Idaho Gem: Mesa Falls

I’m back with the next must-see spot in my Idaho Gem series—places around the state that I personally love and feel are worth visiting! Idaho is full of natural beauty and fun attractions, and I wanted to showcase those in case you ever find yourself planning a trip.

There are so many gems to be found in the Gem State! (Sorry—I had to!)

Idaho Gem: Mesa Falls | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Upper Mesa Falls, Snake River, eastern Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Mesa Falls, Idaho

Far upstream from Shoshone Falls along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River are the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls in eastern Idaho. Nestled in the beautiful Caribou—Targhee National Forest, Mesa Falls consist of two powerful waterfalls tumbling over volcanic rock (a prior Yellowstone hot spot eruption—some ash and lava rock layers exceed a million years old!). The Upper Mesa Falls are visited most often out of the two because the overlook is a quick 20-minute walk that is quite close to the falls, and the falls itself are impressive at 10 stories tall!

If you happen to be visiting Yellowstone National Park and coming from or leaving through eastern Idaho (or Utah), Mesa Falls makes a quick pit stop on the way! There are so many things to do in the area; check out the list of activities below (that I’m sure is not comprehensive!).

Korri and I visited Mesa Falls for the first time on our way home from our big Wyoming and South Dakota road trip in July 2018. It was a fun, quick stop on the last day of our trip. The falls are very impressive and quite loud, especially Upper Mesa Falls! On our next visit, I want to do the hike between the falls that we didn’t have time for last time.

Upper Mesa Falls Overlook | Snake River, eastern Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Things to Do Around Mesa Falls

Visit the Mesa Falls Visitor Center (at Upper Mesa Falls). The visitor center is housed within what used to be Big Falls Inn, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Mesa Falls and the area in general.
Walk the 20-minute trail and boardwalk down to the Upper Mesa Falls overlook. You get right up close and personal with the falls! Read the panels along the way and look for the rainbow glistening in the falls on summer days. You may also get lucky and spot some wildlife! The first half of the trail is wheelchair accessible; there are stairs down to the main overlook.
Hike the Mesa Falls Nature Trail to the Lower Mesa Falls overlook. The hike itself starts in the Upper Mesa Falls parking lot and takes you one mile downriver to Lower Mesa Falls (two miles roundtrip). This is on my list for next time!
Stop at the Grandview overlook for views of Lower Mesa Falls. This overlook is located approximately one mile along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway south of Upper Mesa Falls.
Drive the full Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Allow for an hour to travel the approximately 30 miles from Ashton north to the Island Park area. Stock up on gas and snacks beforehand!
Explore the rest of Harriman State Park. Mesa Falls and the byway is only a small part of the beautiful ecosystem that makes up Harriman State Park. Hike, bike, fish, horseback ride, bird watch, and more! In the winter, the park is open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Visit Yellowstone National Park. Make a long weekend out of it. You’re so close!

Mesa Falls Visitor Center | Snake River, eastern Idaho | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

VISIT MESA FALLS!

Mesa Falls Visitor Center
Upper Mesa Falls Rd
Ashton, ID 83420

How to get to Upper and Lower Mesa Falls:

If you’re traveling northbound on US Highway 20 (from Idaho Falls), continue right onto ID Highway 47 (Mesa Falls Scenic Byway)/Main Street in Ashton. Turn left at the sign for Lower Mesa Falls (in the same area as Grandview Campground). Continue north on 47 and turn left onto Upper Mesa Falls Road for the visitor center and Upper Mesa Falls.
If you’re traveling northbound on ID Highway 33 (from Driggs), turn right onto ID Highway 32. Turn right onto 4700 E. Turn left onto 1000 N. Turn right onto 4300 E. Turn left onto 1200 N. Turn right onto 4000 E and merge onto ID Highway 47 (Mesa Falls Scenic Byway). Turn left at the sign for Lower Mesa Falls (in the same area as Grandview Campground). Continue north on 47 and turn left onto Upper Mesa Falls Road for the visitor center and Upper Mesa Falls.
If you’re traveling southbound on US Highway 20 (from Island Park), turn left onto ID Highway 47 (Mesa Falls Scenic Byway). Turn right onto Upper Mesa Falls Road for the visitor center and Upper Mesa Falls. Continue south on 47 and turn right at the sign for Lower Mesa Falls (in the same area as Grandview Campground).

Park hours (summer): Daily 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Park hours (winter): Limited hours on select weekends

PARK ENTRY FEE: $5 per vehicle per day ($1 for motorcycles, bicycles, horses, and hikers per day)

LODGING/RESTAURANTS/GAS: Idaho Falls, Idaho (southwest of the falls) is the closest major city with lodging and restaurants as well as a regional airport. Driggs is located south of the falls and just west of the Tetons. Island Park is the closest town and is located north of the falls. Gas is available in the Idaho Falls area and near each of those towns. Camping is available in the area.

Check out all of the gems in the Idaho Gem series!