“base jumpers paradise”
The I. B. Perrine Bridge at Twin Falls, Idaho, United States, is a truss arch four-lane bridge carrying U.S. Highway 93 over the Snake River Canyon. Perrine Bridge is approximately 1,500 feet (457 m) long and 486 feet (148 m) above the Snake River. The elevation of the road deck is approximately 3,600 feet (1,097 m) above sea level. The bridge serves as the Twin Falls area's main link to Jerome County and Interstate 84. Originally named the Twin Falls-Jerome Intercounty Bridge, a steel cantilever bridge was opened to traffic in September 1927, and at the time, was the highest bridge in the world. The privately financed $650,000 structure was originally a toll bridge, but the tolls were eliminated in 1940 after the bridge was purchased by the state of Idaho. By the early 1970s, the original bridge was outdated and unable to handle heavy loads and required replacement. Construction on the current bridge began in May 1973 [2] and was completed in July 1976 at a cost of $9,700,000, and the original cantilever bridge to the west was disassembled. The bridge is named for I. B. Perrine, who spearheaded the early 20th century irrigation projects in the Magic Valley region and is largely credited as the main founder of Twin Falls. Adjacent to the south end of the bridge is a parking area with a visitors' center, which allows for easy access to the bridge. To the east, along the south rim of the canyon, lies the dirt ramp used by Evel Knievel when he unsuccessfully attempted to jump the canyon on his steam-powered "skycycle" in 1974. Knievel crashed on the jump because of a parachute malfunction; it opened right after his take off. He survived the crash with only a broken nose. The ramp where he made the leap sits on private property about two miles east of the bridge and is visible from the bridge as well as various vantage points along the Canyon Trail. The Perrine Bridge is a popular BASE jumping site known the world over. It may be the only man-made structure in the United States where BASE jumping is allowed year-round without a permit. In September 2005 Miles Daisher of Twin Falls set a BASE jumping world record by jumping off Perrine Bridge 57 times in a 24-hour period. In July 2006 Dan Schilling jumped off the bridge 201 times in 21 hours to raise money for charity.[6] Unlike Daisher, Schilling was hoisted to the top of the bridge by a crane after every jump. Located at the southwest end of the Perrine Bridge is the Buzz Langdon Visitor Center. BASE Jumpers often use the center as a home-base before and after parachuting from the bridge. The visitors center offers spectacular views of the canyon, bridge, and easy access to the extensively developed trail system along the canyon rim. Trails go under the bridge on either side which offers great vantage points of the bridge and its structure.
Glad we elected to drive over and stop in the Visitor Center. Unbelievable views from the Visitor Center parking lot. Lots of paved walking paths and views, views, views. Great view of the bridge. Beautiful Visitor Center. Good stop overall!
It's a bridge, not much to see. The gorge beneath it is very impressive and beautiful.
Good stopping point and in fact only real stop between SLC and Boise...base jumping very cool
Nice view of the Snake River from bridge.
only bridge where no permit is required to base jump.. whoa.
Stunning views. Passed over it to go see Shoshone Falls (another must see). Really regret we didn't take the time to stop and take the time to look more besides the drive across, which in and of itself was beautiful.
Fun stop on the way through ID. Bridge is easy to miss as the view is nothing like this as you drive over it. Take the time to stop at the visitor center and take in the view!
This bridge was very cool! We got to see a few base jumpers and there are lookout platforms for a better view. The valley below was beautiful and there were a few waterfalls along the edges. There was a museum and gift shop and the Evil Knieval monument and other historical monuments. I say well worth the stop especially if you can catch a few base jumpers!
If you look closely you can see an old car on the cliff and you can see Evel cenevel monument (see Wikipedia)
Spectacular views. Pretty cool to see on a clear day. Also a prime visitor center for a pit stop.
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The Perrine Bridge
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