Mesa Falls to open Saturday
Published at | Updated at
The following is a news release from the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
ASHTON — Mesa Falls opens Sat. June 13, with limited services in alignment with Governor Little’s phased opening plan. Located near Ashton, Mesa Falls delights thousands of visitors with stunning views of two waterfalls in a beautiful forested background.
“We are excited to have this attraction open for visitors again,” said Liz Davy, Ashton-Island Park district ranger. “We do ask that the public come prepared for minimal services and plan ahead by bringing exact change.” While garbage, water and bathrooms will be available for use, the forest will not be providing hand sanitizer or bleach wipes to clean picnic tables or other common surfaces the public may touch.
Exact change will be required to get into the site. The fee is $5 per vehicle and cash or check is accepted. Fees are reallocated back into the site for various improvements such as the new bathrooms that were finished in 2019. For 2020, construction crews are in the beginning phases of building an outdoor amphitheater that will host interpretive discussions.
To limit possible exposure to employees, visitors and volunteers, the Big Falls Inn will not open at this time. Retail services and interpretive displays will also not be available. The Mesa Falls Activity Booklet is available for download here.
Please remember to recreate responsibly and maintain your six feet separation as you meander the beautiful scenic nature trail down to the waterfalls. Visitors should adhere to best health practices to prevent virus transmission. Please wear a mask if close contact is unavoidable. Visitors are encouraged to contact the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District at (208) 652-7442 for more specific information.
At Upper Mesa Falls, a thunderous curtain of water – as tall as a 10-story building – pours over remnants of an ancient volcanic super-eruption that spewed ash over much of the U.S. A mile south, Lower Mesa Falls repeats the performance, with the river continually chiseling away at the solidified ash and lava.