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Hiking in Island Park, Idaho
The hiking trails in and around Island Park offer an outing ranging in length from one hour to an overnight stay.
Most of the trails listed below are short day-hikes with easy terrain. Two of the trails offer length that could
be stretched into an overnight stay. Please note grizzly bear precautions if camping along the trail. Poisonous snakes
or plants are not a problem in this area. However, the insects could be somewhat annoying, so insect
repellent is advisable.
Maintaining the quality of an outdoor recreation experience requires a land use philosophy that is the responsibility
of everyone. "Take only pictures and leave only footprints."
For area closures and other restrictions, please obtain the Island Park District Travel Plan map available at
the Island Park Ranger Station (208-558-7301).
Hiking Trails
Coffee Pot Rapids Trail
Beginning at the Upper Coffeepot Campground, the Coffeepot Hiking Trail leads 2.5 miles along the Henry's Fork
of the Snake River. Hikers can see the river change from a placid stream to raging rapids. Lodgepole pine and
subalpine fir are the predominant trees. Shrubs and flowers, such as Huckleberry, snowberry, twinberry, glacier
lilies, geraniums, sego lilies and many others can be found along the trail. The trail is easy, however, rocks
and other obstacles may slightly hinder walking. This trail is closed to motorized vehicles.
Box Canyon Trail
This trail takes off from the Box Canyon Campground and follows the rim of Box Canyon for 3 miles. The waters
of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River can be viewed from the trail and provide excellent catch and release fishing.
Various species of trees and wildflowers can be seen on the trail as well as songbirds, waterfowl and occasional wildlife.
This trail is closed to motorized vehicles.
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Approximately 36.4 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs through the Island Park area. Access
points to the CDT Trail are: Black Canyon Road, Number 066 at Reas Pass, Targhee Creek Road, Number 057, Keg Springs
Road, Number 042, and East Dry Creek Road, Number 327. The trail is in moderate to difficult terrain, often in the
higher elevations. Some of the trail is located in Situation I Grizzly Bear Habitat, so visitors are urged to use
proper food storage and camping practices
when camping in the area. Panoramic views and challenging terrain make this trail a memorable experience. Portions of
the trail are closed to motorized vehicles. Portions of the trail have yet to be constructed or marked.
Big Springs Interpretive Trail
The Big Springs Interpretive Trail begins at the Big Springs Bridge and ends at the Big Springs Boat Launch. The
entire trail is one mile long. It is a relatively easy walk. The first half-mile is paved for those using wheelchairs;
the second half is dirt and gravel. There are several information plaques along the trail that explain to visitors
about river environment. All are located along the paved section. Another easily accessible trail leaves Big Springs
Bridge and accesses the Johnny Sack Cabin.
Sawtell Peak - Rock Creek Basin Trail
Drive 7.5 miles north from the Island Park Ranger Station on Highway 20, turn west on Sawtell Peak Road. This road
is approximately 13 miles long and climbs 3,440 feet in elevation to the top of the peak. A radar station is located
on top of the mountain. Directly to the west is the Rock Creek Basin area.
The trailhead is 1.7 miles back down the mountain to a horseshoe bend in the road which has a parking space. The
trailhead is signed. The trail follows an old water restoration project road. This area is closed to motorized vehicles.
Elevation of the trail ranges from 8,500 feet to 9,120 feet. The trail is six miles in length, some portions over rocky,
uneven and steep terrain. Two miles from the trailhead you will cross the continental divide into Montana. The trail
will curve and drop into Rock Creek Basin.
Hikers will need to bring drinking water. Wood is scarce due to the high elevation, so hikers-are advised to pack
camp stoves for cooking purposes. A variety of wildflowers are plentiful throughout the summer. Elk, deer, bear and
moose as well as birds of prey may be seen in the area.
Targhee Creek Trail
The Targhee Creek Creek Trailhead is located 15 miles north of the Island Park Ranger Station on U.S. Highway 20/191,
and 2.2 miles past the Highway 87 junction. Turn west on Forest Road 057, also signed as Targhee Creek Trail road. This
road will lead you directly to the Targhee Creek Trailhead This trail accesses the Continental Divide Trail.
The Targhee Creek Trail is a 14 mile loop. The trail is traveled in the summer months, both on foot and horseback.
The trail is traveled in the summer months, both on foot and horseback. The trail is moderate in difficulty. Dense
forest and changes in elevation give visitors and enjoyable but challenging experience.
Visitors should be aware of the wildlife in the area. The Targhee Creek Trail is located in Situation 1 Grizzly Bear habitat.
There are dispersed camping areas available along the trail for visitors who wish to camp overnight. Some sites have
grizzly bear proof food boxes that should be used to store food in. If no bear box is available at the campsite, food
should be suspended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and 4 feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole.
Sleeping areas should be at least 100 yards away from all human, pet and livestock food items, cooking areas, garbage or refuse.
(For other helpful tips, read Bear Proofing your Camp by Rick Curtis.)
Many lakes and streams are located in the vicinity of the trail. However, the lakes tend to lose much of their water
as the season progresses; as they depend on the winter snowmelt to replenish the water supply. Visitors are encouraged to
camp and keep livestock at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Visitors will find many abundant wildflowers and scenic
lookouts over the vast valleys breath-taking.
Other popular area activities:
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