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aribou-Targhee National Forest VISITOR GUIDE

Accessible Adventures —

Fall Creek Falls

Trail to Table Mountain Spectatular Teton Mt Range in background. he spectacular scenery of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is easily reached from highways, byways, and back doors. The bond between T forest and community spans generations through family activities such as camping, , hunting, What’s Inside fishing, and riding off-highway vehicles. During the winter, the forest offers vast expanses of History & Special Places .... 2 Scenic Byways ...... 4 untracked powder—ideal for snowmobiling, Wilderness ...... 5 cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing (Grand Campgrounds ...... 6 Targhee, , and Pebble Creek ski Maps ...... 8 areas). Activities ...... 12 Winter Recreation...... 18 Know Before You Go...... 19 Contact Information ...... 20 Fast Forest Facts ith its northern boundary Acres: Over 3 million W Highest peak: at on the Continental Divide, the Caribou-Targhee 12,107’ (4th highest in ) National Forest stretches across southeast Home to: Upper and Lower Mesa Idaho, western and northern . Falls, the last major undisturbed falls on the Columbia River System Bordering and Yellowstone Historic Places: Caribou City (one National Parks, the forest serves as a gateway of Idaho’s largest gold rush cities); to the Greater Yellowstone Area. Lander and Trails (used by From high mountain peaks to pioneers to reach the California gold fields) rolling hills of sage and grasslands, there is great diversity in the 95 90 landscapes of this special place.

12 Come see for yourself!

Salmon 95

McCall Great Horned Owl © Chris Hill Chris © Owl Horned Great

93 St. Anthony 15 191 26 26 This Visitor Guide provides the information you need to Boise 20 84 Pocatello make the most of your Caribou-Targhee National Forest Twin Falls 15 experience. Visit us on the web at: www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf/ G et to Know Us History Special Places

ituated next to Yellowstone and Grand Teton NationalS Parks, the Caribou-Targhee National Forest Charcoal Kilns lies almost entirely within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, an area of over 12 million acres and the Located on the Dubois Ranger District just off U.S. 28 largest remaining block of relatively undisturbed plant south of the Gilmore Summit. Only four partially intact and animal habitat in the contiguous US. The area’s brick kilns remain of ecological importance is reflected in its United the original 16 kilns Nations designation as a Biosphere Reserve. that were built to furnish charcoal to the smelter at Nicholia. he Caribou-Targhee National Forest is Interpretive signs are actuallyT two forests that were combined in 2000. located along the trail The Caribou portion lies mainly in southeastern and there is a picnic Idaho, and was named after a miner, Jesse Fairchild, table and restroom on who was nicknamed “Cariboo Jack.” You’ll also site. find the Curlew here, just west of Malad. The Grassland offers important habitat for sage grouse, mule deer, and other wildlife as well as significant range resources for cattle. A Rausen © Chuck portion of the Lander Trail crosses the Caribou National Forest. Used as a cutoff from the Big Springs to the California gold fields, Located on the Ashton-Island today it is listed on the National Register Park Ranger District, Big of Historic Places. Springs is the headwaters © B. Holmes of the Henrys Fork of the amed after Tahgee, . Water gushes aN Bannock Indian out of the ground at a rate peacemaker, the Targhee of 150 million gallons per National Forest covers day at the base of Moose 1.8 million acres in www.nps.gov Creek Plateau and remains southeastern Idaho and a constant 52 degrees year western Wyoming. The round. The accessible interpretive site includes boardwalk forest shares many of and asphalt walking trails, bridge and large trout viewing the characteristics of its area and the historic Johnny Sack Cabin which is open neighboring national Bannock family group during the summer months. parks. Spectacular waterfalls, pristine wilderness, and scenic panoramas will constantly delight a visitor.

major feature of the Targhee portion is the AHenrys Fork —nearly 20 miles wide—adjacent to the western edge of Yellowstone National Park and marks the path to Yellowstone hotspot. You’ll also find the Henrys Fork River here, one of the headwaters of the Snake River. Home to an impressive array of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, this forest is bear country—both the black bear and roam here.

eople have many reasons for valuing the Caribou- TargheeP National Forest. It might be the quiet solitude they find in places like the Jedediah Smith or Winegar Hole Wildernesses. Maybe it’s the multitude of motorized trails into backcountry that offer a sense of freedom. Or it could be the excitement of the Grand Targhee Ski and Summer Resort, or the exhilaration of hiking along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Whatever adventure you’re looking for, chances are it’s available on the Caribou- Targhee National Forest!

