The closest town to the Bechler entrance of Yellowstone, Mesa Falls, and Harriman State Park, Ashton is an easy outpost for exploring some of the best the Yellowstone Teton Territory has to offer like the Henry’s Fork, wildlife, and waterfalls. 

Tucked into Yellowstone’s southwest corner, the Bechler district, a less traveled area is a 200-square-mile wilderness of meadows, hot springs, and rock formations–and waterfalls so many that the area has earned the nickname Cascade Corner with Albright Falls: 260 feet, Bechler Falls: 15 feet, Colonnade Falls: Upper falls are 35 feet and lower falls is 67 feet, Dunanda Falls: 150 feet, Gwinna Falls: 15 feet, Iris Falls: 45 feet, Ouzel Falls: 230 feet, Quiver Cascade: 98 feet, Ragged Falls: 45 feet, Tempe Cascade: 30 feet, Twister Falls: 55 feet and Wahhi Falls: Upper falls is 28 feet and lower falls is 18 feet all within reach of the Idaho entrance to Yellowstone. A simple hike on the Bechler River Trail will reveal 12 waterfalls along the trail.

With the abundance of water, it’s not surprising that the Bechler River provides ideal backcountry fishing opportunities. The Bechler Ranger Station is accessible via the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road. The adjacent Cave Falls Road campground is located outside of the park and an ideal spot to stage longer trips to pristine Shoshone Lake, a recommended four-day backpacking itinerary to comfortably take on the 28-mile hike. Though longer, it’s considered a beginner route. 

Due to the Bechler District’s remote location, wildlife is abundant. The fish-filled waters are attractive to bears all summer long and the region is known to be very buggy, and the river swampy through the beginning of the summer. 

While in the Bechler District, visitors can take in the historic structures that the U.S. Army built in 1911 — a barn, a ranger station, and a small house—all of which have been mostly untouched since construction.

The area is known to be overwhelmed with the blue camas flowers once the runoff recedes. This is a great way to experience Yellowstone without the crowds. For more information about the ecosystem, stop by the Henry’s Fork Foundation right on Main Street in downtown Ashton. 

After enjoying the wilds of Yellowstone take a trip to Mesa Falls and enjoy both the lower and upper falls’ geology and the caldera’s impact on creating fresh water in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. On the way from the park, you’ll cross Warm River, a favorite fishing spot with a nearby campground. Loop back South after the falls and enjoy Harriman State Park’s biking and Nordic trails and return to Ashton to grab everyone’s favorite for sixty years and counting, the Frostop Old Fashioned Drive-In. 

Known for fries, rootbeer floats, and a long list of custom hamburgers, the drive-in is just the right indulgence after a day exploring the Yellowstone Teton Territory. Ashton is an ideal family base camp with a growing downtown that’s home to unique Main Street stores and thrift shops as well as several easy family dining options.