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When I say that this is in my top three most beautiful places I have ever seen, I mean breathtaking views. God is amazing. I was so emotional when I saw these views.
Having spent close to zero time in in southeastern Idaho, I can't say that i have very many expectations when it comes to this part of the country. Yet somehow, Mesa Falls managed to exceed my expectations. Somehow, when that much water moves that far at once, you just tend to be blown away, even if you totally expected it. We rolled into the lower falls parking area in the morning just after breakfast, as it was the only part that was open (COVID had the main upper parking area closed off at the highway). We parked, and apparently it was a popular choice with the locals and there were plenty of Idaho plates and folks milling about. There are restrooms here and ample parking, even for boats... though I have no idea how you would get a boat down to the water. These guides apparently just haul them down the mountain, but you're a waaaaays up above the river with a nice view of the falls. We were hoping to hike from the lower to the upper falls, but this is not technically possible on trails along the river. We did, however, hike from the lower parking lot to the upper falls highway turnoff, and then walk all the way down the road to the falls. The upper falls let you get up close and personal, with a series of stairs and boardwalks that take you right out near (but not too near) the rushing falls. There are plenty of spots for pics and we grabbed some good ones. The upper area also has restrooms, as well as an old inn (that was never an inn, I believe) that *I think* is used as offices now? I should have read the plaque more carefully. After some research, though, I have discovered that there is indeed a trail that takes you from the upper fall to the lower fall--kind of. It leaves from just beyond the parking area of the upper fall, and sorta/kinda follows the river, and then ends peering at the lower fall from above. It's an out-and-back hike, and one I'd like to try sometime.
I saw this on Idaho, the movie! We booked a cabin here, and weren't disappointed! Definitely worth the trip! Boardwalk and stairs for upper falls overlook. Great opportunity for photos. Lower falls is dirt trail through woodsy meadows and overlooks.
Stopped here around 1;00 on a Monday in August. Lower Falls is a super shirt walk to view. Further north is the turn for upper Falls which cost $5 per car. Don't skip it. And don't skip cute visitors center. It's better than most. Has cold drinks and stamp for parks passport.
My family and I visited Mesa Falls on the drive from Jackson, WY to Bozeman. It was a nice stop along the way. It's a beautiful waterfall that's only a 5 minutes walk from the parking lot. The view is spectacular and you can get really close up to the falls. We only spent 20 minutes there but you can spend more time if you are a photographer and want to take a lot of pictures. The bathrooms are kind of gross. They smell and there is no plumbing there.
They still call this Yellowstone territory, but it has a different twist. Heading south outside the National Park, if you take the lesser traveled Hwy 47, you will find yourself passing through a lovely alpine forest called Targhee National Forest. There are great campgrounds, hiking trails, hunting and fishing, less open spaces, and even less crowds. Just passing through on our way to the nearby tiny town of Ashton, the best part for us was a stop at the showpiece, historical, post-Victorian log inn that is now known as the Mesa Falls Visitors' Center and the stunning falls close by. From the Visitors' Center it is a short walk to get right up to the large Upper Falls. For those with physical disabilities there is a smooth pathway that is walker/wheelchair friendly that can get you pretty close. But if you want to get really close and personal, even feel the cool spray on your face, you must take the boardwalk and a cluster of easy stairs to get you there. It is not a strenuous walk by any means and the reward is magnificent, the deafening sound of water as it spills millions of gallons of mountain-pure water over the embankment onto the blackish stones below, and especially the mist that creates a brilliant morning rainbow that you can almost reach out and touch. The view of the rugged stone wall on the opposite side also displays a mass of beautiful pines. There is also a long trail that leads down to the Lower Falls for the willing and able. They have conveniently close chemical toilets, but they are very nicely maintained. The Falls and Visitors' Center are not to be missed, for kids and adults alike. After experiencing a tourist ridden visit to Yellowstone in late September, yes, even after most families had gone home, this was a welcoming retreat and excellent time for introspection.
We visited Mesa Falls on a recent trip to Pocatello for the marathon this past weekend. Located near Ashton, Idaho, Mesa Falls was about a 1.5 hour drive, but once we got off the highway onto the back roads, the views were incredible. We stopped a few times on the drive up for photos of the Warm River and an overlook of the Tetons. At Mesa Falls itself, we walked the path down to the Upper Mesa Falls - a 15 minute walk, mostly stairs and a well-kept path down to the top of the Falls. The view was incredible, and I loved seeing the rainbow in the mist. Also in the upper Falls parking lot was the Visitors' Center, with some information about the Falls and surrounding area. From the upper Falls parking lot, we hiked down to the lower Falls. It was about a 15-20 minute walk on a well-packed, flat dirt trail. The view of the lower Falls was not as exciting, but the walk was beautiful. We enjoyed the informational signs along the way, pointing out indigenous trees and plants, including wild huckleberries and the massive lodgepole pines. Mesa Falls is definitely a "don't miss" attraction in southern Idaho.
We found ourselves in Yellowstone territory highly disappointed because of the government shutdown. We tried to find as many things as possible to do while we were there and this was one of them. I never would have gone here if it wasn't for the shutdown but if you are heading to the west side of Yellowstone anytime, it was worth a quick stop. It's kind of hidden and it's a very short walk to the actual fall. There are observation decks for both of them. Upper Mesa Falls is a waterfall on the Henrys Fork in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Upstream from Lower Mesa Falls, it is roughly 16 miles away from Ashton, Idaho. Mesa Falls Tuff, which is the rock over which Upper Mesa Falls cascades, was formed 1.3 million years ago. A cycle of rhyolitic volcanism from the Henrys Fork caldera deposited a thick layer of rock and ash across the area. This layer compressed and hardened over time. Between 200,000 and 600,000 years ago, the river eroded a wide canyon which was subsequently partly filled with basalt lava flows. The Henrys Fork of the Snake River then carved the channel through the basalt; which is the inner canyon seen today. Upper Mesa Falls is roughly 114 feet high and 200 feet wide.
This trip was worth every single second of the hike with our four year old we had to take. It's beautiful! It's a great place to take family pictures and enjoy the day. We had so much fun. For sure want to come back again.
Beautiful place! Gets pretty busy after 11 am worth the 5 bucks bring exact change. Friendly rangers oh and take the nature trail to the lower falls.
About an hour away from Yellowstone Park, you can find this beautiful waterfall. Included is a picture of Upper Mesa Falls. I was a bit nervous to "hike" in Birkenstocks, but the hike down to the waterfall isn't really a hike. The hike is more so a light walk, which includes a wooden stair trail to get a better view of the waterfall. The entire trail could easily be finished in approximately 20 minutes. If you drive down about a mile, you can also get to Lower Mesa Falls, which has an actual dirt trail. If you're in the area, definitely worth checking out.
