Hiking - Upper Mesa Falls, Island Park, Idaho 7/24/24

114 ft waterfall with just a little jaunt down the trail. Great visitors center!

Sample Itinerary:

Trailhead - 9 am

Stop by Visitors Center 9-930 am

Hike to Falls 930-1030 am

Directions: Upper Mesa Falls parking area, Idaho

Cost: $5 per vehicle (free with National Parks Pass. CASH if not during visitor center hours - kiosk)

Activities: 

Hiking Upper Mesa Falls - 0.4 mile loop from the visitors center down stairs and paved trails to the Upper Mesa Falls. We liked doing it counter clockwise which will put you right above the falls first and then the other lookouts are good for photos too. The Visitor Center has an awesome collection of mammal furs and antlers you can touch. (If you tell the rangers your favorite animal and why you may be able to get a prize). You can get a Jr Ranger badge here. There are a couple marmots that live in the woodpile/culvert on the south end of the visitors center that are fun to watch. Visitors center also sells ice cream and the west porch is great for lunch in the shade. All Trails Trip Report.

Hiking Lower Mesa Falls - 100 ft. Trailhead is further south on Hwy 47. No need for day pass. Can view falls from above and a bit away. If you wish to hike between the two, there is a trail that will take you right above Lower Mesa Falls.

Bathrooms - Yes

Cell Phone Reception - Patchy

Dogs - Yes

Gear: T-shirt, jacket, hiking pants/shorts, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camelback or regular back pack, 1 Liters water, snacks, hiking shoes/boots.

Lower Falls (pictured right)