Southeastern

IDAHOSoutheastern Western WYOMINGWestern

A scenic journey through the BRIDGER-TETON, CARIBOU, and TARGHEE National Forests BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST NATIONAL BRIDGER-TETON

CARIBOU NATIONAL FOREST FOREST CARIBOU NATIONAL hree National Forests spread across a diverse ecosystem in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming: the Bridger-Teton, Caribou, and Targhee. These T forests are rich in natural wonders ranging from grasslands to dense stands of timber, lush canyons, pristine wildlands, clear lakes and wild rivers, alpine meadows, caves, craggy ridges and towering mountain peaks. Within the TARGHEE NATIONAL FOREST FOREST NATIONAL TARGHEE three forests’ boundaries are 6 million acres of America’s public lands. US Department of Agriculture • Forest Service Intermountain Region • Ogden, Utah 23.258.419.04/00 ong before humans Mountain men and trappers blazed history of human Lleft their mark upon trails across the West A infl uence is appar- the land, wind and water SAGAS OF ent on these National shaped the face of the for- Forests. Explorers, ests. Geological monoliths trappers, mountain men, rose from the valley fl oors miners, and farmers where erosion exposed BYGONE DAYS . . . followed in the footsteps Tracks carved by covered wagons are still ridges and peaks of hard visible on the Oregon Trail of Native Americans naked stone. Crystal lakes on a scenic journey who occupied the land collected water on the for centuries. Pioneers mountain tops to feed the seeking a new life in the rivers and streams below. A well trodden path West left evidence of Fertile soil encouraged on the Lander Trail, their journey along the Bridger-Teton NF trees and other vegetation Oregon Trail. The sagas to fl ourish in canyons and of this cultural heritage valleys while animals fi lled is preserved in ancient the forests with new life. campsites, grave mark- Today the National Forests ers, abandoned mines, in southeastern Idaho and and historic structures. western Wyoming are rich in nature’s heritage. Rough hewn logs were used for this cabin on Pass Creek, Bridger-Teton NF

History carved in spruce tree on the An early industry: charcoal was Estella Brown was laid to rest Lander Trail, Bridger-Teton NF produced in kilns on the Targhee NF along the Lander Trail Rock work lasts a lifetime on the Lander Trail, Bridger-Teton NF othing is more beau- ummer in southeastern Nti ful than spring in S Idaho and western Wy- the western forests. It is STARTLING oming offers a myriad of heralded by rushing riv- outdoor delights to forest Fishing on Green ers, lush green grasses, River Lake visitors. This is the busiest budding trees, brilliant SPRING . . . beneath Square time of year on the Bridg- Top Mountain, sunshine, and clean, crisp Bridger-Teton NF Warm River Campground er-Teton, Caribou, and air. Animals emerge from on the Targhee NF Targhee National Forests their winter shelter and warm awakenings on a as trails, campgrounds, give birth to their young. picnic areas, lodges, and It is time to begin fi shing, scenic journey resorts receive extensive hiking to the snowline, use. Caving, “ATVing,” wandering the grasslands, rock climbing, mountain Huckleberries and driving the Scenic By- make a sweet biking, and whitewater ways. Visitors may choose summer treat rafting are popular activi- to ride horseback, spend ties for the robust adven- a day in nature with their turer. Other visitors enjoy camera, fl oat down a rush- photography, watching the ing river, or take a leisurely abundant wildlife, camping, hike. Spring is a sensitive and hiking. If professional time for forest ecosystems. assistance is needed, a list Visitors can protect these of outfi tters and guides is natural wonders by recre- STUPENDOUS available from Forest of- ating with thoughtfulness fi ces. Using the land safely and care. If the roads and and with respect ensures trails are muddy or wet, SUMMER . . . there will be recreation op- leave the area and come portunities in the future. back another day. hot destinations Wildfl owers attract the camera lens throughout for a scenic journey the seasons in southeastern Idaho and western Nesting site of a sandhill crane Wyoming Soaking tired muscles in Granite on the Caribou NF Shhh–babies sleeping A hearty backpacker hikes Hot Springs, Bridger-Teton NF in the cool mountain air, Bridger-Teton NF A hunter utumn nights bring takes a now and ice turns the freezing temperatures breather Bridger-Teton, Cari- A during the S and spectacular fall colors fall hunt, SNOWY bou, and Targhee National to the National Forests Bridger- Forests into a virtual winter Teton NF. and Grasslands in south- wonderland. Downhill eastern Idaho and western SPLENDOR . . . and cross-country skiers, Wyoming. A breathtaking snowboarders, sledders, array of incandescent red, snowmobile and snowshoe gold, and orange leaves cool experiences for a enthusiasts can indulge contrast with the yellow in their favorite “cool grasses and luminous scenic journey experience” in the versa- green pines refl ected in tile terrain of the forests. crystal blue lake waters. SIZZLING Visitors need the proper There are fewer visitors clothing and equipment for on weekdays, but camp- cold, changeable weather grounds and trails are SCENERY . . . to keep themselves safe, actively used by hunters, dry and warm. Check ava- hikers, and other adven- lanche conditions before turers on the fall week- autumn’s splendor in venturing into the back- ends. a scenic journey country. Hunting and exploring on horseback, Bridger-Teton NF

