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National Scenic Byways, Idaho (View Photos):
Not far from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are two scenic byways in southeastern Idaho that make for
a nice detour away from the ubiquitous tourist crowds. The two byways can be completed together in one day since both are
relatively short, but if you want to take your time hiking and fishing or floating on the Snake River then you
shoud incorporate a few more days into your itinerary. Taken together, these two byways will expose you to some of the
nicest waterfalls in Idaho.
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway runs for 28 miles on Idaho route 47. The centerpiece of the drive is a pair of waterfalls
which hold the distinction of being the only two major waterfalls in all of Idaho undisturbed by human manipulation. Both
of them pour through a narrow gorge sliced out by the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. The waterfalls - which are a
mile's drive from each other - are called Lower and Upper Mesa Falls, with Upper Mesa Falls being the more spectacular
of the two. Large coniferous forests cover the area and provide excellent refuge for numerous wild animals. A turnoff
for Lower Mesa falls takes you to a parking lot where an overlook of the falls can be accessed by a short footpath.
Upper Mesa Falls likewise has ample parking. An easy trail leads to a series of platforms overlooking this
outstanding waterfall.
The Big Hole Mountains Drive is a 21 mile segment of the Teton Scenic Byway. Combining U.S. 26 and Idaho 31, the drive
starts from the town of Swan Valley and ends in Victor, Idaho. Attractions along the way include Pine Creek Canyon, 6,764
ft. Pine Creek Pass, and the Teton Basin which offers good views of the western slopes of the famed Teton mountains. Large
stands of aspen are visible throughout much of the drive. A quick but entirely justified excursion takes visitors on a rough
gravel road to Fall Creek Falls, a beautiful 60 ft. waterfall that drops over a ragged travertine cliff into the
Snake River. This part of the Snake River - an area best explored by raft - is thick with cottonwoods, adding a
vivid splash of color come autumn.
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Upper Mesa Falls, Targhee National Forest, (September 2006)
Upper Mesa Falls, Targhee National Forest, (September 2006)
Lower Mesa Falls, Targhee National Forest, (September 2006)
Fall Creek Falls, Caribou National Forest, (September 2006)
Fall Creek Falls, Caribou National Forest, (September 2006)
Snake River, Caribou National Forest, (September 2006)
Snake River and cottonwoods, Caribou National Forest, (September 2006)
Snake River and cottonwoods on a cloudy day, Caribou National Forest, (September 2006)
Quaking aspen grove, Caribou National Forest, (September 2006)
Cottonwood trees, Caribou National Forest, (September 2006)
Angling for fish on the Snake River, Caribou National Forest, (September 2006)
