Mesa Falls is in eastern Idaho about 50 miles northeast of Idaho Falls. The southern terminus is in Ashton off US 20. From there, the byway travels north back to US 20 near Harriman State Park. It follows ID 47 and FSR 294 for a total of 28 miles. The roads are narrow and rough in some places but can be negotiated by all types of vehicles. Snow closes portions of the byway from November to mid-May.
The Mesa Falls scenic drive travels across the Targhee National Forest, winding through scenic farmland before entering Three Rivers Canyon and climbing to a mixed forest of lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, and aspen. Views of the west slopes of the Tetons, the Mesa Falls, and the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River are but a few of the highlights found along the byway.
The Mesa Falls are the last undisturbed major waterfalls of the Columbia River system, with the Upper Mesa Falls plummeting 100 feet and the lower falls dropping 70 feet. The Lower Mesa Falls were chosen as the site for a Civilian Conservation Corps project. CCC crews constructed a stone overlook that provides a panoramic view of both falls.
The Three Rivers area is a popular spot for camping, fishing, inner tubing, and hiking. The rails of the Yellowstone Railway, which once operated as a passenger railroad through Idaho to Yellowstone National Park, have been removed and it is now used for hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
The national forest offers several developed campgrounds along the byway as well as throughout the national forest. The Warm River Campground is a popular spot that offers 12 units, drinking water, and restrooms. Henry’s Lake State Park is located north of the byway and has 50 campsites. Other facilities found in the state park include drinking water, showers, and recreational vehicle hookups.