Hunting / Fishing Information
Winter in Yellowstone Country
Scenic By-Ways
Area Attractions

Hunting / Fishing

Eastern Idaho has plenty of room for hunters and permits are easily available. Varieties range from trophy elk, mule deer, and antelope to bear, moose, upland game birds. and waterfowl. Hunter congestion is rare.
Eastern Idaho's fly fishing is incomparable. "The Henry's Fork is the premier dry fly fishing stream in the entire world" says John Randolph, editor of Fly Fishing Magazine. Both Henry's Fork and the South Fork of the Snake River offer unparalleled opportunities for fishing and the tributaries and reservoirs produce excellent rainbow, eastern brook, brown and cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon, and whitefish.

For more information on hunting and fishing licenses and regulations contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 1-800-635-7820.
For a list of licensed outfitters and guides, contact the Guide and Outfitters Board in Boise, Idaho at 1-800-847-4843

Winter in Yellowstone Country

Snowmobiling, Nordic or Alpine Skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding... name your desired activity. The upper elevations of eastern Idaho are buried deep in snow in the winter months, so if you want to recreate in a winter wonderland, eastern Idaho is the place for you!
Snowmobilers can race more groomed trails in Idaho than in any other western state. An extensive network of groomed snowmobile trails is maintained throughout eastern Idaho. This playground includes both private and public lands. Trail maps are available detailing major routes as well as areas that are closed to snowmobiling. Several shops and resorts rent snowmobiles and the necessary gear and offer guide service for day trips.
If you're looking for a more relaxed time, groomed nordic ski trails weave their way throughout Yellowstone teton territories serene winter landscape that provide a challenge for skiers at all skill levels. These trails are found both on public and private ground.

For the thrill of alpine skiing, try out Grand Targhee Ski and Summer Resort or Kelly Canyon .

Scenic By-Ways

  

A trip along Idaho's eastern border allows travelers to drive two interconnecting scenic byways that offer two distinct, yet equally breathtaking landscapes. The jagged teeth of the Teton Mountain Tange actually rise from along Wyoming's western border, but Idahoans kno the best view of these massive peaks is from the Teton Scenic Byway. At nearly 10 million years young, the Tetons are the newest mountains in the rockies. In fact, they continue to grow today at the snail-like pace of about an inch every hundred years. The largest peak on the range, Grand teton, now stands at 13,772 feet.

When th Teton Scenic Byway reaches its northern end in Ashton, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway begins.
The Main attractions on this route are the Upper and Lower Mesa falls, which are the last major falls in Idaho that have not been used for irrigation or hydroelectric projects. At 110 feet and 85 feet respectively, they offer equally spectacula views that must be seen to be appreciated. The upper falls has been developed with paths and viewing areas and is easily accessible to all.

Teton Scenic Byway

Location: Begins on Idaho 31 at Swan valley northeast to Idaho 33 at Victor. Norht on Idaho 33 to Idaho 32, north on 32 to Idaho 47 and west on 47 to U.S. 20 at Ashton
Length: 68.9 miles. Allow 2.5 hours
Roadway: Two-lane roadway with no passing lanes. Pine Creek Pass has six percent grades, some 35mph curves and often has a snow floor in winter.
Special attractions: Great views of the Teton Mountains, Targhee National Forest, Grand Targhee Ski Area near Driggs.
When to see it: Year round, but fall foilage is spectacular.
Camping: Small campgrounds at Pine Creek.
Services: Partial services in Swan Valley, Victor, Driggs, Tetonia, Felt, and Drummond. Full services in Ashton.
Who to Call: Palisades Ranger District. (208) 523-1412, Ashton Ranger District (208) 652-7442.

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway

Location: Southern end is at Idaho 47 in Ashton, northeast 12.4 miles to Bear gultch Ski Area, then northwest along Forest Service route 294 to northern end at U.S. 20.
Length: 28.7 miles Allow one hour.
Roadway: Idaho 47 is a two lane road. Forest Service Route 294 is closed in winter and becomes a Forest Service snowmobile route.
Special attractions: Upper Mesa Falls, Harriman State Park on U.S. 20, many trails for bikes, horsed, cross-country skiing and snowmobiles.
When to see it: The Forest Service road becomes one of the many snowmobile trails in the area. If you have a snowmobile or cross-country skis, winter is the time to go. If you don't there is no access.
Camping: Two campgrounds along the Warm River.
Services: Full services in Ashton.
Who to call: Ashton Ranger District, (208) 652-7442, Island Park Ranger district, (208) 558-7301, Ashton Chamber of Commerce, (208) 558-7301.

Area Attractions

  1. Ashton Reservoir
  2. Big Springs
  3. Cave Falls/Bechler Meadows Area of Yellowstone National Park
  4. Craters of the Moon National Monument
  5. The Falls at Idaho Falls
  6. Grand Targhee Ski and Resort
  7. Henry's Lake State Park
  8. Harriman State Park
  9. I-15 Wildlife Areas
  10. Island Park Reservoir
  11. Kelly Canyon Alpine Ski Area
  12. Mesa Falls on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River Byway
  13. Palisade Reservoir
  14. St. Anthony Sand Dunes
  15. South Fork of the Snake River
  16. Targhee National Forest
  17. Targhee National Forest Winter Trails
  18. The Teton River Basin
  19. Teton Scenic Route
  20. Upper and Lower Palisade Lakes
  21. Yellowstone Bear World
  1. Ashton Reservoir: This large reservoir on Henry's Fork provides quality trout fishing just outside of Ashton.
  2. Big Springs: The headwaters of Henry's Fork are spawning grounds for huge rainbow trout, with moose, muskrat, geese and great blue herons frequenting the area. Downstream is the Big Springs National Water Trail, a four hour float trip which offers scenic forest, mountain views and wildlife viewing. (208) 588-7301.
  3. Cave Falls/Bechler Meadows Area of Yellowstone National Park: The southwestern corner of Yellowstone can only be accessed through Idaho, via Ashton. The scenic, 18 mile drive through fields and meadows leads to Cave Falls one the Fall River, and a campground is just downstream. Trailheads for non-motorized access is located here. (307) 344-7381.

  4. Craters of the Moon National Monument: Located 18 miles west of Arco on Highway 20/26/93, Craters of the Moon National Monument provides a moon-like landscape that comes to life and is enjoyed throughout the year. Spring provides a spectacular array of wildflowers, with the campground open from May to October. The seven mile loop is excellent for biking, driving, or walking. In winter the Craters of the Moon National Monument has groomed cross country ski trails for both track and skating styles. Here the stark black lave and white snow combine to produce a landscape of dramatic contracts and rugged beauty. Visitors Center is open year round except winter holidays. (208) 527-3257.

  5. The Falls at Idaho Falls: The hub of Eastern Idaho with 50,000 people, Idaho Falls is a regional center for shopping, medical care, entertainment, cultural and social activities. It boasts over 300 acres of parks, challenging golf courses, and scenic falls in the center of town. Accommodations are modern and abundant. Over 1500 rooms are available for travelers or conventions. For information packets call (208) 523-1010 or 1-800-634-3246

  6. Grand Targhee Ski and Resort: Located near Driggs, this major destination resort boasts over 500 inches of snow, 64 runs with a 2200 foot vertical drop, 3 double chairs and 1 rope tow. Targhee offers skiers 2 mountains totaling 3000 acres! 1,500 acres are served by lifts offering wide groomed trails and skiable powder. Targhee's second 1500 acres, 2,800 foot vertical mountain is reserved exclusively for powder snowcat skiing - for those in search of unsurpassed scenery and snow conditions in powder heaven! Cross country trails are also available. For lodging reservations and resort information, call 1-800-TARGHEE (1-800-827-4433).

  7. Henry's Lake State Park: Lies in a high mountain bowl (6,470 feet) along the Continental Divide near Yellowstone National Park. The fishing is almost too good to be true. (208) 558-7532.
  8. Harriman State Park: World famous fly fishing stream, Henry's Fork of the Snake River, winds through the meadows at Harriman. Located in the center of 16,000 acres wildlife refuge the park is known for its resident population of trumpeter swans and other numerous waterfowl. Regular tours are conducted through the rustic log buildings of the old "Railroad Ranch". In winter cross country ski trails are groomed through the park. (208) 558-7368.


  9. I-15 Wildlife Areas: North of Idaho Falls, at the Roberts, Mud lake and Hamer exits, are a series of wildlife management areas which offer abundant bird watching. For information on Market Lake of Mud Lake Wildlife Management Areas, call (208) 522-7783. For Camas National Wildlife refuge call (208) 662-5423.
  10. Island Park Reservoir: This large reservoir is popular for boating, fishing and skiing. Visitors may drive on the top of the dam for scenic views of the Centennial Mountains and Box Canyon. (208) 558-7301.
  11. Kelly Canyon Alpine Ski Area: Kelly Canyon is conveniently located just 35 minutes (25 miles northeast of Idaho Falls on Highway 26) from Idaho Falls. With over 740 acres of premier skiing, a 938 foot vertical drop, 20 runs, and 4 chairlifts, Kelly Canyon has a variety of terrain which furnishes excellent skiing for everyone in the family. Kelly Canyon also offers night skiing with all major runs lit six nights a week.
  12. Mesa Falls on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River Byway: Not far off Highway 47 the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, hear the thunder of both Lower and Upper Mesa Falls. The cataract is a feature of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River where the river is squeezed into a gorge that drops 65 feet. This secluded spot along the Henry's Fork offers excellent trout fishing and camping. (208) 652-7442.
    Mesa Falls

  13. Palisade Reservoir: On the South Fork of the Snake River, Palisade Dam backs the water up for 18 miles creating picturesque Palisade Reservoir. Located on Highway 26, vacationers will find 9 campgrounds containing 181 family units. Boat launching ramps are located at convenient points along the reservoir. The Southfork of the Snake River and the Palisades Reservoir provide some of the most outstanding native cutthroat trout fisheries in the West.
  14. St. Anthony Sand Dunes: Active sand dunes cover an area 35 miles long and five miles wide and provide recreation for dune buggy enthusiasts. (208) 523-1012 www.Sand-Dunes.com


  15. South Fork of the Snake River: is considered to be Idaho's Number One Unique Wildlife Eco-system. Emerging from Palisades Dam, the mighty Snake flows through scenic cottonwood bottom lands rich with wildlife, including bald eagles and great blue herons. It is well known for its huge trout, as well as its nesting Canada geese.
  16. Targhee National Forest: Targhee National Forest encompasses 1.8 million acres in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming. It is home to the Henry's Fork of the Snake River and Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. Wildlife abounds in the Targhee, including elk, deer, bear, moose, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles. The Targhee boasts of an extensive trail system for both summer and winter use, and offers the visitor spectacular views and uncrowded opportunities.
  17. Targhee National Forest Winter Trails: Fremont, Bonneville, Madison, Jefferson, and Teton County Grooming Districts have 1,400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Tide from West Yellowstone through Island Park to Rexburg. Trailer to Idaho Falls and ride to Alpine, Wyoming and back.
  18. The Teton River Basin: Over the mountains from Grand Teton National Park, the scenic Teton Valley, the Teton River offers trout fishing plus more than 100 species of migrating birds. Over two-thirds of this mountain valley is pasture, open range, lush irrigated fields, boarded by rugged mountains and forested hills. Wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities abound.
  19. Teton Scenic Route: Highways 31, 32, and 33 from Ashton through Driggs to Swan Valley provide spectacular views of the Grand Tetons and Teton Mountain Range.
  20. Upper and Lower Palisade Lakes: If you like to add back country adventure to your vacation, backpack or travel by horse into the Lower and Upper Palisades Lakes. The six-mile trail is in good condition and the hiking is not difficult. Both lakes and Palisades Creek are stocked with native cutthroat trout and provide good fishing. Chances of seeing wildlife on the trail are good and the scenery is outstanding.
  21. Yellowstone Bear World: Take a drive through this unique park and view Elk, Reindeer, Deer, Black Bears, and even Grizzly bears from just a few feet away !! Watch the bears roam through the natural environment and enjoy their curious and playful behavior. Spot Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks, Peacocks, and much more. Open Mid May to Mid October. (208)359-9688

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