Upper Mesa Falls Idaho – Scenic Views, Easy Hike & Visitor Center Guide
If you know me, you know I am always up for scenic sight of a waterfall! Upper Mesa Falls in Idaho, is spectacular. With easy hiking trails, multiple view points and onsite visitor center, it is a great spot for everyone to enjoy.
Tucked away in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Upper Mesa Falls is one of Idaho’s most stunning natural wonders. Towering 114 feet high, the falls cascade over ancient volcanic rock, creating a thunderous yet peaceful display of nature’s beauty. On our recent visit, we skipped the Lower Falls and spent all our time soaking in the breathtaking views and exploring the easy trails and overlooks at the Upper Falls.
Getting to Upper Mesa Falls
Located on the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, about 30 minutes from Island Park and close to Yellowstone. Which is why I say, Island Park is your basecamp to Yellowstone and all the things.
Parking is located right outside the Visitor Center as well as the Mesa Nature trail. There is a $5.00 entrance fee. However, if you have a 4th grader, the Every Kid Outdoor Pass will get you in for free! Also the the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass works for entry as well at no charge. My son was a 4th grader at the time, so we took advantage of using his pass.
Viewing Points
The Upper Mesa Falls Trail offers spectacular views of the falls with many observation decks. Only 0.4 miles in length, making it a great one when traveling with younger kids that may not be up for a long hike but up for a reward, and in rewards, I mean stunning views!
The trail starts at the Mesa Falls Visitor Center that leads you down closer to the falls, with multiple stops for photos along the way. With the most dramatic view, right by the visitor center.
While there may be some areas on the trail that are accessible by wheelchair or when using a stroller, there are some observation decks that do require walking up stairs, especially to the higher viewpoints.
Looking to relax and just view and listen to the sounds of the waterfall? There are many benches along the trail, giving you just that. You can sit and just take in all the beauty that surrounds you.
The Visitor Center
What used to be the Historic Big Falls Inn is now the Visitor Center at Upper Mesa Falls. We really enjoyed stopping in after exploring the boardwalk — it was the perfect place to take a little break and learn more about the area. Inside, there are displays about the history of Mesa Falls and the surrounding forest, plus helpful maps and information for planning your visit.
Our kids loved browsing the small gift shop (we couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs), and I enjoyed learning more about the geology and history of the falls. It’s a cozy little spot that adds a nice balance to the outdoor experience, and it made us appreciate the beauty of the falls even more.
Lower Mesa Falls
If you have extra time, you can also check out Lower Mesa Falls. At the south end of the Visitor Center parking lot, the Mesa Falls Nature Trail takes you on a short hike to the overlook. Not in the mood for hiking? No problem — you can also drive to a roadside viewpoint along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway for an easy look at the falls.
We didn’t make the hike to see the Lower Falls on this trip, but from what we’ve heard (and seen in photos), it looks like it’s definitely worth checking out if you have the time.
Visiting Upper Mesa Falls was such a highlight of our trip — from the stunning overlooks and easy trails to the charming Visitor Center. What made the day even better is how close it is to Johnny Sack’s Cabin at Big Springs. We were able to visit both in the same day, and the two experiences paired perfectly together — one showing off the raw power of nature, the other giving a glimpse into local history and craftsmanship. If you’re planning a trip to Island Park, I highly recommend making time for both stops.
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