Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bechler Meadows & Falls
Duration
3½ hours
Distance
8-mile loop
Difficulty
Easy-moderate
Elevation Change
negligible
Start/Finish
Bechler Ranger Station (9K1;
Click here
)
Nearest Town/Junction
Driggs, Idaho
Summary
A solitary walk through lush forest, with big falls and wildlife-watching oppor-
tunities.
Bechler Meadows' extensive wetlands are a wildlife magnet. Grizzlies and black bears as
well as rare waterfowl such as gray owls and great blue herons are often spotted. Add sub-
stantial cascades to an already spectacular mix by starting from the Cave Falls Trailhead
or by taking the Bechler Falls side trip.
This route avoids all fords, so there's no need to inquire about river levels before de-
parting. Use the south side of Trails Illustrated's 1:63,360 map No 302
Old Faithful
.
From Bechler Ranger Station, follow the Bechler Meadows Trail 3 miles northeast past
the Boundary Creek Trail junction through lodgepole pine forest to the Bechler River/
Rocky Ford cutoff junction.
If it's not too buggy, hike an extra 0.5 miles north to
Bechler Meadows
. You will cross
a wooden suspension bridge over Boundary Creek past campsite 9B1. It's an ideal spot to
look for sandhill cranes and moose, or angle around the waters for rainbow trout (permit
required). See the Bechler River Trail (
Click here
) for a suggested one- to three-day ex-
tension.
Retrace your steps to the cutoff southeast 0.7 miles past campsite 9C1 to the wide
Rocky Ford
at the Bechler River Trail junction. Instead of fording the river, trace the
river's west bank south for 2 miles to the next junction, where a cutoff leads west 2 miles
through forest back to the ranger station.
SIDE TRIP: BECHLER FALLS & CAVE FALLS
30-45 MINUTES, 3 MILES, ELEVATION CHANGE NEGLIGIBLE
