Top Waterfalls to See in Idaho and a Must Ride Scenic Byway

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 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.

Heading south away from Island Park we turned east on ID 47 a.k.a. Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and rode 13 miles to the entrance of the Mesa Falls area.  The road and parking lot are well paved.  There are restrooms, a visitor center, a gift shop, boardwalks and a viewing platforms.  The park is well maintained.  Fees were $1/ motorcycle and $5/car.  (Fees may change)  Access to view the Lower Mesa Falls is from the Grandview Campground and Overlook.

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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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Epic views from National Scenic Byway - Beartooth Highway

View from Beartooth Highway

 

 

I love mountain air and the amazing vistas.  I enjoy looking out in all directions and seeing miles of valleys, mountains, lakes, and wilderness. Some mountain passes are breathtaking.   I take a lot of photos even though the photos never capture the awesome beauty.

On my trip to Yellowstone and again on my trip to Alaska I made plans to ride US 212 a.ka. the Beartooth Highway that connects Montana and Wyoming by way of Beartooth Pass.  The Beartooth Highway is designated an "All-American Road" which means the US Department of Transportation deems the road worthy of being a tourist destination unto itself, due to the scenic uniqueness.  Of the 150 National Scenic Byways there are only 37 roads with the distinguished All-American Road designation and this one is well deserving. 

Top of the pass in late June - no snow or ice on the roads luckily

 

The  Beartooth Highway runs 67 miles from Red Lodge, MT to Silver Gate, MT (northeast gateway to Yellowstone NP) crossing the MT/WY state line twice.  The 38 miles stretch between WY 296/ Chief Joseph Highway (another great road) and a point about 12 miles west of Red Lodge, MT is the most scenic, invigorating, and challenging portion of the road.  The road has breathtaking vistas, hairpin curves, elevation changes, sweeping curves and wildlife.

The Beartooth Highway twisting up the mountain

 

The road reaches an elevation of 10,947 ft. at Beartooth Pass.  Cliff hugging switchbacks, tight curves, steep grades, and mountain plateaus make for an amazing stretch of pavement.  The high elevation makes drastic weather changes a constant possibility so riders should be prepared.  When we rode up on July 15 the temperature dropped about 25 degrees from the Beartooth Highway/Chief Joseph Highway intersection to the pass and state line.  We had to stop and bundle up before we got too high.  Glad we did since it was cold and windy at the pass.

Heading towards the pass

 

At the pass and at the MT/WY state line we enjoyed the vast scenery.  It was amazing.  The mountain lakes were deep blue, the peaks were still snow capped, the meadows were alive and green, and the vibrant tundra stretched out around us.  Both sides of the pass are fantastic and challenging. 

 Twin Lakes 

 

 Beartooth Mountains

 

Forest and stream on west side of the pass

 

There is one store along the route known as the "Top of the World Resort."  You can get fuel, snacks, drinks, t-shirts, and souvenirs.  There is also a nice area with picnic tables to sit and enjoy the surroundings.  The staff was very friendly and informative.  We enjoyed a nice break on top of the world.  If one was so inclined the resort has lodging available.

Top of the World store - a great place stop

 

 

The road offers great views and fun curves

 

We hit the pass around noon so the chance to see much wildlife was not good.  We were too late (or too early depending on how you want to look at it).   We did see some bison not too far from the road as we were heading to Cooke City, WY.

Bison roaming near the road - watch out!

 

The Beartooth Highway is a great All-American Road and is well worth the ride.  The beauty and the fun is intense.  If you get to that area of this great country make sure to include US 212.  You will not be disappointed.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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One of The Best Scenic Roads in America

Southeast Oklahoma is home of one of the best National Scenic Byways, but possibly, one of the least known in the country.  The drive was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2005.  The Talimena Drive is 54 miles of curves, switchbacks, and rolling hills running along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains from Talihena, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas.

West Entrance

 

In Oklahoma the drive is known as Oklahoma 1 and in Arkansas it is Arkansas 88.   The road travels through the Ouachita National Forest and on the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain.  Rich Mountain is Arkansas' second highest mountain at 2,681 feet.  There are 22 scenic overlooks and several historic locations allowing for great vistas and good locations to stop and enjoy the views. 

The Talimena Drive - miles of fun.

 

The two lane road is well maintained and well traveled.  One has to watch for rocks on the road that come from rock slides and/or gravel from side roads and overlooks.  There are several long straightaways that allow for some great acceleration, but be forewarned, the road is periodically patrolled.  No trucks are allowed, but you will come across so RV's at times.

Notice the road on the top of the far mountain.

 

Any of the overlooks will provide a great view of the Oklahoma and/or Arkansas landscape.  The drive also has its share of wildlife.  I have seen deer, bear, rabbits, and other small mammals.  Golden Eagles are active in the spring and winter.

Golden Eagle - seen from Eagleton Vista

 

The east 18 miles of the drive are in Arkansas and runs through the Queen Wilhelmina State Park.  The park is home of the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, one of the most historic lodges around.  The lodge's restaurant has an awesome lunch buffet daily.  Many times we have ridden up for lunch and then headed back home.

 

The lodge has spectacular views, hiking trails, and great food.

The views can make you take your eyes off the road, but don't.

Historic train at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, Arkansas

 

The road is awesome and well worth the trip.  Several of the roads to get there are also scenic and great motorcycle roads.  After you complete the drive you will want to turn around and run it back!  It is a premier motorcycling road and screams to be ridden.

 Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Quality Riding Gear - Four Season Riding Pants

I ran into a dilemma a few years ago when planning my summer trip to Colorado.  I knew we would start some mornings in the mountains with temperatures in the 30's and by afternoon I could be at riding at lower elevations with temps pushing the high 80's.  I also knew that rain was a certainty.  It rains every afternoon somewhere in the Colorado Rockies and I would end up riding in the rain at some point.

The dilemma was how to pack for the varying weather and temperatures within the capacity of my luggage (I also had to pack for my son who was 8 at the time).  On that particular trip I ended up pulling a trailer behind the  VStar 1100. 

Waiting on construction on US 24 south of Leadville

The next two summers our trips took us to South Dakota and Kentucky/North Carolina respectfully.  I did not need to pack for colder temperatures on those two trips.

Sunny day at Mt. Rushmore, 2007

About to ride the Dragon - July 2008

 

The summer of '09 we rode to Colorado and Utah.  I once again had to figure out how to be prepared for the temperatures and rain/sleet/snow.  I decided to leave the chaps at home and take thermal underpants, thermal undershirts, and rain gear.  I would layer as needed.  That worked OK, but was still a little bulky and it required stopping in locations where I could either take the thermals off or put them on and this method added to my laundry.

40 degrees on top of the Grand Mesa in Colorado - June 2009

Last October, at the recommendation of a friend,  I decided to put up the money and purchase a pair of Tourmaster Flex Pants.  I found out during the winter months that the 4 layers will keep you very warm.

Four layers?!  Yes,  The Flex pants has a rainproof liner, a insulated liner, a mesh shell, and zip-on rainproof material.  Reflexive piping on increases night time visibility, thigh high zippers on the outside of the pants makes dressing easy, and adjustable waist belts and elastic waistband makes fitting customizable.

The pants come with removable knee and hip armor.  The knee pad pocket allows for three different heights for the armor so that a rider can adjust the pad to fit his/her knee.  There is also stretch material in the knees, inseam, and calf that provides a comfortable fit.  You can read more about the features on the Riders Discount page

Reflective piping works extremely well.

 My favorite feature is the zip on/off rainproof material.  The crotch area is made with the rainproof material so only the leg portion of the pants zip on/off, but when off there is sufficient airflow.

The rainproof zip on/off portion of the Flex pants 

The rainproof shell is secured with three zippers.  After removing the rainproof zip-on/off and putting it back on a couple of times it all makes sense and is easy to use.  The pants with the rainproof shell provides a great deal of wind protection and is warm enough for late spring and early fall riding.

Insulated lining

Rainproof lining (note the different colored snap loops on the bottom on the pants.) 

Adding the thermal liner made the pants plenty warm for 98% of the North Texas winter.  It would need to be very cold (25 degrees or lower) to warrant adding the rain liner with the thermal liner.  The first time I rode in the colder weather I had both liners in and the rainproof zip-on/off - I was quite toasty!

The rainproof liner and the insulated liner are easy to add to the shell.  Both have a white snap loop on the bottom of the left pant leg and a gray snap loop on the bottom of the right leg.   The snaps are used to secure the bottom of the pants and the color of the loop matches the loop on the inside of the shell - this is to help those of us that have difficulty putting things together.  

I took the pants with the rainproof zip-ons on my 2010 trip to Yellowstone and had all the weather protection I needed.  When crossing the Powder River Pass (9,666ft)  in Wyoming, riding the Beartooth Pass 10,947  in Montana & Wyoming, or when sleet got us on Mt. Evans (14,264) the pants worked perfectly.

July 2010 and it is sleeting on Mt. Evans! (Tourmaster pants 2nd from the left) 

The pants rolled up and packed easily.  I used a small strap to keep the roll tight which made it packable and accessible. The pants are sturdy, well-made, versatile, and usable year round. I highly recommend the Tourmaster Flex Pants for riders that enjoy riding year-round.

Beartooth Highway - looking west. 

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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