Snowghosts on Two Top, Targhee NF

A marmot peeking over a rock A whole new Barking and cheering fi ll the on the Caribou NF world emerges air during a sleddog race, on a snowmobile Bridger-Teton NF expedition, Bridger-Teton NF Cross- country skiing is fun Whooo can resist watching a for everyone, beautiful saw whet owl? Caribou NF The cascading For More Information waters Bridger-Teton National Forest ...... (307) 739-5500 of Sheep Falls on TDD (307) 739-5503 Warm River, www.fs.fed.us/btnf/welcome.htm Targhee NF Jackson Hole Visitor Center ...... www.fs.fed.us/jhgyvc Caribou National Forest ...... (208) 236-7500 www.fs.fed.us/r4/caribou Targhee National Forest ...... (208) 624-3151 www.fs.fed.us/tnf/ photo by Mel Lewis National Forest Campground Reservation System ...... 1-877-444-6777 TDD 1-877-833-6777 Bureau of Land Management ...... Idaho Falls, Idaho - (208) 524-7559 Kemmerer, Wyoming - (307) 828-4500 Pinedale, Wyoming - (307) 367-5300 National Park Service ...... Fossil Butte NM - (307) 877-4455 - www.nps.gov/fobu Grand Teton NP - (307) 739-3300 - www.nps.gov/grte Yellowstone NP - (307) 344-7381 - www.nps.gov/yell National Elk Refuge - (307) 733-9212 Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation ...... (208) 334-4199 Idaho Falls Visitor Center ...... (208) 523-3278 Brilliant fall colors brighten up Idaho Division of Tourism ...... (208) 334-2470 Green Basin, Caribou NF Backcountry Avalanche Hotline ...... (307) 733-2664 www.untracked.com/forecast www.avalanche.org SE Idaho Avalanche Hotline ...... (208) 239-7650

One of the most photographed scenes in the nation, Square Top, Bridger-Teton NF ✔ Travel only where permitted and obey travel regulations. ✔ Respect the rights of others. ✔ Educate yourself about public and private land boundaries. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national ✔ Avoid non-durable surfaces, stream sides and waterways. origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape, ✔ etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). Operate your ATV safely and responsibly.

To fi le a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Offi ce of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. eisure driving along Allow 2.5 hours to drive the Lthe Scenic Byways of 68.9 miles from Swan Valley southeastern Idaho and SCENIC to Ashton, Idaho, on the western Wyoming provides Teton Scenic Byway. The visitors unsurpassed route is open year round Spelunkers joy: exploring The end of a perfect day, views of nature’s diverse BYWAYS . . . Minnetonka Cave, Caribou NF Caribou NF and fall foliage is spectacu- offerings. A number of lar. The Mesa Falls Scenic Scenic Byways meander Byway is only 28.7 miles in, out, and around the for a spectacular journey long. Allow one hour for Bridger-Teton, Caribou, this drive. The road from and Targhee National For- Bear Gulch to US 20 is a ests. It takes about 2-1/2 groomed snowmobile route hours to drive the 111.3- in the winter. The main at- mile Bear Lake - Caribou tractions are the Upper and Scenic Byway from the Lower Mesa Falls (104 and Utah border to Montpe- 76 feet respectively), which lier, Soda Springs, Henry, are the last major undis- and Freedom, Wyoming. turbed waterfalls in Idaho. The Wyoming Centennial Trailheads, campgrounds, Scenic Byway is a beauti- picnic areas, and pull-outs ful 161-mile high-altitude for scenic overlooks are highway stretching from conveniently located along Dubois to Moran (US 26 View from the Teton Scenic Byway these travelways. Call and 287); from Moran near Driggs ahead for road conditions through Jackson to Ho- during the winter. back Junction (US 26, 89, Mesa Falls and 191); and from Hoback Scenic Junction to Pinedale (US Byway, Targhee 191). Although not desig- NF nated as scenic byways, other highways through Spectacular scenery abounds on the Bridger-Teton National Teton Scenic Byway, Targhee NF SCENIC BYWAYS Forest also offer spectacu- Regularly traveled major roads that offer lar mountain scenery. unique combinations of Bright red/orange fl ags of recreational adventures (continued on next page) Indian paintbrush wave and scenic attractions. from the forest fl oor Launch at Big Springs for a day of leisurely fl oat on the emember “Safety boating fun, Targhee NF R First” as you will A Big Springs National be visiting the homes of SPECIAL PLACES . . . Recreation Water Trail wild animals living in the gives visitors a chance to National Forests. Prior to watch for abundant wildlife your visit, learn about the on a scenic journey such as Canada geese, resident wildlife and how trumpeter swans, sandhill to conduct yourself in cranes, muskrats, moose, their territory. Awareness and kokanee salmon. is the key to your person- Beautiful rainbow trout live al safety. Never approach Big Springs National year-round in the 52 degree wild animals–give them springs at the headwaters plenty of space. Recreation Water Trail of Henry’s Fork.

Backcountry areas of the Bridger-Teton offer solitude Humans and animals have in the wildlands where there is little evidence of human presence. Sighting a trumpeter swan thrills shared the grassy plains Sawtell Peak provides the perfect backdrop for Big birdwatchers, Bridger-Teton NF and perennial streams of Springs National Recreation Water Trail, Targhee NF. the Curlew National Grass- A bighorn sheep TO AVOID CONFRONTATIONS WITH BEARS . . . land for more than 2,000 ● walks easily Travel in pairs or groups and make plenty of noise when hiking years. Prehistoric sites through craggy ● Learn to recognize bear signs and snow speckled A bobcat reveal the history of aborigi- avoid those areas Curlew National rocks Give this big, hunts for nal people who feasted on ● Be cautious in dense timber or black fellow prey in the plenty of space grasslands, bison and other game, and brush and along creeks Grassland when you visit Caribou NF took their fi ll of fresh water ● Always remain alert; bears do not his home. like surprises from the springs. Later, ● Carry bear repellent pepper spray ranchers and homestead- ● Cook and store food and toiletries ers used the Grassland for where they are unavailable to bears farming and cattle grazing. Moose fi nd abundant food in riparian areas, and at least 100 yards from sleeping Today, the unique values Bridger-Teton NF areas of the Curlew National Grassland are recognized IF YOU ENCOUNTER A and conserved. It is a literal BEAR . . . outdoor classroom featur- ● Slowly back away, keep calm, avoid eye contact, and speak in a soft ing precious water, valuable voice minerals, wildlife, native ● Never run and do not try to climb a tree plants, cultural sites, wild- life and quiet serenity. The Curlew National Grassland, with its unique ecosystem, has a beauty all its own. he Bridger-Teton, T Caribou, and Tar- ghee National Forests SWEEPING are surrounded by a neighborhood fi lled with wondrous diversity. Rug- STATURE . . . ged plains, high deserts, and pastoral low coun- try fringe national and a neighborhood of attractions for state parks and monu- ments, wildlife refuges, a scenic journey sand dunes, lava fl ows, waterways and a menu of National Natural Landmarks administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Everyone is welcomed as they journey through this Idaho/Wyoming neigh- borhood and partake in the feast of outdoor National Elk Refuge near Jackson, adventures. Wyoming

Steam gushes into the air as Nowhere else on earth are there more Mt. Moran and Snake River in Old Faithful stark rugged peaks than the Teton Range Teton National Park erupts where Grand Teton National Park and right on the Bridger-Teton National Forest are schedule at neighbors. Yellowstone National Park. Harriman State Park, near Targhee NF Lower Yellowstone Falls in Yellowstone National Park The Tetons in the winter