The Most Terrifying Bridge in Idaho Will Put You in a Cold Sweat

Have you ever driven across an impossibly high bridge or traversed a swinging, poorly-made structure unsuitable for travel? If so, you may understand the anxiety felt by being at the mercy of something meant to take you safely from one point to the other.

Idaho currently has 4,588 bridges within its boundaries, with 235 in poor condition. Five percent of Idaho’s bridges are structurally deficient and need repair and maintenance. While Idaho is not the best state in the country for safe bridges, it’s also not the worst. But bridges in disarray are not the only ones that can be scary to drive across.

Some may be famous for their impressive height, death-defying antics, and ghost stories. Check out the most terrifying bridge in Idaho, including why it’s so well-known, and other frightening bridges across the state.

What is the Most Terrifying Bridge in Idaho?

The Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls is often cited as the most terrifying bridge in Idaho. This four-lane truss arch bridge carries US Highway 93 across the Snake River Canyon and the river below. Spanning 1,500 feet in total length and towering 486 feet above the river, Perrine Bridge is the eighth-highest bridge in the United States. Its impressive height among rugged canyons and rushing water are one of the main reasons many are terror-stricken to cross its length. Those afraid of heights may find it particularly frightening, but even those without the phobia may find it difficult to cross, especially if you look down at the valley below. Just don’t do it while driving!

Tall bridges can also pose a problem for accidental and suicidal deaths. But one daredevil sport in particular is an issue at Perrine Bridge.

Why is the Perrine Bridge So Famous?

Perrine Bridge is a tourist hotspot in Idaho. On its southwest end, the Visitor Center offers a gift shop, information about the region, and breathtaking canyon views. Along the canyon’s rim is a trail system, which veers underneath the bridge and allows excellent vantage points of the structure’s architecture and immense height.

Evel Knievel performed his attempt to jump across the Snake River Canyon on a Skycycle X-2 in 1974. While the jump was unsuccessful due to a parachute malfunction, it was still an impressive feat. Located near the bridge, visitors can check out the Knievel memorial and see the ramp used to make his leap.

One of the most well-known facts about Perrine Bridge is that it is a famous BASE-jumping site, attracting adventurous spirits from around the world. This artificial structure allows year-round BASE jumping without a permit and has been popular since the 1990s. However, there is a dark side to jumping off Perrine Bridge with nothing more than a parachute. There have been at least ten deaths associated with base jumping from this bridge.

Where is Perrine Bridge Located? About Twin Falls, Idaho

Located in beautiful Southern Idaho, the Perrine Bridge is in Twin Falls. It crosses the Snake River Canyon and connects Twin Falls County with I-84 in Jerome County. The bridge shares the name of Twin Fall’s founder, Ira B. Perrine, who lived at the bottom of the Snake River Canyon. The canyon, river, and nearby waterfalls are some of the most spectacular attractions in Twin Falls. This small city is a quaint retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, from BASE jumping and hiking around the bridge to viewing Shoshone Falls, 46 feet higher than Niagara Falls.

Twin Falls has a semiarid climate and striking landscape, with rugged canyons, fertile rivers, and miles of open space for every recreation. This small town has a lively spirit and is a popular area for quiet family living.

The wildlife in Twin Falls and around the bridge and canyons is diverse. Look for lizards, marmots, gopher snakes, pronghorns, mule deer, fox squirrels on the ground, red-tailed hawks, northern goshawks, and kestrels soaring in the sky.

Other Terrifying Bridges in Idaho

Another one of the most terrifying bridges in Idaho is an old, rickety swinging bridge meant for sheep crossing in South-Central Idaho. While it’s not currently in service, this hanging bridge swings across the rushing Big Wood River, where it’s made of woven ropes, wood, and creaking cables. While the bridge is meant for sheep crossing, humans can take an eerie trek across its wooden planks, dangling about eight feet above the sprinting current of the river. But it’s best to proceed with caution!

If the Sheep Crossing Bridge doesn’t give you enough fright, check out the haunted River Road Bridge in Caldwell. Legend says several ghosts hang out in the dark shadows of the bridge, with some accounts revealing ghostly figures, shadows, and screams as you drive or walk across.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © happyframe from Getty Images/ via Canva.com