Paddling the Snake River: Kayak Adventures from AWOL Adventure Sports at Centennial Park
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho? One of the top-rated attractions is paddling the Snake River from Centennial Waterfront Park—and AWOL Adventure Sports is the only outfitter permitted to operate directly from this stunning location in the heart of the Snake River Canyon.
Whether you're a first-time paddler or an experienced adventurer, renting a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from AWOL Twin Falls offers three incredible routes. Each journey is scenic, peaceful, and packed with opportunities to experience wildlife, geology, and Idaho’s natural beauty.
🚣♂️ Paddle to the Perrine Bridge (2-Hour Rental)
Launching from AWOL Adventure Sports at Centennial Park, Canyon Springs Road, Twin Falls, ID, you'll begin your kayaking Twin Falls journey heading east and upriver. Within minutes, the iconic Perrine Bridge will appear on the horizon. As you paddle beneath it, enjoy a stretch of shade and, if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of BASE jumpers leaping from 500 feet above—one of the only places in the U.S. where this is legal year-round.
Despite being close to town, this stretch of river feels like a wilderness escape. Watch for wildlife such as prairie falcons, geese, eagles, and even the occasional deer stopping for a drink along the shoreline. Towering canyon walls surround you, creating an unforgettable outdoor experience just minutes from downtown. This is Snake River kayaking at its most accessible and rewarding.
🌊 Explore Pillar Falls (4-Hour Rental)
Looking for more adventure? Extend your paddle with a 4-hour kayak or canoe rental and head to Pillar Falls, located about 2 miles upstream from the Perrine Bridge. This natural wonder features towering rhyolite columns—some over 100 feet tall—rising dramatically from the riverbed and creating a series of cascades and pools.
Bring lunch, sunscreen, and water, and spend the afternoon exploring the rocky terrain and enjoying the cool mist of the falls. Pillar Falls is a local favorite among those searching for outdoor activities in Twin Falls, and it offers both scenic beauty and a touch of adventure.
⚠️ Please Note: The whitewater flowing between the pillars can be dangerous. Always wear your life jacket and stay aware of river conditions.
🌈 Advanced Paddle to Shoshone Falls (6-Hour Rental)
⚠️ Not recommended for beginners or young children.
If you're an experienced paddler looking for one of the most epic things to do in Southern Idaho, the journey to Shoshone Falls by kayak is a bucket-list adventure. Known as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls towers 212 feet—making it even taller than Niagara.
This 6-hour route begins just like the Pillar Falls paddle but continues beyond. Since you cannot paddle through Pillar Falls, you'll need to portage your kayak approximately 200 yards to a launch point above the falls. From there, paddle upriver another 2 miles around canyon bends as the massive cascade of Shoshone Falls comes into view.
Mist fills the air, eagles soar above, and the roar of the water builds as you approach—this is a powerful and humbling experience that only a few get to see from the base of the falls.
💧 Be prepared with water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for the portage.
🧭 Check canyon and river conditions before attempting this trip.
🧭 Plan Your Trip with AWOL Adventure Sports
Whether you're a local looking for a weekend adventure or a tourist planning a Southern Idaho road trip, AWOL Adventure Sports in Twin Falls makes it easy to rent the gear you need and explore the region’s top attractions by water. We offer:
