
Lower Mesa Falls
Witness the raw power of Lower Mesa Falls, a spectacular cascade in Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Explore scenic trails and enjoy breathtak...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds

Lower Mesa Falls
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the raw power of Lower Mesa Falls, a spectacular cascade in Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Explore scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views.
"The sheer power and beauty of Lower Mesa Falls are absolutely mesmerizing!"

🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly. Consider carpooling!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes are a must for safe exploration.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 644 reviews
Type
Apartment Complex
Website
mesafalls.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Lower Mesa Falls
Main viewpoint
Witness the powerful cascade of water plunging into the canyon. A truly breathtaking natural spectacle.

Scenic Hiking Trails
Various trailheads
Explore well-maintained paths offering different perspectives of the falls and surrounding wilderness.

Upper Mesa Falls Overlook
Short drive from Lower Mesa Falls
Experience the grandeur of the upper falls, a wider, more powerful display of nature's force.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly. Consider carpooling!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes are a must for safe exploration.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited services once you're on the trails.
📸 Capture the Views
The viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera or phone!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly. Consider carpooling!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes are a must for safe exploration.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. There are limited services once you're on the trails.
📸 Capture the Views
The viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera or phone!
🗺️ Check Trail Conditions
Before heading out, check for any trail closures or advisories, especially after inclement weather.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Lower Mesa Falls for its stunning natural beauty and the impressive power of the waterfall. The accessibility of the main viewpoints and the scenic drive along the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some visitors note that amenities are basic and can be limited, especially outside of peak season.
"I’ll start by saying that I enjoyed the two years we lived at Mesa Falls. For the most part, the office staff were pleasant, we had great neighbors, liked our ward, and the space in the unit was nice. Unfortunately, the biggest issue I’ve had since our very first weeks here—and the reason for my 2-star review—is that the maintenance team consistently showed an extremely low standard of quality and customer service. Toward the end we maybe had 1-2 positive interactions, but the rest were extremely disappointing:
--I’ve called the emergency maintenance line only to discover the phone itself was turned off.
--We have strong reason to believe our cats were abused by a tech, but when we brought it up, staff dismissed us.
--We were told right after moving in that a completely clogged drain was “normal.” I eventually cleared it myself and pulled out a broken drain tool and enough hair from the last tenant to make a wig.
--Sheetrock work was done in our unit without a drop cloth, leaving drywall dust all over our chair, bookshelf, and belongings. We weren't even asked to move anything first to avoid that.
--A peephole was installed but left sticking out nearly a quarter of an inch on both sides of the door.
--Our front door was painted, but large finger-sized patches were simply left unpainted until we called them back.
And that’s just a sample—there are many more right up to our very last days in the unit.
It’s disappointing, because the community and layout are great, but the lack of care, professionalism, and accountability from maintenance made living here far more frustrating than it should have been.
Photos for two instances that I still have are attached."
Ryan Barnett
"We moved to Mesa Falls in 2023 and were there for almost 2 years. We enjoyed the beautiful grounds, and the property's amenities very much (game room, hot tub fitness center and club room) and, as everyone else we've talked to there, enjoyed the safety and security of the neighborhood. We were in the 3 bed, 2 bath unit, which was plenty of space for our ebay business and our work spaces as well. Everything was very clean and they really cared about the details. We loved decorating this apartment for Christmas. We took advantage of our balcony with wonderful views of the Rexburg water tower and hills. We even enjoyed a huge beautiful fireworks show right off our balcony last 4th of July! The maintenance team was amazing, and they always got to me within the hour of putting in a request. Tanis and Josh were who we mostly dealt with and they were truly blessings. The office staff were always available for any needs we had and they really worked hard to have every tenants best interests at heart. Very rare in todays rental world, where money is usually the bottom line. Emily and Morgan were both incredible as well as the front desk folk. If you are searching for a new, safe and comfortable place to live, I truly suggest making Mesa Falls your next home. They care very much about the standards of the property and the people living there. You wont find that many other places! We will miss you Mesa!!"
Lindsey Leonard
"We had a large wasp nest inside an exterior wall connected to the master bedroom and the maintenance crew went beyond what is expected to fix the issue. Once they were alerted to the issue they spent days fixing the issue and would stop by periodically to insure the situation was not getting worse. Several times they risked getting stung in order to fix the issue. They were also the most patient I have every seen any apartment maintenance crew be.
Edit: I do want to give a special shout out to Bridger, Luke, Brandon, and Wes. When they were helping us they were beyond polite and patient with all the times we called and they came in to help. They really made us feel seen and not just another nameless tenant. Throughout the entire experience not once did we feel like a bother to them. Thank you so much."
Brady
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lower Mesa Falls is located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Idaho. The most common access is via Forest Road 107, which is typically well-maintained during the summer months. From Rexburg, Idaho, head east on US-20 and then follow signs for Mesa Falls.
Yes, you can drive directly to the main viewpoints for Lower Mesa Falls. There are designated parking areas available.
From Rexburg, take US-20 East for about 30 miles, then turn north onto ID-47 N (Mesa Falls Scenic Byway). Continue on ID-47 N for approximately 25 miles until you reach the falls.
Currently, there are no public shuttle services directly to Lower Mesa Falls. Driving your own vehicle is the primary way to access the site.
Access to Lower Mesa Falls can be challenging in winter due to snow. Forest roads may be closed or require a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. It's best to check road conditions with the Forest Service before planning a winter visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Lower Mesa Falls. It is part of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and is generally open to the public without charge.
Lower Mesa Falls is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, facilities like restrooms may have seasonal closures.
Typically, there is no separate parking fee for Lower Mesa Falls. However, it's always a good idea to check for any updated regulations or potential recreation pass requirements.
While there aren't official 'tours' in the traditional sense, you can find guided nature walks or photography tours offered by local outfitters during peak season.
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is a public road. While there's no general fee to drive it, specific areas within the national forest might require a recreation pass for parking or day-use. Check with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest for current requirements.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the stunning waterfall from various viewpoints, hike the surrounding trails, enjoy a picnic, and take photos. The nearby Upper Mesa Falls is also worth a visit.
Yes, there are several well-maintained trails offering different perspectives of the falls and the canyon. The 'Mesa Falls Trail' is a popular option.
Yes, the main viewpoints are easily accessible and offer safe viewing areas. Shorter, paved trails are also available, making it family-friendly.
You'll find restrooms, picnic areas, and interpretive signage. Services are more limited during the off-season.
Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at the base of the falls due to strong currents and hazardous conditions.
📸 📸 Photography
The main overlook provides a classic view. For different angles, explore the short trails that lead to slightly elevated or closer perspectives of the falls.
Early morning or late afternoon often offer the best light, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national forests and near protected natural areas. Always check the latest regulations with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth the water.
While there are trails that offer closer views, safety is paramount. Stay on designated paths and do not venture onto slippery rocks near the water's edge.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit