An aerial view of Upper Mesa Falls in full flow. — Upper Mesa Falls, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An aerial shot of a large waterfall during full flow. — Lower Mesa Falls, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An aerial view of Lower Mesa Falls. — Lower Mesa Falls, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three generations of women stand on a wooden bridge and feed the fish below. — Big Springs, near Island Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

An old log cabin with a water wheel next to a stream. — Johnny Sack's Cabin, near Island Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A woman pushes a wheelchair as her daughter walks beside her. — Mesa Falls Visitors Center, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A sign for Harriman State Park of Idaho. — Harriman State Park, Island Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Three generations of women traverse the Upper Mesa Falls Trailhead. — Upper Mesa Falls boardwalk, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A woman and her daughter buy fish food from a dispenser at Big Springs. — Big Springs, near Island Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A sign at Big Springs detailing the different types of fish found in the water with illustrations. — Sign in Big Springs, near Island Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Two women talk with a park ranger inside the Mesa Falls Visitor Center. — Inside Mesa Falls Visitor Center, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

A woman pushes a person in a wheelchair up the ramp at the Harriman State Park Visitor Center. — Harriman State Park, Island Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Aerial view of the town of Ashton. — Town of Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Mesa Falls Nature Trail, leading to Lower Mesa Falls, near Ashton

A woman sits on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a river. — Lower Mesa Falls, near Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

Discover the lush landscape of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and two of the most spectacular waterfalls in the West—Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. As tall as a 10-story building, the upper falls pour over remnants of an ancient volcanic super-eruption while the lower falls continue to chisel away at the solidified ash and lava. Get an up-close-and-personal experience by exploring the on viewing platforms, or stop at the historic Mesa Falls Visitor Center to learn about the area’s geology and rich past.

Length

28.2 miles

45.4 km

Time

49 minutes

Region

Eastern Idaho

When to Visit

Spring, Summer, Fall

31 Byways. 31 Ways to Be Inspired.

A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho’s 31 scenic byways. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip.

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Road Trip Tips

Turn-by-Turn Directions: The southern end starts in Ashton at Idaho 47. Travel northeast 12.4 miles to the old Bear Gulch Ski Area site and then northwest along Forest Service Route 294 to the northern end at U.S. 20.

Road Conditions: Both Idaho 47 and Forest Service Route 294 are two-lane, paved roads. In winter, Forest Service Route 294 is closed to automobiles and becomes a Forest Service snowmobile route.

Full Services in: Ashton and Island Park

Motorcycle Route:Yes

Full Services: When gas, food and lodging are available

Partial Services: When gas and a few other facilities are available

Nearby Adventures

Spend the day picnicking or exploring hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Sleep under the stars at Warm River or Grandview campgrounds during the warmer months. During the winter, grab your cross-country skis or snowmobile for the ultimate snowy adventure.