Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Mesa Falls Recreation Area

Mesa Falls is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho State Parks and Recreation Department

A small rainbow created by sunlight passing through the mist accents the falls from approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the day. Mesa Falls Recreation area has lots of things to do. You can simply enjoy the power and beauty of the falls and watch the osprey and eagles that frequent the area. The walkways make viewing safe for all. Please--to ensure your own and your family's safety--stay on the walkways at all times.

The Big Falls Inn opened as an interpretive center in the year 2001 . Visit the Center to see exhibits on the geology of the falls and canyon, history of the lodge, the river ecosystem, plants and animals of the area, the Forest ecosystem, cultural history of the area from prehistoric times to present, and maps of other parks and points of interest in the area.

There are several hiking trails in the area. The one-mile trail to the Lower Falls being approximately 200 yards to the east of Big Falls Inn. There is an improved hiking trail from Grand View Overlook to Bear Gulch. From Bear Gulch south to Warm River Campground, the old railroad bed is a non-motorized trail. North from Bear Gulch, the trail is open to motorized vehicles less than 50 inches wide. This trail may be taken all the way to the Montana boarder (32 miles).

Warm River Springs is only 5 miles away from Upper Mesa Falls on Forest Road #154 via Forest Road #150. The Warm River boils up out of the ground near the old fish hatchery. The hatchery residence is now a Forest Service Rental Cabin. This is a great place to see moose. 130 million gallons flow from the spring each day.

Fishing access to Henrys Fork is provided by Forest Roads 313, 610, 760, 351, 151, & the newly rebuilt Wood Rd. #4. Sheep Falls is upstream from Mesa Falls and can be accessed by either 151 from the east side of the river or 162 from the west side of the river. The 314 road takes off from the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway at Osborne Springs and winds back to the river, as does the Hatchery Ford Road (351). Hatchery Ford is an unimproved dirt road, providing access to the bottom of the river canyon.