The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway begins on Idaho 47, which is a two-lane road. The southern part of Idaho 47 is in Ashton, Idaho and leads northeast for 12.4 miles to the old Bear Gulch Ski Area. It then proceeds northwest along Forest Service Route 294 to the northern end at U.S. 20. It joins the Teton Scenic Byway as it reaches its northern end in Ashton, at the junction of U.S. 20 and Idaho 47. The byway travels through the town of Warm River, meeting its two main attractions: the lower and upper Mesa Falls.These falls are not used for the purpose of irrigation or hydroelectric projects, as all the other Idaho falls are. They continue to feel and look like Mother Nature intended. With the Upper at 110 feet and the Lower at 85 feet, these Falls give equal views of the spectacular forest setting. You can see them in full view. The area surrounding the upper fall entwines with the path look-outs and makes it accessible to everyone who visits. The Lodge at the falls has been restored and is at its full service function now. It is open seasonally for visitors. The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is 28.7 miles and takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to pass through.
Instructions
1. Visit the old town of Ashton, Idaho. When the first pioneers arrived in 1892, they settled the small village of Marysville. In 1906, Ashton was founded and named after the chief engineer for the Union Pacific's Oregon Shortline Railroad. Today, Ashton is known for its rich timber resources and farming districts.
2. Enjoy Cave Falls. Cave Falls measures 250 feet across. The waterfall was named after a cave that is near there. The Bechler Ranger Station here has been called the backdoor to the Yellowstone National Park. It also serves as the trailhead for horse and hiking trails in the vicinity of the Yellowstone National Park. Cascade Corner is another famous area nearby which is known for its many beautiful waterfalls.
3. Visit the Warm River and the Teton Overlook. The Warm River is a very good fishing spot and provides for camping and picnicking. There is a fish observation area along the river. This is supposed to give visitors a chance to see the large trout alive.
4. The Grandview Overlook was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's and provides a great view of Lower Mesa Falls. The Henry's Fork of the Snake River runs through the basalt and plunges 65 feet. The activity is called Lower Mesa Falls. There is a campground called Grandview which has nine campsites.
5. Around 1.3 million years ago Upper Mesa Falls were created by compressed volcanic ash caused by the Snake River. The Big Falls Inn and stage stop was finished by the Mesa Power Company in1918. The original inn is known as an interpretive center now.
Tags: Mesa Falls, Scenic Byway, Falls Scenic, Falls Scenic Byway, Mesa Falls Scenic, Warm River
