Island Park, located south of West Yellowstone near the border of Yellowstone National Park, is an Island of lakes, woods, rivers, meadows and mountains lightly sprinkled with ranches, summer homes and fishing lodges. Legendary fishing at the Henry's Fork of the Snake is but one of the superb angling locales. Other fishing jewels include Henry's Lake and the Island Park Reservoir.
In the winters, locals and the increasing number of visitors, trade their fishing tackle for snowmobiles to explore the hundreds of miles of forest and mountain trails. Cascading over groomed trails and waist deep powder on a powerful snowmobile cannot be beat!
Aside from the fishing and snowmobiling, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, rodeo, cross-country skiing, hunting and touring, Island Park's scenic and historical sites are some of the other popular activities. Outfitters for nearly every activity abound, and there are also plenty of maps and guide books for the visitor who wants to experience Island Park on their own. Nearby Yellowstone Park and its trails and streams are also popular day trips from the area. Yellowstone's proximity is part of the allure of Island Park. Since the late 1800's, tourists commonly passed through Island Park on their way to Yellowstone.
Henry's Lake State Park, is a beautiful lake on the northern end of Island Park and is world famous for its fishing. It is not uncommon to catch 7 pound trout out of this lake. It also boasts its own fish hatchery on the north end of the lake that help produce and replenish the fish habitat.
Harriman State Park, also known as the Railroad Ranch, is a
tribute to several East Coast notables who brought the iron horse
to Idaho. The Harriman and Guggenheim families, operated the
Railroad Ranch, finding a balance between conservation, ranching
and the needs of small number of summer guests. A great concern
for preserving the magnificent wildlife habitat prompted the
Harriman family to donate the 15,000 acre ranch to the State of Idaho.
Island Park Reservoir, construction was completed in 1939 and was the
first source of electricity for Island Park's resort businesses. It was developed with farmers and spring flood control in mind. Today it is a source of fun and enjoyment for people looking to fish, boat, jet ski, swim and water ski.
Upper and Lower Mesa Falls offer views of the IslandPark caldera's
edge, dropping 105' and 65' respectively. These dramatic drops were
created between 600,000 and two million years ago when an immense
shield volcano exploded repeatedly finally collapsing, leaving behind
the world's largest caldera. Accessed by turning off of Highway 20
onto State Highway 47 and following the signs, the setting of the falls
is the perfect location for a picnic or short hike.
Big Springs & Johnny Sack Cabin - the source of the Henry's Fork of
the Snake River, is also well worth a visit. Because of Big Spring
constant 52 degree temperature and crystal clear flow, the Henry's
Fork is a favorite early in the fishing season when other nearby rivers
are cold and muddy from the sediment picked up by the melting snow.
Big Springs is also near the beginning of a beautiful 5 mile canoe or boat
trip along a stretch of a National Scenic Water Trail. Other activities in
Island Park include a bicycle ride or hike on the Old Union Pacific
railroad bed, a game of golf at the Island Park Resort, a horseback trail
ride or a visit to Johnny Sack's cabin.
The longer you stop and linger in Island Park, the more difficult you may
find it to leave, and the more that you will want to come back. Click and
visit our Chamber Business Directory, to find exactly what you will need to make your first or your one-hundredth stay . . . . . exactly the way you want it.
Vacation Planning
Harriman State Park
Mesa Falls
Johnny Sack Cabin
