Targhee National Forest Hiking
Hiking Information
The hiking trails on the Island Park District offer an outing ranging in
length from one hour to an overnight stay. Most of the trails listed 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 here. But the insects could be
some- what 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.
In case of emergency, please call: 911
Fremont County Sheriff (208) 624-4482
Fire Emergency: (Structure) (208) 558 - 7520 or (Wildland) (208) 524 - 7600
Island Park Ranger Station: (208) 558- 7301
Poison Control Center: (800) 632-8000
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.
Railroad Ribbit of Way Trail
The Railroad Right of Way Trail is the old Union Pacific Railroad bed.
Approximately 23 miles of the trail runs through the District. Access points
to the R.O.W are at the crossings of the following roads: Big Springs Loop
Road, Number 059, Chick Creek Road, Number 291 and Eccles Road, Number 112.
This trail is used as an ATV, mountain bike and horse trail in the summer
and is maintained as a snowmobile trail during the winter months. The trail
is closed to all motorized vehicles wider than 48" except snowmobiles. The
trail is closed during the sandhill crane nesting period (May 1 through June
15) from the Chick Creek Road Crossing to the Trude Road Crossing.
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Approximately 36.4 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
runs through the Island Park District. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Info:
Targhee National Forest
Island Park Ranger Station
HC 66 Box 975
Island Park, ID 83429
(209) 558-7301
West Yellowstone, MT Weather
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