Island Park & Ashton

Tucked away along the western edge of Yellowstone National Park, you’ll find two small communities waiting to be explored: Island Park and Ashton. Miles and miles of snowmobile and cross-country trails, world-class trout-filled waters, and old-fashioned small-town appeal are just a few of these towns’ claims to fame. Take in mountain views, rivers, waterfalls, and lush forests as you explore Island Park. You’ll quickly discover why this haven attracts anglers from across the globe with the hope of catching a prize trout. In nearby Ashton, stroll Main Street and head to the Warm River for a day of fun. Ashton is within 60 miles of the entrance to Yellowstone and just 80 miles to Grand Teton National Park.

Island Park sits almost 30 miles north of Ashton in a natural wonder all its own. Did you know Island Park is located in the world’s largest caldera? Some 23 miles in diameter, this site was created from a prehistoric collapsed volcano. What remains is a lush, forested landscape and its neighboring quaint town, offering the perfect stop for travelers seeking a serene getaway or a heart-pounding adventure. Travelers to Island Park relish in easy access to Yellowstone, while still accessing delectable restaurants, comfortable lodging, and amenities without the crowds.

Island Park is a snowmobiler’s paradise, with hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails surrounded by breathtaking scenic views. But that’s not all Island Park has to offer. Adventure lovers will appreciate the wide scope of activities. Bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and crosscountry skiing opportunities are prevalent. The summer offers incredible fishing. The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River originates at the outlet of the famous Henry’s Lake , just under the Continental Divide between Idaho and Montana. This stream is renowned as one of the best fly-fishing areas in the world. Big Springs furnishes year-round water for Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Idaho Fish and Game stocks fish in the river at this point and prohibits fishing within a certain distance of Big Springs. Also located in this area is Johnny Sack’s cabin

The cabin has a visitors center that is open for tours in the summer. A ranch, refuge, and retreat, nearby Harriman State Park provides 25 miles of trails that meander through lush evergreen forests and along riverbanks. Stay overnight in the rustic yurts or at the Ranch Manager’s House for a memorable retreat. Book a guided fly-fishing trip with any of the seasoned outfitters. Plan an adventure you won’t soon forget at High Mountain Adventures, which offers gear, sales, and service. Adventure, relaxation, and scenic wonders await.

Hit The Trails

With hundreds upon hundreds of miles of groomed trails and even more ungroomed paths and plenty of off-trail riding, there is something for every skill level, family, and horsepower junkie in Yellowstone Teton Territory’s snowmobiling areas of Island Park, Teton Valley (the Big Hole Mountains), Idaho Falls (Bone/Bonneville), Swan Valley and Kilgore. The biggest trail system, however, is found in Island Park, where you can ride right from your lodging/accommodations to the trail system and backcountry areas. Island Park boasts nearly 1,000 miles to ride and explore. The bulk of the trails are located east and south of U.S. 20, the area surrounding Two Top Mountain from Targhee Pass to Moose Creek Plateau. Wherever you travel the trails, you have outstanding intersection markers and are never more than 15 trail miles to the nearest food or gas.

Some of the most spectacular dedicated areas for snowmachining include the area around Cave Falls in Ashton; the entire trail system surrounding Island Park; Mount Two Top-Big

MUST SEE!

Springs Snowmobile Trail, which runs all the way from outside Island Park to the headwaters of the Henry’s Fork; near Island Park’s Mount Jefferson; and the Mesa Falls area. The opportunities for snowmobiling, however, are unlimited. Seek out any of the knowledgeable guides and outfitters for expertise, tips, or to book a guided trip.

Explore the Eastern Idaho Snowmobile Guide for more trail tips and local favorites celebrated in the region.

Don’t Miss It: Big Springs 10-mile loop. Big Springs is the area where the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River flows at a high volume out of the ground creating its own river. The Big Springs Loop Trail, one of the most popular family-friendly snowmobile trails, is about 10 miles long and loops from Mack’s Inn to Island Park Village with Big Springs representing the eastern tip of the loop.

DID YOU KNOW? Island Park might be known for trophy-sized trout and epic snowmobiling, but the town’s real claim to fame is the world’s longest Main Street. At 36.8-miles, that’s quite the feat for this tiny Idaho town.

Ashton Dog Derby Days

If you like dogs and old-fashioned community fun, this is a wonderful weekend celebration held annually in mid-February. A community event running sporadically since 1917, the Ashton Dog Derby Days has a colorful tradition of activities, including sled-dog races, mutt pulls, weight-dragging competitions, ice sculptures, and hot-and-tasty street food.

The sled-dog races, in 20, 40, 60, and 100-mile options (the longest race goes all the way to the Cascade Corner of Yellowstone), take place over two days. The youngest racers compete in a juniors-only event. Everyone—including kids being pulled down the street, the volunteers who produce the event, even the panting dogs—has a great time. Be sure to bundle up! americandogderby.com

Shopping

Sure, Ashton might be known for its outdoor fun, but a trip to town wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down Main Street. Make plans to start your day at Shoppe On Main for a cup of fresh espresso or delicious smoothie, then explore the shop. Find gifts, flowers, art, handcrafted jewelry, local treasures, and more made by Ashton and Idaho locals. You are sure to find a souvenir or two for everyone on your list.

Harriman State Park In The Winter

Harriman State Park is worthy of exploration no matter the season. But come winter, the state park is one of the region’s Nordic skiing jewels, with 25 miles of groomed classic trails and 11 miles of skate lanes that you can enjoy, plus plenty of territory for exploring on snowshoes. The trails roll along fairly level ground (perfect for novice skiers) and are the place to see many of the hundreds of graceful trumpeter swans that winter here. You might also see other wildlife, such as moose and deer, as you glide through the park’s pristine 11,000 acres.

The parking lot sits 1.25 miles from the main part of the old Railroad Ranch, which makes it accessible yet still remote, and amazingly quiet (no snowmobiles are allowed in the park). Harriman offers limited lodging options: a bunkhouse, a dormitory, the historic Ranch Manager and the Cattle Foreman’s houses, and two family-friendly yurts. Park phone: (208) 5587368, or for reservations, (888) 922-6743, idahostateparks.reserveamerica.com.

Visitor Favorite

Just 15 miles from downtown Ashton sits a geological masterpiece drawing visitors from all over: Mesa Falls , a gushing curtain of water as tall as a ten-story building. Upper Mesa Falls is even said to resemble Niagara Falls. Its 300-foot width and 114-foot cascade over basalt boulders create an incredibly dramatic scene. Lower Mesa Falls tumbles some 85 feet through its own tight canyon. With easy access, colorful rainbows in the mist, and surrounding forest growth, Lower Mesa Falls provides the perfect photo opportunity. (Every summer, runners flock to the tiny town for the annual Mesa Falls Marathon , a Boston Marathon-qualifier with pristine views adjacent to the flowing waterfalls.) Start your exploration of the majestic waterfall with a visit to the Mesa Falls Visitor Center . From the upper parking lot, head out for a captivating stroll on the Mesa Nature Trail. The one-mile hike meanders through the trees—even more beautiful in the fall!—and ends at the overlook of Lower Mesa Falls. Interpretive stops along the way coordinate with the Visitor Center’s hike brochure. Visit page 12 for tips on viewing these magnificent waterfalls on the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway .