This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Most Wasatch Front residents probably think about going south instead of north to enjoy spring break.
But southern Idaho offers interesting places to explore that are about half the distance as driving to St. George or Moab.
And one attraction will be at the height of its beauty for the next two or three weeks.
The 212-foot-high Shoshone Falls on the Snake River near Twin Falls will be flowing even higher than normal, according to Steve Stuebner of Southern Idaho Tourism. That's because the Bureau of Reclamation is releasing more water than normal from Upper Snake River reservoirs as a flood-control measure.
That means the falls, known as the "Niagara of the West," are even more impressive than normal. Twin Falls is about a 2 ½-hour drive from Salt Lake City.
Other outdoor destinations in southern Idaho include the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Craters of the Moon National Monument or City of Rocks National Reserve.
Lava Hot Springs is another year-round southern Idaho attraction. And gamblers can enjoy casino games at the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho or go just across the border south of Twin Falls to Jackpot, Nev.
The one disadvantage is that camping this time of year can be a bit on the cold side, though it is possible. Craters of the Moon has a wonderful campground.
But motel rooms are plentiful.