The vast resources of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest belong to all Americans. These resources must rely on the stewardship of all of us if they are to be sustained for future generations. 2 Bald eagle © floridastock

Cherry Springs Nature Area

Upper and Lower Just south of Pocatello on the Westside Ranger Mesa Falls District, this day-use area offers asphalt and native surface trails along the banks of Mink Creek. Interpretive signing illustrates the areas’s rich bird habitat and riparian plant communities. Within the Ashton-Island Park A portion of the trails, fishing piers, and the Ranger District, restroom are accessible. at 114 feet high and at 65 feet high are the only remaining undisturbed major falls Mink Creek Recreation Area in the Columbia River System. The historic Inn, located Twenty minutes south of Pocatello on the at Upper Mesa Falls, is open to Westside Ranger District, Mink Creek Canyon visitors in the summer months. hosts Scout Mountain Campground, Mink Creek Upper Mesa Falls is an accessible Group Area, and a variety of trailheads leading site and offers picnic areas, trails to motorized and non-motorized trails. Mink and viewing platforms with new Creek also offers beginner to expert cross-country interpretive signs. ski trails and the Mink Creek Nordic Center for winter fun. The Nordic Center is a fee site managed by the City of Pocatello. Bloomington Lake

Located on the Montpelier Teton Overlook Ranger District, this high elevation (8,200 feet) 10- On the Teton Basin Ranger District, this overlook is acre glaciated lake has a on the Ski Hill road. Located on the backside of Teton good population of trout. National Park, it offers excellent views and photo Access is by 9 mile gravel opportunities of the . road and 1/2 mile hike from parking lot.

Upper and Lower Palisades Lakes These two beautiful high-mountain lakes, located on the Palisades Ranger District and are accessed from the Palisades National Recreation Trail up Palisades Creek. All trails in this area are non-motorized. The lakes are situated at 6,750 and 5,700 feet in elevation.

Minnetonka Cave

This cave is located on the Montpelier Ranger District and offers a half-mile of stalactites, stalagmites and banded travertine in nine rooms. The cave is a fee site which features guided tours from June through Labor Day.

Upper Palisades Lake

3 et to Know Us G Bighorn sheep © C. Hendricks Scenic Byways Pioneer Historic National Scenic Byway Fort Henry Historic Byway Named after Andrew Henry of This byway takes you the Missouri Fur Company, this past the Bear River Massacre site, Length: 81 mi./130 km. route takes you through Camas Niter Ice Cave, Franklin (Idaho’s oldest Time to Allow: 2.5 hours Meadows and critical deer, elk, settlement), a captive geyser in Soda and game bird habitat on the Springs, and the old Chesterfield way to the Fort Henry Monument. Along the way, townsite. The byway begins at the Utah see the St. Anthony Sand Dunes and the Camas state line and follows U.S. 91, then Length: 127 mi./203 km. Time to Allow: 2.5 hours Meadow Nez Perce Battleground. Idaho 34, north to U.S. 30 and then east to Soda Springs where it meets the The byway is best traveled between May Oregon Trail- Scenic Byway. and November. From there, go north on Idaho 34 toward the Wyoming state line. Oregon Trail-Bear Lake Lost Gold Trails Loop Scenic Byway Scenic Byway

Attractions along this byway include This loop detours from the Fort Henry Bear Lake, the National Oregon- Historic Byway through Dubois Center in Montpelier, and Spencer. Attractions along Paris Museum, Minnetonka Cave, Length: 48 mi./77 km. the way include the Heritage Time to Allow: 1.5 hours a captive geyser in Soda Springs, Hall and Sheep Experiment and the Mormon ghost town of Length: 54 mi./86 km. Time to Allow: 1 hour Station in Dubois and the opal Chesterfield. The byway begins at the mines in Spencer. Utah state line and follows U.S. 89 north to U.S. 30, then north and west The byway is best traveled between May to Soda Springs, where it meets the and November. Pioneer Historic Byway. Teton Scenic Byway Historic Routes and Trails