Mesa Falls is a beautiful 1 hour drive from Victor, Id, and about 50 miles from Yellowstone. We entered the Upper Mesa Falls parking lot and paid the attendant $5. The exact change was requested. At 10:30 a.m., the lot was fairly empty. There were porta potty style restrooms near the parking lot and none in the visitor center. If you're looking for the paved trail that leads you to Upper Mesa Falls, the pathway and boardwalk can be found across from Big Falls Inn, which is also the Visitor Center. We mistakenly missed this and walked towards a sign that read Mesa Falls. We followed it, and when we reached the end at approximately 1 mile, we realized that we had taken the Lower Mesa Falls Trail. They are two completely separate Falls. Lower Mesa Falls is a 65 ft high waterfall, and Upper Mesa Falls is a 114 ft high waterfall. I was pretty disappointed when we reached the end of Lower Mesa Falls. The view of the waterfall wasn't that great. My husband, seeing my disappointment, continued walking to the right of the dead end and discovered an off-road trail. The trail was steep going down, and the second half was over rocks. It was so worth taking. The trail took us to an overlook next to the top of Lower Mesa Falls. Absolutely amazing! I don't recommend taking this trail with kids. There were many spots for potential slips. Wear good hiking shoes and bring bug spray. There were lots of mosquitos! read more
Mesa Falls is located in Eastern Idaho about 17 miles north of the town of Ashton, ID. There are two parts to the falls...Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. The Upper is the crowning moment of visiting. There's a boardwalk pathway circling the canyon rim of Upper Mesa Falls. Along the way, there are multiple vista point lookouts from high above to appreciate the forest canyon surroundings. Upper Mesa Falls measures 114 feet tall and spans 200 feet wide. Before thinking about checking out Lower Mesa Falls, I'd suggest stopping here at the Upper Falls. It's where the Big Falls Inn is located which acts as the Visitor Center. The Big Falls Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a giant cabin and the unofficial starting point of Mesa Falls. When arriving, you can stop inside and ask staff questions about the falls plus there's chances to purchase souvenirs, drinks and snacks. Then it's time to follow the trail to Mesa Falls. Basically, the highlight experience is standing beside the pinnacle of it all...and that's Upper Mesa Falls. Once finished with the Upper Falls, you can continue along the canyon rim to arrive at Lower Mesa Falls. But, Lower Mesa Falls wasn't nearly as dramatic as the Upper. Just throwing this cautionary note out there, so you won't be disappointed after coming off the wonderful perspectives at the Upper Falls. Instead of continuing along the canyon rim pathway to Lower Mesa Falls, you can return to your car and drive 1 mile down the road to reach the falls overlook point. Upper and Lower Mesa Falls had distinct comparisons. The Upper was crowded with families and it had me questioning who out there was visiting Eastern Idaho??? Yet, it was busy for July. Now, coming over to the Lower Falls, it was a ghost town. Barely a car in the parking lot. For a moment I questioned if I was at the right location. But yeah, the Lower Falls had no visitors. Meanwhile, back at the Upper Falls, I had to use the Overflow Parking Lot because of the congestion. Speaking of parking...it's $5 entrance for day use. They ask you to pay immediately at the entrance station by filling out a payment slip and dropping it into a box before starting your explorations. Only payment options are exactly $5 or by using a check. They don't accept credit cards. If you'd like to do some hiking, back at the Upper Falls section is the Mesa Nature Trail. It's a 2 mile out and back hike that's rated as easy. There's no elevation and it's suitable for everyone. Important point to make...a lot of people think that hiking the Mesa Nature Trail will lead from the Upper Falls down to the Lower Falls. But in fact, that's not the case. The trail is just a hike to appreciate the great outdoors. I believe it's by following the RIM PATHWAY from the Upper Falls that leads you to the Lower Falls and parking lot. I found this confusing and ultimately just returned to my car and drove myself to Lower Mesa Falls. There is camping if interested. Grandview Campground is situated right next to Lower Mesa Falls. It was entirely full when I showed up in July. There was slight cell phone reception. While walking around the Upper Falls, there were no bars, but the closer out towards the road offered better connection possibilities. If you're specifically here to see the falls, maybe you need two hours to enjoy the sceneries. You can make it into a quick half day side trip if you're coming out to Grand Teton National Park, only 91 miles away. The west entrance to Yellowstone NP is just 50 miles away. Overall, it's Upper Mesa Falls that makes visiting special. It's where you'll get the most bang for your buck. And then, it was just surprising to see how far off in the distance Lower Mesa Falls was. I would think they'd find a more accessible way to reach the Lower Falls, like how they have the charming boardwalk pathway at the Upper Falls rim. In the end, just being outside enjoying nature is what matters. Some highlights are memorable and some can't always live up to expectations. read more
