Where is Mesa Falls?

I bet you probably think Mesa Falls would be near Mesa, Arizona. That would certainly make sense. But no, Mesa Falls is located on an Idaho scenic byway, about an hour's drive from the West Yellowstone entrance. They are on the Henry's fork of the Snake River. I consider it a hidden gem. If you are ever in this area, it is well worth driving to see the spectacular falls. There are both lower and upper falls, but the upper one is the place to be!

We headed there on Sunday, hoping to avoid the weekend crowds at Yellowstone. Sandy was the first one to head down the stairs to the falls. There are LOTS of steps here!

The Upper Mesa Falls are 114 feet tall and 200 feet wide. Approximately 967 million gallons of water flows over them daily. The area has pathways, stairs and platforms which allow visitors access to the brink of the falls.
The spray from the falls create a microcosm on the canyon walls opposite it. It looked like the rock walls were covered with fine green carpeting.
Don's bad knee forced him to stay at the top of the stairs, so it was up to Jerry, Sandy and me to do the stair climbing and to take pictures.

Here is a view from one of the upper platforms:
After doing the Mesa Falls scenic route, we headed back north to the town of West Yellowstone. All around the town they have decorated buffalo statues.
Sandy and Jerry peek over the buffalo at the West Yellowstone Visitor center.
Then it was our turn. This was one buffalo that we didn't have to worry about trampling us!
"Hey, Don! Come here! Ya just gotta see this!" Better be careful, Jerry....that could really backfire on you!
Last I heard, Jerry was in the restroom washing off his face and hat. Lesson learned!