The jagged teeth of the Teton Mountain Oregon Trail Range highlight this byway. Along the way you can visit the Grand The Oregon Trail was one of the main Targhee Ski and Summer Resort east of overland migration routes from the Driggs. For a more primitive side trip, to the Oregon Country. take a hike into the Jedediah Smith Length: 69 mi./110 km. Between 1841 and 1869 it was used by Wilderness. The byway begins on Idaho Time to Allow: 2.5 hours settlers, ranchers, miners, and others 31 at Swan Valley, then northeast to migrating to the Pacific Northwest. Once the Union Pacific Idaho 33 at Victor, then north on Idaho and Central Pacific completed the first transcontinental 33 to Idaho 32; north on Idaho 32 to railroad in 1869, use of this trail rapidly declined. Parts Idaho 47 (meeting the Mesa Falls Scenic of the trail cross the Montpelier and Soda Springs Ranger Byway), and west on Idaho 47 to U.S. 20 Districts. For more information visit www.nps.gov/oreg at Ashton. Nez Perce Trail Mesa Falls Scenic Byway The flight of the Nez Perce from their Begin in Ashton on Idaho 47, then travel homelands—while pursued by the U.S. northeast past Bear Gulch and Mesa Army—is one of the most fascinating Falls. The northern end is at U.S. 20 near and sorrowful events in Western history. Harriman State Park. Special attractions Length: 29 mi./46 km. Tribal chiefs led nearly 750 Nez Perce Time to Allow: 1 hour include Upper (114’) and Lower (65’) people and twice that many horses over 1,170 miles on a Mesa Falls and Harriman State Park. trip that lasted from June-October, 1877. Their desperate The historic Big Falls Inn has been restored and is open escape route is now the Nez Perce National Historic as a visitor center during the summer and on some winter Trail. The trail connects Oregon to , crossing the weekends. Camping facilities along the byway include Warm Continental Divide at . River and Grandview Campgrounds. For more information visit www.fs.usda.gov/npnht

4 Bighorn sheep © C. Hendricks

Wilderness

Wilderness is an area of federal land that is free Winegar Hole Wilderness from modern human control, is undeveloped and natural, and provides outstanding opportunities for The Winegar Hole Wilderness was designated specifically solitude. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has to provide high quality habitat for the grizzly bear. Part two Wildernesses that are a part of the 109-million of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, this Wilderness is acre National Wilderness Preservation System. located on the southern boundary of Yellowstone National Park in western Wyoming. Jedediah Smith Wilderness The low-rolling hills with numerous wetlands, meadows Long and narrow, the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Quick Facts lies on the west slope of the Teton Range, stretching and streams are volcanic in from Yellowstone National Park south to Teton Pass. origin. A forest of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, subalpine Acres: 10,715 Named after Jedediah Strong Smith (an energetic Miles of Trail: 2 mountain man from who explored fir, and Engelmann spruce Highlights: the west in the early 1800s) the Wilderness was covers much of the area. There are essentially no designated in 1984 because of its unique karst trails. Borders southeastern Yellowstone National Park. limestone features and outstanding scenery. The two mile Fish Lake Trail provides access to The Jedediah Smith Wilderness is part of the Greater Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone Ecosystem and home to a variety of and is the only trail in the Winegar Hole Wilderness. wildlife including black and grizzly bear, bighorn A permit is required to camp overnight; dogs are not sheep, wolverine, moose, and elk. allowed.

The Wilderness has 175 miles of trails including the Teton Quick Facts FOOD STORAGE: Crest Trail which crosses over Reduce human-grizzly and black bear into Grand Teton National Park. Acres: 123,451 interactions. Follow the forest food storage order. www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf/ The Teton Range receives heavy Miles of Trail: 175 Highlights: snowfall in the winter and heavy Teton Crest Trail, recreation use in the summer. Alaska Basin, Table Mountain, Bitch Creek, Hurricane eople visit wilderness in search Pass, and Devils Staircase. Borders Pof a special experience defined by its Teton National Park wild character. Expect to encounter the challenges and risks of changing O weather, rugged terrain, and other natural hazards. Travel with E N TR V A A C a current map and know how to use it. Use extreme caution E Grizzlies (Chris Servheen, USFWS) E when crossing rivers and snowfields as this is where most L

O wilderness accidents occur. Water sources in the Jedediah Smith S U C T I and Winegar Hole are plentiful but unsafe to drink without D H O ET treatment, due to giardia, cryptosporidium, and other waterborne To protect these amazing Wilderness areas OR microbes. from resource damage please follow these Remember, YOU are responsible for your safety. regulations: Camping (and grazing) with stock animals is permitted if you are a minimum of: • 1/2 mile from Moose Lakes • 1/4 mile from Camp Lake • 600 feet from Hidden Lake • 100 feet from streams, 200 feet from lakes

No campfires are allowed in: • Alaska Basin and Sunset Lake area • Moose Lake Basin • The Fox Creek Pass area

Additional regulations for Wilderness travel can be found at the forest website www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf/

Wildflowers in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness

More information on the National Wilderness Preservation System: www.wilderness.net 5 ampgrounds

C # of Units Name Fee (single/ Season Amenities Reservable double)

Stoddard Creek Yes 18/4 May–Sept. RZL( Yes RANGER DISTRICT DUBOIS Group site Big Springs Yes 15/2 May–Sept. RZL( only

Box Canyon Yes 16/2 May–Sept. RZL * No Buffalo Yes 102/2 May–Sept. RZL¤(O Yes Buttermilk Yes 52/5 May–Sept. RZLÑ*( Yes Cave Falls Yes 23 May–Sept. RZL* No Flat Rock Yes 3 7/ 1 May–Sept. RZL* Yes Grandview Yes 6/2 May–Sept. RZLW No RANGER DISTRICT

