Lower Mesa Falls
Idaho • 65 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Lower Mesa Falls
Lower Mesa Falls drops about 65 feet (20 m) along the Henrys Fork of the Snake River in Fremont County, Idaho, and sits along the scenic Mesa Falls Scenic Byway in the Caribou‑Targhee National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls lie downstream of the better‑known Upper Mesa Falls and offer the same dramatic basalt cliffs and powerful flow in a slightly more intimate, less crowded setting. The roadside pullouts and viewpoints make it an easy stop on a drive through eastern Idaho’s volcanic canyon country. A short walk from the parking area brings you to a viewing area where the river thunders over the lip and sprays the canyon with mist — an inviting spot for photographers and families. If you’re camping, Warm River Campground is nearby (about 6.19 km away), making Lower Mesa Falls an easy day or evening outing from a close campsite along the Henrys Fork.
The Setting
Lower Mesa Falls sits at 5,518 feet within Targhee National Forest, fed by the Fall River, in the high mountains of Idaho. The falls drop 65 feet.
Height: 65 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Upper Mesa Falls (114 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Lower Mesa Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
The official route to Lower Mesa Falls is a very short, family‑friendly out-and-back: 0.1 miles round trip with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain. USFS data lists the access difficulty as “drive_up,” reflecting the short walk from parking to the viewing area; the path is well maintained and suitable for most visitors, including children. From the small lot it’s a brief stroll to the main viewpoint where the falls are best seen.
What to Expect
The falls drop 65 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Mesa Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Mesa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Lower Mesa Falls is during spring and early summer when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall is also a great time to visit for vibrant foliage, while winter offers a unique, snowy landscape.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Targhee National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms. The rocks near the falls can be slippery, and the currents are extremely strong. Exercise caution, especially with children and pets.
Current Water Conditions
219 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 32 years of record
0.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge FALL RIVER NR SQUIRREL ID (13 km away).
Today
Moderate
254 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Moderate
240 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
224 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
224 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
223 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
225 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
223 cfs
8/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Drummond hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows Lower Mesa Falls dropping about 226 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 65 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 5,509 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 109 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 87 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 5,509 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 226 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lower Mesa Falls is located along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, approximately 15 miles northeast of Ashton, Idaho. The falls can be accessed via a short drive from the byway, with clear signage leading to the viewing area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the Lower Mesa Falls viewing platform. Parking is typically sufficient, but it may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
5,518 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.175472° N, -111.319673° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery, and wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the surrounding area. Check road conditions in winter before visiting.
This trail sits at 5,518 ft above sea level
Elevated TrailUV radiation is roughly 22% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.1 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Pendleton Pointe
Blue Buffalo Resort
Three Bears Inn
El Paraiso at Island Park
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
WARM RIVER
3.8 miles away · 37 sites
Overview Warm River Campground is located on its namesake in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest of southwestern Idaho. Visitors love the campground for its river tubing opportunities. Fishing and hiking are popular as well. Recreation Warm River is a popular location for tubing and fishing. Anglers cast for whitefish, brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Numerous hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails are in the immediate area, leading to natural springs, waterfalls and old railroad
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Driggs, Idaho
Ashton Warm Spring
Ashton Warm Spring emerges at 79 degrees Fahrenheit in Fremont County, placing it below typical soaking temperature but above t...
Boundary Creek Hot Springs
Boundary Creek Hot Springs flows at 181°F in one of Yellowstone's most remote backcountry locations, requiring a 3.8-mile hike ...
Pincock (Green Canyon) Hot Springs
Pincock Hot Springs, known locally as Green Canyon Hot Springs, flows at 111 degrees Fahrenheit in Fremont County, Idaho, near ...
Taylor Springs
Taylor Springs surfaces at 68 degrees Fahrenheit near Victor in Teton County, running 26.7 degrees above ambient air at 6,092 f...
Imperial Geyser, Spray Geyser
Imperial Geyser and Spray Geyser emerge at 192 degrees Fahrenheit at 7,327 feet elevation, located two miles from road access v...
Jackson Lake Hot Springs
Jackson Lake Hot Springs emerges at 162 degrees Fahrenheit along Jackson Lake's northwestern shore in Grand Teton National Park...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Driggs, Idaho on SoakingSprings.
Explore Idaho springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Upper Mesa Falls, Harriman State Park, Yellowstone National Park (approximately 50 miles away)
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds of prey. Visitors may also spot smaller animals like squirrels and chipmunks.
Cities near Lower Mesa Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Lower Mesa Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.