Perrine Bridge | Twin Falls

Information

Landmark: Perrine Bridge
City: Twin Falls
Country: USA Idaho
Continent: North America

Perrine Bridge, Twin Falls, USA Idaho, North America

Perrine Bridge is a steel arch bridge spanning the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho.

It serves as a critical transportation link and a popular site for recreational activities.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge is a steel truss arch structure with a deck elevation of 486 feet (148 meters) above the Snake River. Its total length is 1,500 feet (457 meters), with a main span of 1,000 feet (305 meters). The deck is 30 feet (9 meters) wide, accommodating two lanes of traffic. The steel structure is painted a utilitarian gray.

Location & Access Logistics

Perrine Bridge is located approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) west of downtown Twin Falls, Idaho. Access is via State Highway 93 (Blue Lakes Boulevard). Ample parking is available on both the north and south sides of the canyon, adjacent to the bridge approaches. Public transport options directly to the bridge are limited; local bus routes serve the general Twin Falls area, requiring a transfer and walk or taxi for direct access.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Perrine Bridge began in 1925 and was completed in 1927. It was built by the Utah Construction Company. The bridge's original purpose was to connect the communities on either side of the Snake River Canyon and facilitate agricultural and commercial transport. The canyon itself is a geological formation resulting from millions of years of erosion by the Snake River, exposing layers of basalt rock.

Key Highlights & Activities

BASE jumping is permitted year-round from Perrine Bridge without a permit, making it a globally recognized site for this activity. Visitors can walk across the bridge to observe the canyon and river below. Observation points on the canyon rim offer views of the bridge and surrounding landscape. Fishing is possible from the canyon floor, though access is challenging.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the visitor center located on the south rim of the canyon. Shade is minimal on the bridge itself, but picnic areas with shade structures are present at the canyon rim overlooks. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity of the bridge and overlooks. Food vendors are not typically present directly at the bridge; dining options are available in Twin Falls.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the canyon and bridge structure. The best months for weather are typically May through October, offering milder temperatures. BASE jumping activity is often higher during warmer months. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

Perrine Bridge is one of the few bridges in the United States where BASE jumping is permitted year-round without requiring a permit from any governing body. The canyon floor is accessible via a steep, unpaved trail, often referred to as the "Perineum Trail," which is used by experienced hikers and BASE jumpers.