Mesa Falls is out of this world breathtakingly beautiful. I love hearing the soothing sounds of waterfalls, and this place isn't very crowded. It's clean, and the entrance fee is $5. Keep in mind that there's no attendant, so make sure to have the exact change when paying. I highly recommend visiting if you're in the area. I promise you won't be disappointed by the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you. read more
2 years ago
When I say that this is in my top three most beautiful places I have ever seen, I mean breathtaking views. God is amazing. I was so emotional when I saw these views. read more
6 years ago
Having spent close to zero time in in southeastern Idaho, I can't say that i have very many expectations when it comes to this part of the country. Yet somehow, Mesa Falls managed to exceed my expectations. Somehow, when that much water moves that far at once, you just tend to be blown away, even if you totally expected it. We rolled into the lower falls parking area in the morning just after breakfast, as it was the only part that was open (COVID had the main upper parking area closed off at the highway). We parked, and apparently it was a popular choice with the locals and there were plenty of Idaho plates and folks milling about. There are restrooms here and ample parking, even for boats... though I have no idea how you would get a boat down to the water. These guides apparently just haul them down the mountain, but you're a waaaaays up above the river with a nice view of the falls. We were hoping to hike from the lower to the upper falls, but this is not technically possible on trails along the river. We did, however, hike from the lower parking lot to the upper falls highway turnoff, and then walk all the way down the road to the falls. The upper falls let you get up close and personal, with a series of stairs and boardwalks that take you right out near (but not too near) the rushing falls. There are plenty of spots for pics and we grabbed some good ones. The upper area also has restrooms, as well as an old inn (that was never an inn, I believe) that *I think* is used as offices now? I should have read the plaque more carefully. After some research, though, I have discovered that there is indeed a trail that takes you from the upper fall to the lower fall--kind of. It leaves from just beyond the parking area of the upper fall, and sorta/kinda follows the river, and then ends peering at the lower fall from above. It's an out-and-back hike, and one I'd like to try sometime. read more
4 years ago
I saw this on Idaho, the movie! We booked a cabin here, and weren't disappointed! Definitely worth the trip! Boardwalk and stairs for upper falls overlook. Great opportunity for photos. Lower falls is dirt trail through woodsy meadows and overlooks. read more
3 years ago
My Sister and I took a detour here while driving from Twin Falls ID to Jackson WY and so glad we did! The falls were absolutely breathtaking!! It was so worth the extra time spent!! Highly recommend!!! read more
Stopped here around 1;00 on a Monday in August. Lower Falls is a super shirt walk to view. Further north is the turn for upper Falls which cost $5 per car. Don't skip it. And don't skip cute visitors center. It's better than most. Has cold drinks and stamp for parks passport. read more
My family and I visited Mesa Falls on the drive from Jackson, WY to Bozeman. It was a nice stop along the way. It's a beautiful waterfall that's only a 5 minutes walk from the parking lot. The view is spectacular and you can get really close up to the falls. We only spent 20 minutes there but you can spend more time if you are a photographer and want to take a lot of pictures. The bathrooms are kind of gross. They smell and there is no plumbing there. read more
