When something is located near a world renown site it can easily get over looked. That is the case with the Mesa Falls in Idaho. Just 50 miles southwest from the west entrance to Yellowstone lies two awesome waterfalls, the Upper Mesa Falls and the Lower Mesa Falls.
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
(ID 47) is a 29 mile road that runs east of US 20 and connects with US
20 at both ends, Ashton, ID on the south end and 9 miles south of
Island Park, ID on the north end. The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway also
intersects the Teton Scenic Byway just east of Ashton and both are great roads to ride.
The Henrys Fork River runs through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and is a tributary to the Snake River. The river cuts through the basalt rock and surrounding landscape to create two eye-popping waterfalls. The waterfalls are the last notable falls on the Snake River that have not been impacted by manmade influences.
We took US 20 from West Yellowstone to Island Park where we stopped for breakfast at Pond's Lodge in Island Park. Pond's Lodge has cabins, a gas station and a restaurant. The restaurant is a nice establishment with friendly and attentive service as well as good food. The log siding building is charming and it has sportsman decor. More importantly they served a great breakfast.
The Henrys Fork River runs through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and is a tributary to the Snake River. The river cuts through the basalt rock and surrounding landscape to create two eye-popping waterfalls. The waterfalls are the last notable falls on the Snake River that have not been impacted by manmade influences.
We took US 20 from West Yellowstone to Island Park where we stopped for breakfast at Pond's Lodge in Island Park. Pond's Lodge has cabins, a gas station and a restaurant. The restaurant is a nice establishment with friendly and attentive service as well as good food. The log siding building is charming and it has sportsman decor. More importantly they served a great breakfast.
The trophies on the wall watch over the customers
Huckleberry Pancakes
My son and I enjoyed huckleberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, and hash
browns. The huckleberry pancakes were
delicious, the eggs and hash browns were cooked to order and it all tasted great! The other seven in our group were also happy with their orders and we all left with full stomachs, so I guess you can say we were satisfied.
Upper Falls in the morning sunlight
The
Upper Falls is 114 feet high and 300 feet wide (the Upper Yellowstone
Falls is 109 feet). The roar of the falls can be heard long before the waterfall is seen. The morning sunlight and spray from the falls create an
impressive rainbow. The spray creates a lush ecosystem on the side of
the canyon below the forest. The secluded area was peaceful and crowd
free. We saw various birds including an osprey. The wildflowers were blooming and were colorful.
We thought this rock at the base of the Upper Falls looked like a bear.
The falls are the last two major undisturbed waterfalls
in Idaho. Most have been impacted by irrigation or hydroelectric
projects. The pristine wilderness around the falls is a hikers
paradise, although grizzly bear have been seen in the area according to park signs. There is a one mile
hiking trailing from Upper Falls to Lower Falls. The trailhead is
located at Upper Falls between the two parking lots on the east side. There are other longer trails for those wanting to hike more.
Awesome Photo opp!
The river heading toward Lower Falls.
Lower Falls is not as high, but it sure is beautiful. Notice the hiking trail on the edge of the canyon.
When you are visiting Yellowstone taking some time to visit the Upper
and Lower Mesa Falls well be very rewarding not to mention you will
encounter a lot less congestion. The ride/drive to the falls is beautiful and the falls will make you smile.
Ride carefully and prayerfully!
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