Cave Falls, Mesa Falls Scenic Drive

The small fall right after Cave Falls.

The first hike of this blog took place on Columbus Day last year, and was a waterfall hike in Yellowstone. This year we decided to shoot for something a bit more off the beaten path, and settled on the Bechler area of Yellowstone. To get to Bechler Ranger Station from Jackson you head over Teton Pass, through Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia, then take the right hand turn towards Ashton, Id. Follow the signs to Cave Springs Road, past the golf course and some homes, though it seems impossible that Yellowstone's border is just mere miles from all these homes, alas it is true. First you will come to the Targhee National Forest and the instantaneous change is amazing. From the plowed and naked fields of the farmers to the pines and aspens pushing against their boundary line the changes is awe inspiring. Follow this road to the Bechler Ranger Station or on to the Cave Springs parking areas. We parked by the little waterfall just down the creek from Cave Falls.

Cave Falls

Cave Falls

We started on the trail that took us to the bank of Fall Creek at the base of Cave Falls, then up and around to the Cave Falls overlook. After a few good looks at the waterfall we checked out the trailhead sign and decided to take the Bechler Creek trail versus the Cave Falls Loop that wound around to the Ranger Station and Followed the road back to the car. I have a delightful app on my phone that tracks your pace as well as distance on a hike so we didn't need a set stopping point this time.

The Cave which Cave Falls is named for you can see here to the left of Jack.

Bechler Creek Trail.

 The trail was a bit damp and edged by snow. But all in all clear enough to hike on so away we went. The trail follows along the creek at a smooth and level pace. The creek itself is speckled with small unnamed falls on the way to Bechler Falls and the Confluence of the Bechler and Falls Creeks. As you head further up creek past the confluence the creek mellows out. Mostly the trail was free of snow, though in a few shady spots it had yet to melt. There were also segments that had thin sheets of crystal like ice that we jumped over, skipped around our generally tried to leave undisturbed, as some hid small puddles beneath them.

Unnamed Mini-Fall.

Bechler and Fall Creek Confluence.

Bechler Fall

Bechler Fall

Bechler Creek

 After hiking in for 3 miles the trail became more snow than trail and we had hit our turning around point. We came prepared for a fall hike, however we wore hiking shoes not snow boots, so alas we could not continue. We stopped by the creek and had a snack and some water and then headed back to the car. We brought lunch, but since it was only 10:30 it was a bit early for it. On the way back Kevin started a snowball fight and we all had fun running through the forest trying to stay out of his reach, to little avail. 

Lower Mesa Falls

Dillons at the Lower Mesa Falls Overlook.

Upper Mesa Falls

Upper Mesa Falls.

We returned to the car a little before noon and had our 'picnic' in the car on the way to our next Adventure. As the road to Cave Falls is part of the Scenic Loop for Upper and Lower Mesa Falls we decided we might as well finish the loop and see some more falls. Lower Mesa Falls is a beautiful fall that you can only see from a vantage point about a mile away. Still worth the stop, never a more scenic place to stop and use the bathroom. Upper Mesa Falls has a beautiful walkway that leads right up against the falls, which is magnificent.  The scenic loop ends in Island Park, Id which boasts the longest main street in the world. Total Hiking time 3 hours, distance covered 6 miles and all before lunch! Until next time, be safe, be prepared.