flow across the rocks into a tributary stream. The wall (seen on the left in the photo) is 1,200 feet long and was constructed originally to create a waterfall for a hydroelectric plant. The Idaho Falls Temple is seen reflecting in the waters of the river in the distance. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
By GARY WARREN
Photographer
Formerly of Los Alamos
The Snake River travels through the Northwest U.S. as it makes its way from Wyoming to Washington where it meets the Columbia River. The Snake River is the largest tributary of the Columbia River. One of the cities in Idaho that was built along the shores of the Snake River is Idaho Falls.
The Snake River flows through the center of Idaho Falls and skirts the downtown historic district. There were no waterfalls in Idaho Falls until a dam or restraining wall was built for a hydroelectric plant for the city on the Snake River over 100 years ago. Prior to that construction the river moved through this section of Idaho Falls as a series of rapids.
The city has been proactive in recent decades as they have used that retaining wall to create a series of waterfalls along the 1,200-foot-long wall, which are constructed to look similar to the rapids that ran through the area more than 100 years ago.
In addition to the falls the city has developed the Idaho Falls Greenbelt and Riverwalk. The greenbelt runs about five miles on both sides of the Snake River providing many outdoor opportunities for visitors along the river. While the riverwalk is five miles long and the crown jewel of the project are the Idaho Falls section of the greenbelt near downtown.
The greenbelt and riverwalk provide a path for walkers, runners and bicyclists and others to enjoy views of the river. The greenbelt also hosts the farmer’s market, art shows and other public events throughout the year. There are several tables for visitors to sit for a meal while enjoying the views and sounds of the waterfalls.
We stayed in Idaho Falls during our recent journey through the state and spent several hours on the greenbelt around the falls. We had seen the falls before but this was our first time to stop and enjoy the falls and the park area on the shores of the river. The setting made for a relaxing rest after driving that morning.
While the falls in Idaho Falls are man-made, they are beautifully constructed in a way that makes them look natural and the Idaho Falls Greenbelt and Riverwalk just add to the enjoyment of a visit to the area.
Editor’s note: Longtime Los Alamos photographer Gary Warren and his wife Marilyn are traveling around the country, and he shares his photographs, which appear in the “Posts from the Road” series published in the Sunday edition of the Los Alamos Daily Post.
Bridge View: A bridge crossing the Snake River has walkways for pedestrians on both sides allowing them to cross the river if they choose or to just walk across and get other views of the Snake River as it flows through town. The falls and surrounding greenbelt are maintained by the city of Idaho Falls. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Late Sunlight: Late afternoon sunlight shines on the waters and distant shore of the Snake River while the falls in the foreground are now shaded from the sun as it begins to set. The calm water in the Snake River create nice reflections as you gaze across the beautiful scenery. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Fishing: A couple of fishermen were seen fishing from their boat just below the falls. The falls flow into a tributary stream where the boat is seen before going to the river downstream. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
