Things to do in Island Park
Upper and Lower Mesa Falls
Mesa Falls is split into two sections, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. The Upper is fabulous, you don’t want to miss it. After parking at the trailhead, walk over to the small Visitor Center. Inside you’ll find rangers, information, and restrooms. A short walk from the visitor center is an easy, short (.6-m round trip) trail that leads down to the viewing platform for a closer look at the Upper Mesa Falls.
Lower Mesa Falls is just a mile or two up the road. There is a pullout with an overlook and you see the cascade from there. The waterfall is large and impressive, but it is very far away from this viewpoint.
Big Springs and johnny sack cabin
Take in the crystal clear water and feed the trout at Big Springs on your way to Johnny Sack's historic log cabin.
Big Springs produces 120 million gallons of water per day. The crystal clear pools are filled with trout. A paved trail leads to historic Johnny Sack's cabin, which is open for tours during the summer.
Park in the paved lot to the north of the wooden bridge. From the bridge, continue south and follow the signs for Johnny Sack's Cabin (open in the summer from 10:00 to 4:00). Keep an eye out for waterfowl and minx.
Hiking trails in Island Park
Big Springs Interpretive Trail
Box Canyon Campground to Rosie’s Observation Point
Raft, Kayak, and Float
Big Springs to Mack’s Inn
An easy family-friendly float. Shallow water flows smooth and slow. It is not uncommon to see Moose. Anglers can fish for trout. Takes approximately 3 hours.
Wade Lake, Montana
Beautiful, crystal-clear turquoise lake. Plenty of wildlife in the area. Great opportunity for fishing from boats, canoes, or float tubes.
Buffalo River Campground
This flat, shallow river is a favorite for floating, canoeing, and fishing. The campground provides parking for fisherman.
Box Canyon
Beautiful float from a canoe, raft, or river kayak. Renowned for large river trout. Great for wildlife viewing and waterfalls. It has Class Two rapids and should not be attempted by inexperienced canoeists.
Island Park Reservoir
This beautiful lake is formed from the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Popular for fishing, boating, and water skiing. Visitors may drive across the top of the dam for scenic views of the Centennial Mountains and Box Canyon.
Fishing
The Henry’s Fork is one of the most famous trout streams in the lower 48. Public access is plentiful. Fishing is year-round for coho salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bluegill, and yellow perch.
Island Park Reservoir is a beautiful, large reservoir along the Henry’s Fork that is stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee. Explore 60 miles of shoreline from a boat or fish from the bank during spring and fall. The elevation is 6,300 feet above sea level. Winter offers ice fishing once the ice is safe.
Box Canyon is a 3.5 mile stretch of river and produces some of the best fishing. This fast flowing section is primarily nymphing water due to an abundant food supply consisting primarily of stonefly nymphs.
Watch a show at the yellowstone playhouse
Yellowstone Playhouse is a family-friendly dinner theater featuring live musical comedy. Their calendar fills up quickly, so don’t hesitate to make reservations.
Sawtelle Peak scenic drive
The Sawtell Peak Scenic Drive is a short, twelve-mile route that climbs to the top of the 9875-foot summit of Sawtell Peak. Don’t miss the incredible views of the Island Park Caldera, nearby Yellowstone National Park, Island Park Reservoir, and Henrys Lake.
If you are heading into Island Park on Highway 20 from the north, take a right onto Sawtelle Road. It’s about 13 miles to the top of the mountain.
Watch for ATVs and drive slowly. The Sawtell Peak Road is closed between November 1st and June 1st.
hit the trails on a rzr
Rent a RZR from High Mountain Adventures, located next to Sawtelle Mountain Resort. Pick up your RZR at 8:30 AM and turn it in at 4:30 PM. You have the entire day to explore Island Park’s incredible trail system. During summer months you can also rent a raft, paddle board, kayak, or float tube.
During winter, rent a snowmobile. With over 220 inches of deep powder snow each year, Island Park is a snowmobiler’s paradise.
Visit https://highmountainadventures.com/summer-rentals to reserve your RZR or snowmobile. They also rent kayaks, rafts, float tubes, paddleboards, and electric bicycles.
visit Yellowstone national park
Visit one of America’s most loved National Parks, known for it’s striking views and abundant wildlife. View geysers, hot pools, mud pots, alpine lakes, and more. Photograph waterfalls, vistas, bison, bears, moose, and more.
Harriman State Park
Harriman State Park has something for everyone, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, birding, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. Opportunities to view moose, elk, trumpeter swans, and waterfowl are abundant.
Hiking trails in Harriman State Park:
River Trail and Ranch Loop. Easy
Ranch Loop. Easy
Golden Lake Loop. Moderate
Harriman Ridge Trail Loop. Moderate
Thurman Creek and Meadow Loop. Moderate
Thurman Creek Inner Loop
John Muir Trail
Silver Lake Trail and Thurmon Creek Loop
Restaurants
Connie’s Restaurant
4130 Quakie Lane, Island Park, Idaho
(208) 558-6987
Cafe Sabor
4298 US Highway 20, Island Park, Idaho
(208) 558-9300
Lakeside Lodge
3857 Lakeside Lodge Lane, Island Park, Idaho
(208) 558-9770
Last Chance Bar & Grill
3227 N Highway 20, Island Park, ID
(208) 558-8006
Pond’s Lodge
3757 US Highway 20, Island Park, ID
(208) 558-7221
Groceries
Robin’s Roost
4150 N Big Springs Loop
(208) 558-7440
Horseback Riding
Outfitters and Guides: