Island Park Idaho is a wonderful place for all types of hikers to explore the beauty of “The Caldera”, as the area is known to locals. Trails abound, with abundant wildlife, wildflowers, and bodies of water. Here are a couple of trails to try when hiking near Yellowstone and Island Park.
Sawtell Peak / Marie Lake
This trail is just 7.5 miles north of the Island Park Ranger Station. From Highway 20, turn west on Sawtell Peak Road and drive for close to 13 miles up the mountain. This road ascends 3440 feet to the top of Sawtell Peak. The trailhead is 1.7 miles below the peak, and a sign off the road indicates the trail head. the trail is 4.2 miles long, and motorized vehicles are prohibited. The trail climbs up to the Continental Divide and then into Rock Creek Basin. This trail offers amazing views of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, and many lakes and waterways as well as The Caldera can be seen from the trail. The wildflowers are spectacular. Wildlife is abundant. This trail, as are most in the Island Park area, is in bear country, so bring your bear spray and make noise while hiking or biking.
Coffee Pot Rapids
The Coffe Pot Rapids Trail is located at Upper Coffe Pot Campground just south of Macks Inn. From Highway 20, turn west on Flatrock Road for 1 mile, then turn off on Coffee Pot Road and travel a half mile to the campground entry road. This trail is 2.5 miles and follows Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. The trail is not open to motor vehicle traffic. The river along the trail changes from a peaceful stream to raging rapids. This is a popular fishing trail as well.
Box Canyon Trail
This trail starts near the Island park Ranger Station. Head west on Riverside Drive just south of the ranger station and continue on the road until the Buffalo Hydro Dam. The trail is 2.8 miles long and follows Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. This trail is also very popular with fishermen.
With so many Island Park Hiking Trails and Yellowstone , you will probably want to stay a while. For accomodations in Island Park or Yellowstone, you may want to check Island Park Cabin Rentals. There are many Island Park Vacation Rentals from which to choose, which make great base camps for all your Island Park Idaho hiking expeditions!
