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Water Features

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henry's-lake
Henry's Lake

Near Island Park, ID sits an 8-mile lake known as Henry’s Lake. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling green mountains, it’s been renowned for its trout fishing in both summer and winter months. A plentitude of camping and picnic areas are available around the mountain stream-fed lake, alongside a host of other accommodations to make the most out of your visit. 

Boating, paddlesports, and swimming are just a few of the activities allowed on the lake. If RV, tent, or cabin camping are in your plans during your visit, be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time as it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Island Park is a recreational Mecca, so if you do get a bit antsy just relaxing by the lake, there’s a bounty of other outdoor activities to explore in the area. 

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Mack's Inn Float Trip

If you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic activity during the warmer months, consider floating the Henry’s Fork to Mack’s Inn in Island Park, ID. This 8 mile float begins at Big Springs campground and ends at the bridge next to Mack’s Inn on US 20. Visitors can bring their own kayaks, canoes, inner tubes, and paddleboards, or they can rent equipment from the Inn itself before heading upstream. The water in this section of Henry’s Fork is crystal clear and slow moving, making it easy to snap pictures of wildlife both above and below the water line. It’s the perfect leisurely activity for families, couples, and friends to experience a bit of natural splendor in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

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Mesa Falls

Mesa Falls are a gorgeous set of waterfalls 15 miles northeast of Ashton, ID. Upper Mesa Falls is the larger of the two falls, dropping approximately 114 feet and creating a stunning display of water and mist. The upper falls can be viewed from an observation platform located just a short walk from the parking area, which offers incredible views of the falls, wildlife and the surrounding area. 

Lower Mesa Falls is smaller, dropping approximately 65 feet, but is still a beautiful and powerful waterfall. The lower falls can be accessed via a short hike from the parking area, where there is a separate viewing platform to take in views of Henry’s Fork and the surrounding forest. 

Blacktail
Ririe/Blacktail Reservoir

20 miles northeast of Idaho Falls, Blacktail reservoir was created in the early 1900s to serve as an irrigation and flood control project for the surrounding agricultural areas, but has since become a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water-sports. It’s high-mountain desert location is surrounded by rolling sagebrush hills, buttes and farmland.

Fishing opportunities are plentiful, with rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and the occasional Kokanee salmon calling the area home. The reservoir is quite popular for water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing during the summer months, while also hosting picnic infrastructure shoreside if you’re looking to explore the lake by foot. 

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Palisades Reservoir

Amongst the larger bodies of water in eastern Idaho lies Palisades Reservoir. The water in this reservoir as seen from above boasts a gorgeous deep-blue hue. The 16,000 acre reservoir is popular for Wyoming & Idaho residents alike due to abundant fishing, boating, and watersports opportunities. The area also offers plenty of shoreline access and campsites. While summer is the ideal time to dip into the drink, fishing opportunities are best capitalized in the spring, fall, or during ice-fishing season. If you’re in the area during autumn, take the time to drive through Swan Valley, ID and Alpine, WY, as the foliage boasts one of the prettiest color pallets in the region.

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Snake River Canyon Rafting

Are you looking to experience the thrill of white water rafting? Be sure to check out guided trips through the Snake River Canyon outside of Jackson Hole, WY.

The Snake River Canyon is known for its challenging rapids, with Class II, III, and IV rapids offering a range of difficulty levels for rafters of all skill levels. The rapids wind through the stunning scenery of the canyon, with steep cliffs and towering peaks providing a dramatic backdrop for the experience.

Rafting trips in the Snake River Canyon typically last for several hours, with experienced guides leading groups through the whitewater and providing instruction on how to paddle and maneuver the raft. Many outfitters also offer half-day and full-day trips that include lunch or snacks. If you’re looking for even more time on the water, some outfitters offer multi-day trips that allow visitors to explore more of the area. 

Redfish-Lake
Redfish Lake

Redfish lake is the largest lake in the Sawtooth Recreation Area. Surrounded by rugged peaks, this lake is a popular destination for a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There is also an overwhelming abundance of hiking near and around the lake.

Even though Redfish feels like a remote mountain lake, there are still plenty of creature comforts for you and your family to enjoy. Redfish lodge has quaint cabin accommodations and lodge suites available to rent, alongside great options for dining. Other activities around the lake include biking, pontoon rentals, horseback riding, and a luxury spa.

Stanley Lake
Stanley Lake

If you’re looking for a more remote, less developed lakeside atmosphere in the Sawtooth Recreation Area, Stanley Lake is the perfect alpine getaway. This is the most natural lake setting in the area that doesn’t require a hike, and can be accessed by car. Crystal clear waters and the towering peak of Mount McGowan peak transform preconceptions of a traditional lake experience.

There are several campgrounds to settle into after a long day of paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing. Also consider taking advantage of the fishing opportunities for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and the rumored bull trout as well.

Bear-Lake2
Bear Lake

Nestled on the border of Eastern Idaho and Utah is Bear Lake–also known as the Carribean of the Rockies. This name is derived from the bright turquoise waters, which create a stark contrast from the high mountain desert surrounding the lake. The abundance of microscopic calcium carbonate reflects the lake’s color back to the surface, creating a tropic-like spectacle at nearly 6,000 ft of elevation.

Bear Lake is a popular destination for boating, water-skiing/wakeboarding, tubing, and paddlesports. Trophy-size cutthroat and lake trout have also been known to reside in the lake, which makes for excellent fishing–especially in the early morning. The area also has an abundance of off-road trails, and incredible guided tours through the Minnetonka Cave system. 

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