Mesa Falls is a gorgeous 115-foot cascade that billows over the leftovers of an ancient volcanic eruption in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Ashton, Idaho. The scenic byway of Lower Falls can be seen from a drive-up parking area with a lookout point. But the real beauty is a little ahead at the Upper Falls.

That is accessible by a short-paved path from the visitor’s center. The undisturbed Mesa Falls in Idaho is yet undiscovered by most area visitors, thus, making for a more relaxing viewing experience. The guard rail takes you down in 10 to 15 minutes to the river point.

Mesa Falls is a gorgeous 115-foot cascade that billows over the leftovers of an ancient volcanic eruption in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Ashton, Idaho.
Mesa Falls is a gorgeous 115-foot cascade that billows over the leftovers of an ancient volcanic eruption in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Ashton, Idaho.

These days, Lower and Upper Mesa Falls are the last protuberant waterfalls on the Snake River to resist human interference. This is one of the major falls in Idaho which hasn’t been used for any irrigation or hydroelectric projects. Over the weekend, peoples come here to spend a day with family and have fun. This place offers spectacular views in a lovely forest setting.  The upper waterfalls’ visitor center has been developed with a paved path to easily accessible to all.

This is one of the major falls in Idaho which hasn’t used for any irrigation or hydroelectric projects.
This is one of the major falls in Idaho which hasn’t been used for any irrigation or hydroelectric projects.

Many visitors believe Grandview Campground is the best viewpoint. Mesa Falls in Idaho has formed with the combination of rhyolite tuff and basalt lava due to a super-volcano eruption millions of years ago. Moreover, this tuff was mostly the result of superheated volcanic ash and molten granite fusing composed in the high temperatures of the eruption to form the hard erosion-resistant rock layer. Which gave rise to the drop in Henry’s Fork that today is the Upper Mesa Falls.Mesa Falls in Idaho 3 Mesa Falls

There are several spots where you can take selfies and nature photographs. The Snake River flows through a large, steep-walled volcanic canyon and carries a considerable water volume. The river is directly fed by snow-melting water from mountain streams, creating great noise and spray.

Mesa Falls have all facilities of the parking lot, an info center to know about the history of falls and lodges, restaurants, drinking water, hiking, plenty of walking, and much more. There is a fur room back, which is treated to watch different animals’ furs.

The Gorgeous Mesa Falls in Idaho
The Gorgeous Mesa Falls in Idaho

The people touch the furs and show a lot of interest in knowing the characteristic of each animal.  What they eat, what they do in the wild, etc. Moreover, another hit is a telescope to observe the wildlife, bird watching, and Osprey, which is normally a busy spot. Also, you can watch a beautiful documentary on YouTube.Mesa Falls in Idaho 5 Mesa Falls

Mesa Falls in Idaho 6 Mesa FallsWallace Stegner said in Sound of Mountain Water in 1980.

“I gave my heart to the mountains the minute I stood beside this river with its spray in my face and watched it thunder into foam, smooth to green glass over sunken rocks, shatter to foam again. I was fascinated by how it sped by and yet was always there; its roar shook both the earth and me.”

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Source: – USDA

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