1.1K Bucket List by nicole97
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Mesa Falls
Ashton, Idaho
10.0 miles NE of Ashton, IdahoUpper Mesa Falls, aka Big Falls, is an absolutely awesome waterfall on the Henrys Fork of the Snake River. The falls drop 114 ft. and measure 300 ft. across. To get to the falls from the parking lot is 0.2 miles of paved walkway and several sturdy stairs with plenty of gaurdrails and handrails. There are several platforms along the route for viewing and taking photos. Catch it in the morning to see the rainbows in the lingering mist that often rises well above the platforms. There's a wheelchair accessible path that can get a pretty good view of the falls but does not go right down to it.
Lower Mesa Falls is about a mile down river from the Upper Falls. There's two great viewing options. One is from a cliff hovering 200 feet above the falls and the other is from the the Observation Site sitting 0.25 miles away and almost 500 feet above the falls. To get to the cliff above the falls, there's a trailhead on the South East end of the main parking lot. The trail is 1 mile each way (2 mile out and back) with about a 100 ft. difference in elevation (about the same as the stairs the the Upper Falls platforms). The trail goes through the woods well away from the river itself but there are no guardrails at the end when you're peering over the edge of the cliffs to see the waterfall. To see the falls from the observation site is free and the walk from your car to the lookout is only about 500 ft.
This is an Idaho State Park and there are day use fees. Passes have reciprocity with Harriman State Park which is only about 20 minutes away. Get there before 5pm to check out the old inn which has been transformed into a fun and informative visitor's center.
Big Springs
Island Park, Idaho
7.6 miles NE of Island Park, IdahoThere's also a great little walking trail along the river with placards that tell about the ecosystem and history of the area. There's about a 1/2 mile that's paved and then a 1/2 mile of dirt trail. The trail is NOT a loop. The trailhead is on the South West side of the bridge. There's a great spot to feed the fish under the West side of the bridge so bring some quarters to buy fish food. The trail to Johnny Sack's Cabin is on the North Side of the Cabin.
Campground (Fee Required)
This campground Is located on the Ashton·lsland Park Ranger District, comprising nearly 650,000 acres of National Forest System lands. Numerous amenities are offered such as single and double sites which Includes fire rings. utlllty tables. picnic tables, and reslrooms. This campground is situated nen to the beautiful Henry's Fork shaded by Lodgepole Pines. Come In and relax with friends and family. Head on out and explore the Big Springs Interpretative Trail which starts at the bridge Just Outside the campground. Be sure to visit the historical Johnny Sack Cabin, offering a unique Insight Into the history of the Big Springs Area. Just follow the asphalt walkway which will take you to the cabin Just north of the campground. Explore the historical, cultural, geological, and recreational resources this area has to offer.
Take a scenic drive south along the Mesa Falls Scenic By·Way. Stop by the Mesa Falls Visitor Center for an interpretative tour and captivating view of Upper Falls. A two mile Interpretative hiking uall will offer you a view of Canyon Rim.
Length of Stay: Forest Order
Camping or occupying a Single site for a period longer than 16 consecutive days Is prohibited. After leaving a site, a minimum of 7 days Is required before any group or person(s) from that group may reoccupy their original location.
This limit of stay restriction Is necessary to reduce displacment of other Forest desiring to occupy a particular campsite, and reducing the opportunity for visitor or group of visitors from monopolizing a campsite for long periods time (in excess of 16 days).
Fire Safety: Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires
Make sure your fire is DEAD OUT
- NEVER leave a fire unattended.
- Keep your fires small. Firewood Is available for sale. See campground host.
- Check with campground host for current fire restrictions.
- Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter end any other burnable material within a l0 foot-diameter circle surrounding the fire ring.
- Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring.
- To put out a campfire, slowly pour water onto the fire and stir with a shovel until all material is cool to the touch.
- Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite.
- Make sure the fire is dead out. Many wildfires have been caused by abandoned campfires.
