Upper and Lower Mesa Falls: A Waterfall Stop in Idaho

A last-minute drive turned into a family favorite, with close-up views at Upper Mesa Falls and a second stop at the easier Lower Falls overlook.

Mesa Falls was a last-minute decision while we were figuring out what to do, and I am so glad we went. The drive along scenic Highway 47 was beautiful before we even got to the waterfalls. We spent about two hours exploring, and the kids loved it.

What is the difference between the two stops?

Upper Mesa Falls has developed paths and viewing platforms close to the waterfall. Lower Mesa Falls is a separate stop with a more distant view into the wooded canyon.

We stopped at the Lower Falls overlook first. We did not hike down to the falls, but that view made us want to get the kids closer to the water, so we drove over to Upper Mesa Falls next. The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway overview helps with planning both stops and identifies Grandview Campground and Overlook for the Lower Falls view.

The Upper Falls observation decks were the highlight for me. You can walk along the platforms and look down at the falls without hiking all the way to the bottom. The kids stood at the railing taking it all in, and I loved being able to see how much of the landscape the river had cut through. The benches were a nice addition, too.

How much time should you allow?

Our two-hour visit included both stops, walking between viewpoints and time for pictures. Allow longer if you want additional walks or prefer to linger at the falls.

Plan Upper and Lower Falls as separate stops, and check seasonal road access before setting out.

Enjoy the forest as well as the falls

We had a three-year-old with us, and the walk was manageable for our family. I carried him for part of the climb back up, but he walked the rest. I would leave a little extra time for that return climb with young kids.

Before leaving, we went back to the Lower Falls overlook one more time. That stop was even easier for the kids, and we wanted another look. I really liked having both experiences: being close to the water at Upper Falls and looking across the canyon at Lower Falls.

Bring a layer and keep your plans flexible if the weather changes. Our visit ended with rain moving in, so checking the forecast is worth doing even for a relatively short outing.

The historic inn at Upper Mesa Falls

The falls have been a stop for travelers for more than a century. The Big Falls Inn was built between 1907 and 1912 to serve tourism around Yellowstone. It closed in the 1930s and was later renovated through a partnership between the Forest Service and Idaho’s parks department. Idaho Heritage Trust records that history and its preservation.

The visitor center was temporarily closed during our off-season visit, so we spent our time outside. Check seasonal visitor facilities when planning your day if you want to include the historic building as well as the viewpoints.

Before you head out

Check seasonal access with Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Stay on the developed paths and within the viewing areas, and leave room for others at the railings.

Where Mesa Falls fits into the Idaho trip

Mesa Falls was one stop on an Idaho trip that also included volcanic scenery and an underground cave. See our Idaho trip overview for the other places we visited.