2014-18 Mesa Falls, Idaho & Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming
Hello All,
Joining us on our next few adventures was Barb’s sister Carrie and hubby Rich. They flew in from Alaska and we were excited that they would be spending the next couple of weeks riding along with us on our sojourns.
From the Boise area we headed east following the Interstate highways towards Idaho Falls, Idaho. Along the way we made stops at Malad Gorge and Shoshone Falls for some photo opportunities. While Shoshone Falls is less than spectacular in September due to water being diverted for irrigation purposes, the Snake River is always impressive. This is the rugged Malad Gorge.
Joining us on our next few adventures was Barb’s sister Carrie and hubby Rich. They flew in from Alaska and we were excited that they would be spending the next couple of weeks riding along with us on our sojourns.
From the Boise area we headed east following the Interstate highways towards Idaho Falls, Idaho. Along the way we made stops at Malad Gorge and Shoshone Falls for some photo opportunities. While Shoshone Falls is less than spectacular in September due to water being diverted for irrigation purposes, the Snake River is always impressive. This is the rugged Malad Gorge.
And here is a shot looking down the Snake River at Twin Falls, Idaho.
Our next stop was at nearby Dierkes Lake for a couple of photos.
Upon reaching Idaho Falls, Idaho, we stopped for a night’s rest. Since it was early afternoon we decided to take in Idaho Falls Greenbelt. Covering 5 miles on both sides of the Snake River, the greenbelt is a joint project of the city and its residents. It was relaxing strolling along taking it all in. This statue of a bull moose covered with vegetation caught our eye.
And the gardens had a beautiful array of flowers.
In our eyes these zinnias were awesome.
The next morning we followed U.S. Highway 20 northbound to Ashton, Idaho. At this point we turned onto the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and followed it into the Targhee National Forest. This is a beautiful part of the state of Idaho.
Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are the main attractions along the scenic byway. The two falls are the only major waterfalls in Idaho not used for irrigation or hydroelectric projects, and as such maintain a look and feel of nature undisturbed. At 114 feet and 85 feet respectively, they are truly spectacular.
About 45 miles away from the waterfalls is Big Springs. It produces over 120 million gallons of water each day. This Natural National Landmark is one of the 40 largest natural springs in the world. Big Springs creates the headwaters of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River which in turn creates the spectacular Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. Another amazing fact about Big Springs is that it has a constant water temperature of 52 degrees.
Lower Mesa Falls is a torrent of white water on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River culminating in an 85-foot drop of white froth. You can hear it roaring a half mile away! If you are ever in this part of our country it is a place we highly recommend visiting.
Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are the main attractions along the scenic byway. The two falls are the only major waterfalls in Idaho not used for irrigation or hydroelectric projects, and as such maintain a look and feel of nature undisturbed. At 114 feet and 85 feet respectively, they are truly spectacular.
About 45 miles away from the waterfalls is Big Springs. It produces over 120 million gallons of water each day. This Natural National Landmark is one of the 40 largest natural springs in the world. Big Springs creates the headwaters of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River which in turn creates the spectacular Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. Another amazing fact about Big Springs is that it has a constant water temperature of 52 degrees.
Lower Mesa Falls is a torrent of white water on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River culminating in an 85-foot drop of white froth. You can hear it roaring a half mile away! If you are ever in this part of our country it is a place we highly recommend visiting.
Upstream a mile from Lower Mesa Falls is Upper Mesa Falls. At 114 feet high and 200 feet wide it is a roaring waterfall. And as an added bonus, if the sun is shining you almost always have a rainbow visible in the mist of the falls. Paved parking and paths, accessible restrooms, boardwalks, and viewing platforms at Upper Mesa Falls enhance the site for visitors. Here is a shot of the falls from a distance.
You can get right to the edge of the brink of the falls for photos above and below. Here are a couple of shots with a rainbow in the mist. Getting this close to the falls there is a thunderous roar!
Here is a shot from right above the brink.
These are our guests, Rich and Carrie, enjoying the falls.
We continued our drive north to West Yellowstone, Montana, and entered Yellowstone National Park through the west gate. We turned north within the park working our way towards the north gate and Gardiner, Wyoming, where we had motel reservations secured for the next four days. This would be our home base while exploring the park.
Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500-square mile wilderness recreation area sitting atop a volcanic hot spot. Located mostly in Wyoming, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho also.
On our drive to the north gate we stopped at Mammoth Hot Springs. It is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine. It has been created over thousands of years as hot water from the springs cooled and deposited calcium carbonate. This mineral laden hot water from deep beneath the Earth’s crust finds its way to the surface and builds tier upon tier of cascading, terraced stone. The landscape is almost eerie in appearance—especially late in the day when we passed through it. Many dead trees along with steam coming from the hot acidic water create an “out of this world” atmosphere.
Yellowstone National Park is a nearly 3,500-square mile wilderness recreation area sitting atop a volcanic hot spot. Located mostly in Wyoming, the park spreads into parts of Montana and Idaho also.
On our drive to the north gate we stopped at Mammoth Hot Springs. It is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine. It has been created over thousands of years as hot water from the springs cooled and deposited calcium carbonate. This mineral laden hot water from deep beneath the Earth’s crust finds its way to the surface and builds tier upon tier of cascading, terraced stone. The landscape is almost eerie in appearance—especially late in the day when we passed through it. Many dead trees along with steam coming from the hot acidic water create an “out of this world” atmosphere.
Algae living in the warm water have tinted the travertine shades of brown, orange, red, and green.
It is easy to visualize being on an alien planet when looking at these landscapes. It is a fascinating area.
We will continue with our adventures within Yellowstone National Park in our next write-up. Hope you will consider riding along with us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns