Harriman State Park in Idaho

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Harriman State Park

At Harriman State Park visitors enjoy a wide array of activities and sights that will please the whole family, from touring of historic buildings to hiking through rich wildlife habitat.

  • Harriman State Park Idaho lies in a 16,000-acre wildlife reserve
  • Only 37 miles from West Yellowstone
  • View some of the original buildings from 1902 at the Railroad Ranch
  • Catch a glimpse of the famous Trumpeter Swan in the park
  • Hike, bike or horseback ride the trails

Overview

Harriman State Park Idaho lies in a 16,000-acre wildlife reserve and is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This beautiful sanctuary protects multitudes of birds and mammals.

Location

Harriman State Park is three miles south of Island Park, Idaho and about 18 miles north of Ashton, and around 37 miles from West Yellowstone, on Highway 20.

Seasons

Harriman State Park ID is open all year.

Activities

Enjoy the many activities at Harriman State Park like the following:

The Railroad Ranch
This working cattle ranch and private hunting preserve has been carefully maintained, and twenty-seven of the original buildings from 1902 are still intact. During summer months, you can tour the Railroad Ranch.

Fishing
The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River runs through the park the year round, some eight miles of water flowing through meadows and forests. It’s known as one of the best fishing streams in the US.

Hiking, Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking
There are more than 20 miles of trails for biking, horseback riding and hiking. One park vendor offers guided horseback tours through the gorgeous sage meadows and pastures. You’ll marvel at displays of wildflowers and views of the Tetons.

Wildlife Watching
The world’s largest bird, the Trumpeter Swan is common here in the park, as well as sandhill cranes, elk, moose and deer. Early in the morning and in the evening are the best time to catch the larger wildlife.

Cross-country skiing and Snowshoeing
With 28 miles of groomed trails, you can enjoy cross-country skiing to your heart’s content. Snowshoeing is also a favorite here.

Idaho Invasive Species Fund

All boats in Idaho State Parks are required to contribute to the Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) and display an IISF sticker. Boat registration in Idaho includes this fee (an IISF sticker is not required in addition to the Idaho validation sticker). For motorized boats registered outside of Idaho, IISF stickers are available for $22; non-motorized craft stickers are $6.

Fees

One of the best fly-fishing spots in America, Harriman State Park is also a refuge for wildlife native to the Great Yellowstone Ecosystem.

  • Day use pass – $5/day 
  • Cabins, Yurts, and Houses - $50-$250/night

Annual State Park Passport

If you plan on making multiple visits to Idaho State Parks, the Annual State Park Passport ($40) allows unlimited visits to all Idaho State Parks without paying the Day Use Vehicle Fee. A pass for an additional family vehicle can be purchased for $5. The Annual State Park Passport doesn’t cover camping fees.

Additional Info

Roland Averell Harriman deeded Harriman Park to the State of Idaho in 1982, stipulating that the park be preserved for future generations.

Other Harriman State Park Resources

Buffalo Bill State Park

Buffalo Bill State Park, near Cody, Wyoming.

Custer State Park

Visit Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota on your way to or from the Yellowstone region.

Gros Ventre Campground

The Gros Ventre Campground offers access to both Teton Park and the Town of Jackson, WY.