Bear Country: Required Food Storage Order
Your Safety Is Important to Us
All food and other items that might attract bears must be stored where bears cannot access them at night and during the daytime when unattended. Attended means that a person is physically present within 100 feet and in direct sight of the food.
What are bear attractants?
- All food and anything that contacted food. This includes full or empty coolers, packaging, boxes, cans, bottles, dirty dishes and silverware, etc.
- All beverages and beverage containers, full or empty (including water)
- All garbage, food scraps, and cooking grease. Never dump grease, beverages, or scraps on the ground.
- Never leave garbage in your fire pit or outside.
- Pet food and pet food bowls.
- Gas cans.
- Grills. Burn grill for at least 5 minutes after use to get rid of any residues. Clorox the grease trap.
Anything with a strong odor is an attractant for bears. Attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. If you are away from your campsite or asleep at night in your test/trailer/RV, these attractants MUST BE STORED. You may be fined if you do not properly store your attractants. If you cannot properly store your attractants, inform the campground host and a bear resistant container may be provided for you.
What is bear resistant storage?
Acceptable places to store and dispose of your attractants are inside a hard-sided trailer, an enclosed vehicle, inside a bear dumpster or trash can (this campground has bear-resistant dumpster). Coolers, tents, underneath your RV/trailer the back of pick-up trucks, boxes, beverage bottles, canned goods, soft-sided trailers, and other containers are not bear resistant. All garbage must go to bear-resistant dumpsters. Garbage must never be left outside unattended. If the dumpster is full, you must take your trash back with you and inform the campground host of the situation.
NOTICE: ATV and Motorcycle use is prohibited
ATVs and motorcycles are prohibited from use in this campground. The following are exempt:
- Licensed street legal motorcycles.
- Vehicles used by handicapped individuals.
- Vehicles used by campground hosts for their official duties.
ATVs and motorcycles may be trailered into the campground, kept in the campsite on a trailer, or parked at a location designated by the campground host.
Educate Yourself
Contact the Island Park or Ashton Ranger Station for information on which areas are open to ATVs.
If you have a Dog: Keep your pet secure at all times
In the national forest, you and your dog could meet people, horses, mountain bikes, ATVs, other dogs, and wild animals. Help make the outdoor experience enjoyable for you, your dog and all the forest's users by following these safety tips:
- Please remove all feces before vacating your site.
- Give your dog plenty of water and rest, and watch for signs of stress and fatigue.
- Keep your dog leashed and under control in campgrounds. Secure your pet in a shady spot and give it lots of attention to minimize barking.
- If you encounter wild animals, respect them by restraining your dog.
Fireworks are prohibited
Fireworks or other explosives are prohibited within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
Fishing Rules: A fishing license is required to fish in this forest
- A state fishing license is required to fish in this national forest.
- A fishing license can be purchased over-the-counter at various stores in the local area. For more information, contact Idaho Fish and Game.
Cameron Lake
Waterton, Glacier National Park
7.8 miles SW of Waterton, Glacier National ParkCameron Lake is found in the Canadian portion of Glacier National Park, usually referred to as Waterton Lakes National Park. The lake is a picturesque spot to rest and relax while enjoying the beautiful glacial mountains and the stunning landscape. For those who go to visit the lake, there is plenty to keep busy or to relax. Many visitors enjoy getting out onto the water on a clear day and kayaking/canoeing on the water surface. There are fish in the lake, making it a great place to enjoy a little fishing as well when the weather is nice.
Hikes in the area will travel around the shoreline of Cameron Lake, as well as up to Mt Custer. Mt Cluster is located in Glacier National Park and helps to make up the southern shore of Cameron Lake. A prominent feature on the mountain is Herbst Glacier, which helps to create waterfalls during the summer season, and makes a beautiful scene right along the lake. The shoreline is covered in trees, though some sports show the aftermath of avalanches while others are covered in bushes and other shrubbery. There has been sightings of bears, so be careful and alert when exploring the area.
