Skip to content
Water rushes over a cliff at Upper Mesa Falls.

Part Time Tourists worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.

The spring and summer months are the perfect times to explore the great outdoors in eastern Idaho. With so many trails, lakes and rivers, it can be difficult to decide where to go first. This list aims to inspire you to schedule that time after work and on the weekend plans to chase those waterfall dreams.

1. Fall Creek Falls

A woman taking a picture of Fall Creek Falls.
Capture those waterfall views. Photo credit: Part Time Tourists

Located just off U.S. Hwy 26 near Rexburg, you’ll find road NF-058 also sometimes called Snake River-Palisades Dam Road, depending on which map you’re using. Take this dirt road for about 1.5 miles where it will then widen and allow enough space for visitors to park right along the road to access the falls. Several trails will lead you directly to the top of the falls. It’s less than a one-minute walk. Note: water spraying from the falls can make the rocks very slippery.

You can also access Fall Creek Falls by canoe or kayak and utilize the boat launch about half a mile downstream from the falls. You’ll be paddling upstream for a little bit but when the water is calm this is doable.

If paddling upstream isn’t your thing, head up U.S. Hwy 26 and utilize the boat launch from there. That’s what we’ve done several times and not only enjoyed the end goal of the waterfall, but the beautiful river along the way.

Need more convincing to visit Fall Creek Falls? Here are my top three reasons to plan a time to visit this beautiful waterfall in Swan Valley.

  1. Fall Creek Falls is right alongside the road requiring no difficult hike to get there.
  2. Not only will you enjoy a fantastic view of the waterfall, but if you look upstream, you can admire the beautiful Snake River with the mountains in the distance.
  3. It’s free to visit! There is no fee to see this waterfall. However, if you plan on parking at the boat launch there is a small access fee.

2. Upper and Lower Mesa Falls

Boardwalk view of Upper Mesa Falls Idaho.
Boardwalk view of Upper Mesa Falls. Photo Credit: Part Time Tourists.

The next waterfall (technically two waterfalls) you need to see is called Mesa Falls! Mesa Falls can be found just over an hour’s drive from Idaho Falls. Many people will add this into their itinerary when visiting Island Park or Yellowstone National Park because you can drive the beautiful Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.

When planning your visit, I recommend parking at Upper Mesa Falls where there is a decent size parking lot. After parking and paying the small entry fee you’ll walk along a boardwalk to reach the viewing platform of Upper Mesa Falls. It’s absolutely breathtaking! The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk winds along the cliffside so you’ll want to spend some time admiring this waterfall from several different angles. It’s simply stunning.

If the Visitor Center is open while you’re there, definitely pop your head inside to say hi and learn from the information and resources they have on hand.

If you missed the turn-off for Lower Mesa Falls, you can hop back into your car and drive about about three-quarters of a mile back down the road to reach this turnoff. I do think this is worth the stop! But if you’ve only got time to pull off once, choose Upper Mesa Falls.

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

3. Sheep Falls

Woman takes in view at Sheep Falls.
Worth the hike to see Sheep Falls. Photo Credit: Part Time Tourists.

This last waterfall that is a must-see in eastern Idaho is found in Island Park. Unlike the other two waterfalls, you’ll need to hike to see this one! If you’re wanting to plan to see two waterfalls on the same day, I would add Mesa Falls to this stop. If you’re driving from Idaho Falls, you can first stop to see Mesa Falls and then Sheep Falls afterward. Or you could flip flop to the itinerary and first see Sheep Falls and then see Mesa Falls on your way back to Idaho Falls.

Every time we’ve hiked to Sheep Falls, we’ve rarely seen others as it remains somewhat unknown. As always, practice safe hiking practices when exploring the beautiful outdoors that Idaho offers. Be mindful that this is bear country and to remain bear aware at all times.

To access the falls, turn onto Sheep Falls Road from US-20. You’ll be on Sheep Falls road for 2.4 miles. When you arrive at a four-way intersection , safely park your car on the side of the road and start walking to the left. The trail is about a mile long and for the last 3/4 of the trail, you’ll be walking downhill with the sound of the waterfall in the near distance.

In total, you’ll hike about 1.1 miles on this beginner trail. I would plan at least an hour for the hiking with time to take in the waterfall.

Corridor view of Sheep Falls.
Lower view of Sheep Falls with the river moving through the narrow basalt chute. Photo Credit: Part Time Tourists.

As a gentle reminder, remember to take care of our great outdoors and Travel With Care.

Feature image credited to Visit Idaho.

Jess Darrington is the founder or Part Time Tourists, a travel and adventure blog that was created in 2018. Part Time Tourists aims to help people travel more by offering detailed travel guides and practical tips. With a large focus on US travel, Jess shares adventurous and luxurious destinations throughout the country. You can follow her on Instagram and PartTimeTourists.com.


Published on May 9, 2023