They still call this Yellowstone territory, but it has a different twist. Heading south outside the National Park, if you take the lesser traveled Hwy 47, you will find yourself passing through a lovely alpine forest called Targhee National Forest. There are great campgrounds, hiking trails, hunting and fishing, less open spaces, and even less crowds. Just passing through on our way to the nearby tiny town of Ashton, the best part for us was a stop at the showpiece, historical, post-Victorian log inn that is now known as the Mesa Falls Visitors' Center and the stunning falls close by. From the Visitors' Center it is a short walk to get right up to the large Upper Falls. For those with physical disabilities there is a smooth pathway that is walker/wheelchair friendly that can get you pretty close. But if you want to get really close and personal, even feel the cool spray on your face, you must take the boardwalk and a cluster of easy stairs to get you there. It is not a strenuous walk by any means and the reward is magnificent, the deafening sound of water as it spills millions of gallons of mountain-pure water over the embankment onto the blackish stones below, and especially the mist that creates a brilliant morning rainbow that you can almost reach out and touch. The view of the rugged stone wall on the opposite side also displays a mass of beautiful pines. There is also a long trail that leads down to the Lower Falls for the willing and able. They have conveniently close chemical toilets, but they are very nicely maintained. The Falls and Visitors' Center are not to be missed, for kids and adults alike. After experiencing a tourist ridden visit to Yellowstone in late September, yes, even after most families had gone home, this was a welcoming retreat and excellent time for introspection. read more
9 years ago
We visited Mesa Falls on a recent trip to Pocatello for the marathon this past weekend. Located near Ashton, Idaho, Mesa Falls was about a 1.5 hour drive, but once we got off the highway onto the back roads, the views were incredible. We stopped a few times on the drive up for photos of the Warm River and an overlook of the Tetons. At Mesa Falls itself, we walked the path down to the Upper Mesa Falls - a 15 minute walk, mostly stairs and a well-kept path down to the top of the Falls. The view was incredible, and I loved seeing the rainbow in the mist. Also in the upper Falls parking lot was the Visitors' Center, with some information about the Falls and surrounding area. From the upper Falls parking lot, we hiked down to the lower Falls. It was about a 15-20 minute walk on a well-packed, flat dirt trail. The view of the lower Falls was not as exciting, but the walk was beautiful. We enjoyed the informational signs along the way, pointing out indigenous trees and plants, including wild huckleberries and the massive lodgepole pines. Mesa Falls is definitely a "don't miss" attraction in southern Idaho. read more
13 years ago
We found ourselves in Yellowstone territory highly disappointed because of the government shutdown. We tried to find as many things as possible to do while we were there and this was one of them. I never would have gone here if it wasn't for the shutdown but if you are heading to the west side of Yellowstone anytime, it was worth a quick stop. It's kind of hidden and it's a very short walk to the actual fall. There are observation decks for both of them. Upper Mesa Falls is a waterfall on the Henrys Fork in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Upstream from Lower Mesa Falls, it is roughly 16 miles away from Ashton, Idaho. Mesa Falls Tuff, which is the rock over which Upper Mesa Falls cascades, was formed 1.3 million years ago. A cycle of rhyolitic volcanism from the Henrys Fork caldera deposited a thick layer of rock and ash across the area. This layer compressed and hardened over time. Between 200,000 and 600,000 years ago, the river eroded a wide canyon which was subsequently partly filled with basalt lava flows. The Henrys Fork of the Snake River then carved the channel through the basalt; which is the inner canyon seen today. Upper Mesa Falls is roughly 114 feet high and 200 feet wide. read more
6 years ago
This trip was worth every single second of the hike with our four year old we had to take. It's beautiful! It's a great place to take family pictures and enjoy the day. We had so much fun. For sure want to come back again. read more
6 years ago
Beautiful place! Gets pretty busy after 11 am worth the 5 bucks bring exact change. Friendly rangers oh and take the nature trail to the lower falls. read more
About an hour away from Yellowstone Park, you can find this beautiful waterfall. Included is a picture of Upper Mesa Falls. I was a bit nervous to "hike" in Birkenstocks, but the hike down to the waterfall isn't really a hike. The hike is more so a light walk, which includes a wooden stair trail to get a better view of the waterfall. The entire trail could easily be finished in approximately 20 minutes. If you drive down about a mile, you can also get to Lower Mesa Falls, which has an actual dirt trail. If you're in the area, definitely worth checking out. read more
7 years ago
This is a beautiful waterfall with a rainbow all the time... the trail is only 5 minutes one way, and at the end there is a very old well kept cabin with lots of information about wild life for kids read more
17 years ago
