|
Area Highlights: Island Park, Idaho
Extending from the Snake River just north of Ashton Idaho to the Montana borders near the Madison River and the
Continental Divide, Island Park sits atop Targee Pass only a few miles from West Yellowstone. This area has so many
amazing opportunities for recreational activites of all kinds, Island Park will undoubtedly entice your return over and over again.
Spring and summer activities in Island Park include boating, water skiing, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding,
fishing, bird watching, hiking,
mountain biking, ATV-riding,
river float trips, golf, tennis and just about anything else you can think of!
Popular things to do in the fall are hunting, hiking,
mountain biking, ATV-riding and fishing.
During the winter months, this area is definitely the crown jewel of snowmobiling in Idaho.
Other opportunities to take in that clean, crisp Island Park air is to do some cross-country skiing, snow shoeing or ice fishing.
Other area highlights include:
Big Springs/Johnny Sack Cabin
The spawning grounds of some of the best trout in the world, Big Springs is the head waters of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River.
Also located at Big Springs is The Johnny Sack Cabin. On the National Register of Historic Places, this cabin has many unique features
and is open to visitors during the summer.
Island Park Reservoir
Formed by the Island Park Dam at the head of the Box Canyon, this reservoir's body of water covers 8,400 acres and is popular for boating,
fishing and water sports of all kinds. Five boat ramps/docks are available on this large reservoir as well as camping. Visitors may
also drive on the top of the Island Park Dam for scenic views of the Centennial Mountains and Box Canyon.
Mount Sawtelle
Located on the west side of Henry's Lake Flats, the elevation at the top of Mount Sawtelle (also known as Sawtelle Peak) is 9,902 feet.
This radio facility is accessible by car or ATV during the summer and offers a spectacular view of three states and Yellowstone National Park.
Harriman State Park
Formerly know as Railroad Ranch, this 16,000 acre wildlife refuge was a gift to the people of Idaho from the Harriman family for all
future generations to enjoy. The Henry's Fork of the Snake River, one of the most famous fly fishing
rivers in the world, gently winds through nine miles of park meadows and forests. This historic site and working cattle ranch also offers
hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding,
wagon rides, scenic tours and cross-country skiing to mention a few.
Henry's Fork of the Snake River
Named for Andrew Henry, a fur trader who first saw it in 1810, Henry's Fork of the Snake River is acclaimed by fly fishing enthusiasts
as the best trout fishing stream in the United States. It begins at Big Springs, winds through Harriman State Park and continues all the
way down to Ashton where it joins the Snake River. The spectacular Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are also found along the Henry's Fork.
Henry's Lake State Park
The trout fishing in Henry's Lake is an angler's dream come true! The scenary around the lake is equally amazing... Offering boating, camping
and hiking opportunities on the Coffee Pot Rapids Trail, Henry's Lake State Park is only 15 miles west of Yellowstone National Park.
Upper and Lower Mesa Falls
Not far out of Island Park, on the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, are two spectacular waterfalls on the Henry's Fork of the
Snake River. Upper Mesa is a majestic fall of 105 feet. Downstream, the river is squeezed into a gorge that drops 65 feet creating Lower Mesa Falls.
Secluded spots along this stretch of Henry's Fork offer excellent trout fishing and camping in the summer. In winter it is accessible by
snowmobile or cross-country skis.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is the first and oldest national park in the world preserving Old Faithful and some 10,000 other hot springs
and geysers. An outstanding mountain wildland, Yellowstone National Park is home of the grizzly bear and wolf, and free-ranging
herds of bison and elk.
|
