Snake River goes from calm to violent in just a few feet, producing incredible waterfall.
Cauldron Linn, or Caldron Linn, is a site near the Oregon Trail where the Snake River gets jammed through a 40-foot opening, creating a waterfall and rapids. To some, the falling water is known as Star Falls.
Owning a more peculiar name, it is said that it was originally named in the early 1800's by a group of Scottish explorers. The party was attempting to reach the Pacific, but lost both members of the party and canoes to the rough waters. The waterfall was named for one of the same name on the River Devon in Scotland.
Accessing the site doesn't come without challenges. For starters, Google maps directs visitors to the wrong spot and local residents have attempted to steer them in the right direction.
Once you find the correct access point, you'll need an off-road or high clearance vehicle to access the parking area. The parking area isn't really defined, which visitors just choosing an open space that they would be confident that they could easily exit upon leaving the area.
After parking, you'll quickly notice that the area is untamed. No vault toilets, no defined trails, and definitely no hand rails keeping the visitors from falling in.
We walked towards the sound of the flowing water, basically navigating where it appeared safe to walk. The basalt rock had a unique appearance to it, but a white coating and all sorts of shapes and sizes carved into it.
You could walk right up to the seemingly calm water above the falls and watch it become violent rapids in just a few short feet. With a little effort, you could climb above the falls and witness the madness below. Again, there are no safety constraints, so if you slip and fall, that's it.
We caught this at the tail-end of our day, but could have spent hours here as there were few visitors and it was truly a spectacle to witness. I'd love to come back when kayakers are going over the falls for sport.
Know Before You Go
You'll need an all-wheel or high clearance vehicle to access the site.
I wouldn't recommend allowing children anywhere near the water, as the chance of rescue are slim to none.
Google maps takes you to the incorrect side of the river. You'll want to cross a small bridge nearby and approach from the opposite side.
Best to visit in Spring when the water flow is at its greatest.
Resources
Video
Location
Found along the Snake River, southeast of Twin Falls. Google Maps will take you to the residential side of the river (no access), so be sure that you take Murtaugh Road across a bridge and use the dirt road on the north side of the river.