Who would have thought that Idaho had more than potatoes to offer. Boy, was I amazed at the beauty and marvel of its natural landscapes. Mesa Falls are just one of the beautiful, and hopefully untouched, spots to see in the Targhee National Forest. The convenient parking lot is located at the start of the short trail down to the Upper Falls, which fall 110 feet with a savage roar in the winter wonderland amongst snow-clad pines and aspens. Looks like the set of 'Lord of the Rings.' Except it's real: you can feel the mist on your face! Amazing! Down the byway, about 7 miles, Lower Falls aren't as impressive. The overlook is too far away from the actual water, but if you have a good enough zoom on your camera, it works as well. If you come here in the winter, the byway will most likely be closed for traffic due to 300 inches of snow. However, Thanksgiving time is still ok, and if you have a four-wheel-drive pickup or an SUV, you are in good shape. If you have a snowmobile, the road is open to you all winter long. Take a 47 from Hwy 20 in Ashton and drive the 30 miles of wonder through Warm River and to Mesa Falls! Enjoy the great American outdoors! Adventures await the bold! read more
My photo basically tells it all. Yet since I *should* write something; Mesa Falls is an easy 5 minute walk from a small visitor center downhill (both via steps or via a ramp). There are several different angles to view. The visitor center is only about a 10-15 minute stop - the falls - maybe another 15 minutes. Yet... stunning. read more
We stopped to see upper and lower Mesa falls and were not disappointed! The upper falls had a beautiful waterfall, and a very helpful employee told me that if the weather is right, the rainbow usually appears between 10 am to 12 pm. There are ample spots to take pictures and the trails and walkways are well maintained. It is definitely worth a stop on your drive! read more
8 years ago
Beautiful a must go if ever visit Idaho. Take the hike to the lower falls and u can actually hike all the way down to the falls read more
9 years ago
We have a large family and we all like to ride snowmobiles. Over the years we have often gone to the Lower Mesa Falls as a family in the winter; the falls are still spectacular at that time of year, maybe even more so than in the summer. The roads are not kept open in this part of the country during the winter because of the heavy snow accumulation but the area is often accessed with snowmobiles or skis. After you park your snowmobiles or take off your skis, it's necessary to walk down the steep wooden steps leading to the top of the falls. As you can tell by the pictures, the trip down the stairs is somewhat risky. In fact, on some years, the older members of our family have chosen to wait at the top! We love Lower Mesa Falls, but each year fewer and fewer of us go up there, we're just getting too spread-out. By the way, there are (53) of us. read more
Fantastic find! If you are anywhere in the area, I highly suggest making the time to stop by and see Mesa Falls...these are absolutely gorgeous waterfalls. The stairs and boardwalks at Upper Falls are really nice - you get right up to the waterfall. There is even a small store and visitor center. read more
7 years ago
9 years ago
Definitely worth a stop if you are traveling along Hwy 47. My girlfriend and I did not even know about this until our hotel lady told us. She said the waterfall was 1 of a kind. I was a bit skeptical at first and wanted to get back on the road as soon as possible without anymore detours. That would have been one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Good thing I gave into my girlfriend and decided to check out Mesa Falls. Parking is free for the lower falls and they there is a sign saying you need to pay for parking in the ranger station at the upper falls, but if you go come early in the morning, you can park for free. There is no doubt that this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls that I have ever seen. There are two parts to it: the lower falls and upper falls. The lower falls outlook is far away from it and some of the trees block your view of the falls, but it is still pretty nice. The upper falls outlook on the other hand puts you directly over the falls. If you love waterfalls and nature, you might just die from happiness overload. It is hard to describe the view from the upper falls and pictures do not really do it justice. This is something you just have to see for yourself to truly appreciate its beauty read more
10 years ago
It was a picture perfect day for my husband and I to visit Upper Mesa Falls! I think the rainbow came out just for us! Just kidding! We were talking to a person that works there, and he said it comes out most every day around 9:30 am and when it is sunny (of course). Don't forget to check out the visitors center. It has a lot of great information about the history of the Falls. The waterfall was a sight to see as well. Beware, there are a lot of steps to get the Falls! However, it is worth it for the view!! Try to catch the Rainbow!! read more
9 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
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Mesa Falls - localflavor - Updated September 2026
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