4-15-2015 Cover Photo for the Island Park Journal

Mesa Falls taken on 04-11-2014

Mesa Falls

A Road Trip to Mesa Falls

With the recent opening of the road to Big Springs, Sheri and I decided to see if Mesa Falls was accessible as well. Our first foray did not go well. It wasn’t the broken snow floor on the road that was a problem nor was it the few deep snow ruts. The problem presented itself when I took an exploratory detour. I assured Sheri that it was safe, right until I buried the truck up to the axles in spring mud!

Our dogs thought that we had stopped for a bonding experience. Thank goodness for cell phones and good friends. After a forty-five minute respite, Ken Corbridge arrived with his pickup and tow chains. Within five minutes, we were out of the mud and on our way home. Thanks again, Ken!

The following day we made a second attempt to visit Mesa Falls. As we turned East at Osborne Bridge, Sheri reminded me not to make another bone-headed decision and stay on the road. That is why I married her!

Saturday’s wind had hastened the melting of the remaining snow on the roadway. Winter’s remnants had decreased by half since the previous day’s attempt. Traveling was not a problem for any vehicle that was equipped with decent all-weather tires. Arriving at the Mesa Falls turnout, there were almost a dozen vehicles parked along the road. The throat of the access road to the falls was blocked by six inches of slush. Fearing that the road further down harbored larger drifts, we walked down the hill towards the falls. Rounding the first bend, the road was almost completely dry. After retrieving our truck, I picked up Sheri and we drove to the visitor’s center without difficulty. 

The walkway to the overlooks was clear and within a few minutes we were watching the spring runoff cascade over Mesa Falls. The remaining glacial patches of snow were framed by green mosses that cling to the volcanic canyon. It seemed fitting that such grand scenery would be the backdrop for the majestic falls. One could only stand mesmerized while viewing one of God’s finest water features. The roar of the water thundering down the volcanic canyon was an auditory testimony to the power of this place.  

Spring runoff at Mesa Falls is a beautiful event. An afternoon road trip to take in the site is time well spent. Sheri would like to add that the side roads are a little muddy and should be avoided.

A Busy Weekend in Island Park

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Friday began a busy weekend for Island Park. I dropped in to the Henry’s Fork Days at Last Chance.  An enormous tent had been erected at the sportsman’s access. Inside, a group of dedicated sportsmen were attending the seminar within. Alex Whittier of Fish and Game was manning a Bear Aware booth nearby and a couple of diehard fishermen were fighting the 30 mph winds with downwind casts.

Saturday morning Sheri and I 

attended the Kid’s Fishing Day at Mill Pond. The cloudy morning went unnoticed as a large group of youngsters assisted by attentive parents, cast their lines into the pond. It didn’t take long before the trout began feeding on the worm-laden hooks. 

Excited kids took their trophies to the Fish and Game table where they were allowed to choose a new fishing pole from a large selection donated by local merchants.  The well-stocked pond produced a large number of happy young fishermen.

Dropping in on the Henry’s Fork Foundation festivities, preparations 
were being made for the big dinner under the tent. The calmer weather allowed fly fishermen to wade into the river and present their hand-tied offerings to the native cutthroats.

The next stop was Mesa Falls. The parking fee was waived and guides were available for tours of the geology and flora of the area. Smokey the Bear was greeting visitors at the information center and passing out gifts to the kids. 

Alex and the bear trailer had followed us from the Mill Pond to Mesa Falls where he continued to spread the gospel of being bear aware.

Finally we made our way down to the falls. A short walk on an easy trail led us to the majestic Mesa Falls. The swollen river crashing over the falls was accented by the mist fed green moss growing up the sides of the volcanic canyon.

There are so many opportunities to enjoy nature’s gifts in Island Park and the weekend pointed a few of those opportunities out with the help of many devoted residents. Thank you.