Mesa Falls -- Upper and Lower
These falls, located on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River, are a great gem that we visit often since they are close to home, only about 16 miles away from Ashton, Idaho on Highway 47 (this road may appear on the map as the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway). There are a few different ways you can view the two falls. The best way to view the Upper Mesa Falls (above) is to park at the small visitor center (there is a small fee since this is a state park) and walk on the various boardwalks. There are some great views where you feel like you are right on top of the falls.
The Lower Mesa Falls (left) also have a parking lot with a short walk to an overlook. You are quite a bit further away and so they do not seem quite as impressive as the Upper Falls. You can also reach the overlook by taking an easy, 3-mile hike along the ridgeline. There are some nice overlooks of the canyon and river along the way. You can reach the trailhead of this hike by parking at a scenic overlook on the left side of the highway just up the road from the Bear Gulch Trailhead (where there are bathrooms). We have done this hike many times and only rarely see other people.
These falls, located on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River, are a great gem that we visit often since they are close to home, only about 16 miles away from Ashton, Idaho on Highway 47 (this road may appear on the map as the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway). There are a few different ways you can view the two falls. The best way to view the Upper Mesa Falls (above) is to park at the small visitor center (there is a small fee since this is a state park) and walk on the various boardwalks. There are some great views where you feel like you are right on top of the falls.
The Lower Mesa Falls (left) also have a parking lot with a short walk to an overlook. You are quite a bit further away and so they do not seem quite as impressive as the Upper Falls. You can also reach the overlook by taking an easy, 3-mile hike along the ridgeline. There are some nice overlooks of the canyon and river along the way. You can reach the trailhead of this hike by parking at a scenic overlook on the left side of the highway just up the road from the Bear Gulch Trailhead (where there are bathrooms). We have done this hike many times and only rarely see other people.
Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls are located near Twin Falls, Idaho, and are spectacular. The falls are 212 feet high, which is higher than Niagara Falls. No hiking is required to see the falls, but you do have to pay $3 per car to get to the parking lot of the falls. These falls are the best in the spring and early summer, although the picture to the right was taken at the end of July. These are definitely worth a stop if you are in the Twin Falls area. (Side note: Once when we were younger, our parents took us to see these falls and there was only a small trickle of water. I'm sure it must have been a dry year. We were not at all impressed.) Directions: Three miles East of Twin Falls on Falls Avenue East, turn north on 3300 E road, after approximately one mile, you follow the road into the canyon to the falls. |
Multnomah Falls
This iconic waterfall is located in the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side. It is east of Portland just off I-84. There are a number of waterfalls in this area. If you choose, you can hike to the top of the waterfall. It even counts the switchbacks for you . . . 11 total. It is a beautiful waterfall that should be on everyone's bucket list. |
High Falls, New York
High Falls was a waterfall we stumbled upon on a road trip in 2011. We were driving in Northern New York in the Adirondack region and came to a sign that said "Almanzo Wilder's Farm". Being Little House on the Prairie fans we looked around for the farm. We saw a sign for a waterfall. We followed it to High Falls Park. There is a camp store there and it cost $2 for us to hike the short distance to the amazing 120-foot waterfall. |
Horsetail Falls
Another waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge is Horsetail Falls (near Multnomah Falls). You can definitely get your fill of waterfalls here. There is a short hike that takes you to Ponytail Falls.
Another waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge is Horsetail Falls (near Multnomah Falls). You can definitely get your fill of waterfalls here. There is a short hike that takes you to Ponytail Falls.