Area Day Trip Two Includes the Following:
Big Springs & Johnny Sack Cabin
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
Cave Falls / Bechler Area
Teton Scenic Byway
Grand Teton National Park
Area Day Trip Two
Big Springs & Johnny Sack Cabin
Big Springs is the head waters of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. 120 million gallons of water flow from this spring every day making it one of the largest springs in the country. Big Springs is also spawning grounds for rainbow trout. You can feed the fish while you're there but fishing is not allowed in this protected area. The enormous rainbow trout can be viewed from both sides of the bridge. Be sure to bring some bread to feed the fish, mallard ducks and the resident muskrat. Watch down stream as it is common to see a moose feeding in the water. Then take a short easy walk on the interpretive trail board walk that leads downstream along the Big Springs National Water Trail.
Now up to Johnny Sack's Cabin. On the Historic Register the Johnny Sack Cabin can be reached via a short, paved walking path starting in the campground at Big Springs. The cabin's unique location, construction, and furnishings provide for an interesting visit. The cabin was started in 1932 and completed three years later. Here you can learn about Johnny Sack, a German cabinet maker and the uniqueness of his craftsmanship with his thorough and careful preparation of the lumber for building the cabin, wall panels, ceiling lamps and furniture and of course the wonderful water wheel.
Be careful going in! If you're tall that is. Johnny Sack was only 4 feet 11 inches tall. While most of the house has typical ceilings, his work area in the basement reflects his small stature.
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
(You can also continue on to the Teton Scenic Byway and Grand Teton National Park)
To reach Mesa Falls Scenic Byway take US 20 from West Yellowstone into Idaho approximately 34 miles. Watch for the Scenic Byway Idaho 47, where it turns left. This Scenic Byway includes the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. You will arrive at the Upper Falls first where a boardwalk leads from the Historic Big Falls Inn, now the visitor center and gift shop, right to the brink of the Upper Mesa Falls. You will then travel another mile down to the Grandview overlook of Lower Mesa Falls. At 114 feet high for the Upper Mesa Falls and 65 feet high for the Lower Mesa falls they offer equally spectacular views in a beautiful forest setting. Both falls can be viewed in full, Lower Falls from a quarter mile distance and the Upper Falls from just a few feet away. As you leave Mesa Falls turn right and travel on toward Bear Gulch and Warm River. Though the byway is less than an hours driving time, viewing the falls, touring the interpretive center, enjoying a picnic lunch and making stops to view wildflowers can easily fill half a day. For an added excursion take the Cave Falls Road to the Hidden Part of Yellowstone that is accessed from Idaho and visit Cave Falls and the Bechler Area.
Cave Falls / Bechler Area
Cave Falls & Bechler Area is the Hidden Part of Yellowstone that is actually in Idaho. The Bechler region is the "wettest part of Yellowstone. It is dubbed "Cascade Corner" because of the many water falls. Here you can easily see Cave Falls and if you"re up to it take a 3 mile hike to Bechler Falls or a 3.2 mile hike to Terrace Falls. Be sure to check in at the Bechler Ranger Station to pick up a map and trailhead information.
Travel back to West Yellowstone on Idaho 47 or from Ashton on US 20. This trip is best taken after July 1st because part of the route travels on a gravel road that is minimally maintained.
Teton Scenic Byway
(On to the Grand Teton National Park)
Make a day to visit Grand Teton National Park in a geological "gold mine" of adventure. Take the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway trip to Ashton and on Idaho 32, along the western side of the Teton Range. The mountains sharply contrast with rolling fields of wheat and canola in these agricultural communities as this trip through the backcountry of Idaho takes you to the Teton Scenic By-way. If you have time, travel on Idaho 31 through the beautiful Pine Creek pass to Swan Valley or just continue on Idaho 33. You will then be driving the incredible Teton Pass and drop down into the Jackson Valley with Jackson Hole, Wyoming and on to Grand Teton National Park. At nearly 10 million years young, the Tetons are the newest mountains in the Rockies. In fact, they continue to grow today at a pace of about an inch every hundred years. The distance from the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park to the south boundary of Grand Teton National Park is 56 miles; approximate driving time with stops is 1-1/2 hours. There are three visitor centers for you to stop and get information. Be sure to visit the Jenny Lake area taking the one way drive and enjoy a scenic boat cruise over Jenny Lake and then a half mile hike to Hidden Falls. Take a horseback ride at Colter Bay and stop by the Visitor Center & Indian Arts Museum. Among these items there are many self-guided trails around the park as well as hiking and mountaineering. Always watch for wildlife as Grand Teton National Park is home to moose, bison, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black and grizzly bears and a host of other animals and birds.
Return to West Yellowstone through Yellowstone National Park to make a circle trip.
