Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, Idaho

                                                                                   





I headed out this morning on a trip to Rexburg, Idaho, the nearest location (about 60 miles away) for a Wal-Mart.  As I headed down US 20, this is what I saw through the mountain pass on the way.  What’s up with this?  Snow??  Isn’t it the middle of June?  Uff-dah!  I don’t think I signed up for this.  :)

While I was in Rexburg, I took care of several phone calls that I needed to do.  I have absolutely no cell reception at Red Rocks RV Park.  I needed to pay my yearly vehicle insurance, have my mail sent, and make sure my financial planner was setting up payments for the new rig.  I also called the RV dealer to see what was up with my SD plates for the motorhome.  I was able to resolve everything except the license plate issue.  I returned a fan I bought last week to Wal-Mart, found a new one, bought birdfeed and dog food, and went to the local Sprint store to see why I couldn’t use roaming at my present location.  Sprint really didn’t have an answer for me.  So, what else is new?

On the way back to camp, I decided to take the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.  Pam and I had wanted to do this byway while she was here, but we ran out of time.  I’m glad I took it today.  I started out at the lower end and headed north.

















The first pull-off was for the Warm River with the Teton Mountain Range visible in the background.
There was also a pull-off for the lower falls of the Henry Fork of the Snake River, but the pictures from that look out weren’t very inspiring.  :(
 



Click to enlarge any photos.


The Upper Falls cascades 114’ down to the river.  Because of the constant mist from the falls, the opposite wall of the canyon is covered with vibrant green moss and colorful lichens.
The Upper Falls is where the Visitor’s Center is located.  This building has a long history, and was originally built between 1912-1914 by the Mesa Power Company.  A dam and power generation plant was originally planned, but was never built.  It then became the Big Falls Inn; a stage stop and hotel for travelers going to Yellowstone National Park.  The Forest Service acquired the property in 1986 through a land exchange.  The building is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
You’ve probably guessed by now that I know there are 60 steps down and 60 steps back up to get to the overlook to the Upper Falls.  :)  That inner calculator just keeps keeping on!  I’m sure glad I took the scenic route back to the RV!

As I drove home, I once again traveled through the Targhee National Forest.  There are many places throughout this national forest to boon dock if you are so inclined.  There are also many established campgrounds (with no hook-ups) that will run you about $6 if you have a senior pass.  I’m tempted to camp at some of these places, but I’d have to scout a site out first to be sure I could fit in and not sink in.  :)
As I drove the national forest road, I notice the fields just covered in blooms.
 






































Despite the snow and cold and windy temps, I guess spring is marching on!  It better hurry up, since summer is supposed to be right around the corner.  :)

Since this post is long enough, I guess I’ll wait until tomorrow to do a mini-rant on the new fan I bought.  :(  If it’s not raining tomorrow morning, Emma and I are headed back to Yellowstone.  I’ve decided to take her along since my plan is to look for wildlife and not do any hikes where dogs are not allowed.

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy