The Uneventful Past
I love a good challenge, and sometimes my wife calls me crazy. Although I had been to this waterfall many times before, this time was different. I’m lucky Fall Creek Falls is not too far from my home. I’ve made many trips to this gorgeous area of Idaho for landscape and waterfall photography. In the past, I had uneventfully climbed down the cliff to wade in the knee-deep, surprisingly warm water of Fall Creek as it plunged into the Snake River and peacefully enjoyed the scenery. This time, it ended up being a crazy and sometimes scary adventure!
The Previous Week
As my friend and I stood on the cliff overlooking the Snake River in early summer, we reminisced about good times while waiting for sunrise. At that time, I decided it had been too long since I had seen this waterfall from the bottom. After sunrise, we headed to the trail and began making our way down. As we peered over the edge, it was apparent by the amount of water that there was no way down without getting soaked. We looked at each other with that daring “you first” look. I almost fell for it, but I remembered camera gear and water don’t mix well. So instead, we packed up and headed home for breakfast.
I knew this wasn’t the end. My subconscious mind went to work almost immediately, scheming a way for me to make it to the base of Fall Creek Falls. I was very excited by the amount of water running over the falls and knew it would make for some incredible pictures. Also, I realized that because of the direction the falls were facing, they would be in the shade at sunset, allowing for longer shutter speeds to help smooth out the water. This is perfect for waterfall photography. If I was lucky, there might be a chance of clouds that could light up at sunset.
The Victory
With a plan in place, I returned a week later wearing a rain jacket, swimming trunks, and sandals with my camera gear secured inside a pelican case and tucked into a 75-liter backpack with my tripod. To my relief, I was the only one around. I’m sure I was a sight to behold. Making my way toward the brink of the waterfall, I could only climb down the cliff about a third of the way. From there on, it was like a natural water park, complete with a water slide, wading pools, and a giant bucket at the top that never seemed to need refilling.
Invigorated by the gushing water and shot of adrenaline, I reached the bottom. While waiting for sunset, I waded back and forth for the next hour, searching for the perfect spot with my camera in hand. I was so focused on what was in front of me that I didn’t even notice the clouds behind me beginning to turn color. My heart rate raced as I scrambled for a way to include them with the waterfall. The result is the beautiful image I captured above. I call it “Wet and Wonderful” because it reminds me of being dripping wet at sunset and loving every minute of this adventure-filled evening somewhere I am fortunate enough to call home. Enjoy more of my river and waterfall photography in my landscape photography gallery.
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Idaho?? Don’t miss all the amazing waterfalls! This waterfall near Swan Valley is a wonderful place to visit. Here are five family-friendly waterfall adventures to also check out. Let me help you bring your adventure home with beautiful wall art from my photography galleries. This picture above is one I have brought home to my house and love reliving the memories every time I walk by this gallery-wrap canvas print on the wall! Enjoy your adventures!