ASHTON-ISLAND PARK ASHTON-ISLAND PARK McCrea Bridge Yes 19/4 May–Sept. RZLÑ* Yes Riverside Yes 55/1 May–Sept. RZLÑ*( Yes Upper Coffee Pot Yes 14/1 May–Sept. RZL*t Yes Warm River Yes 2 7/ 2 May–Sept. RZL*t( Yes Alpine Yes 10/6 May–Sept. RZL(* Yes Big Elk Yes 10/4 May–Sept. RZL*(t Yes Blowout Yes 12/4 May–Sept. RZLÑ* No Calamity Yes 40/1 May–Sept. RZLÑ* Yes Falls Yes 17/5 May–Sept. RZL* Yes PALLISADES RANGER DISTRICT McCoy Creek Yes 19/0 May–Sept. RZÑ* No Palisades Yes 5/2 May–Sept. RZL*t No Riverside Park Yes 23/9 May–Sept. RZLÑ*¤ No Mike Harris Yes 12 May–Sept. RZL*t Yes Pine Creek Yes 10 May–Sept. RL No Teton Canyon Yes 20/2 May–Sept. RZL*t Yes TETON BASIN RANGER DISTRICT Trail Creek Yes 10 May–Sept. RZL* Yes Albert Moser Yes 7/ 2 May–Sept. RZL Yes Beaver Creek Yes 5 June – Sept RL No Cloverleaf Yes 15/4 May–Sept. RZL* Yes Davis Canyon Yes 5 June – Sept RL* No Emigration Yes 23/2 June – Sept RZL( Yes Montpelier Canyon Yes 13 May–Sept. Yes

MONTPELIER RL* RANGER DISTRICT North Fork No 10 May–Sept. R No

Paris Springs Yes 7 May–Sept. RZL( Yes Porcupine Yes 10/2 June–Sept. RZL Yes

Campground fees range from $5-30 depending on the amenities provided, and size of units. Fees are subject to change. NOTE: “Single/Double” refers to the number of families that can use the site, i.e. a single family unit or a double family unit. 6 To make reservations for campgrounds or cabins, use the National Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov

# of Units Name Fee (single/ Season Amenities Reservable double/triple) St. Charles No 3/2 May–Sept. RZL* Yes

Summit View Yes 21 June–Sept. RZLO Yes MONTPELIER

RANGER DISTRICT Willow Flat Yes 52/3 May–Sept. RL*(O Yes

Gravel Creek Yes 12 May–Sept. RL No

Mill Canyon Yes 10 May–Sept. RL No RANGER DISTRICT SODA SPRINGS SODA Pine Bar Yes 5/1 May–Sept. RL No

Big Springs-Caribou Yes 2 7/ 3 May–Sept. Yes by Hot Springs RZ*(t Curlew Yes 7/ 2 May–Sept. RZL( Yes Dry Canyon Yes 3 May–Sept. RZL No

WESTSIDE Malad Summit Yes 9/2 May–Oct. RZL( Yes RANGER DISTRICT Scout Mountain Yes 23/5 May–Oct. RZ( Yes Group Campgrounds Large groups should reserve a group campsite instead of multiple sites at a regular campground. Group sites can be reserved up to 180 days in advance. Some have large shelters over tables with electricity at the shelter.

Name Fee # of Units Season Amenities Reservable RZL RANGER DISTRICT DUBOIS RZL

Rt¤ RZL*¤ RZL*Ñ ASHTON- ISLAND PARK

RANGER DISTRICT RZL*Ñ RZL*t¤ RZL RZL* RZL Restroom PALISADES

RANGER DISTRICT Drinking RZL* Water Garbage RZL* Collection BASIN TETON RANGER DISTRICT Fishing RZ¤ Power RZt Hookups Boat RZt* Ramp RZt Group WESTSIDE Site RANGER DISTRICT RZ*Ñ Trailhead RZ*t RZOL Amphitheatre RZL RZL

MONTPELIER RZ*L RANGER DISTRICT RZ*OL 7 aribou-Targhee National Forest

BEAVERHEAD BEAVERHEAD 95 90 NATIONAL NATIONAL To Bozeman, MT BEAVERHEAD FOREST To Cameron FOREST

NATIONAL 12 FOREST Targhee 20 West Targhee portion of the 87 Creek Howard c ! Yellowstone To Mammoth, WY Caribou-Targhee National Forest P Spring 95 89 McCall Salmon Two Top National To Butte, MT Continental Divide Recreation 93 20 National Scenic Trail Trail Nez Perce National St. Anthony Historic Trail 15 Aldous 059 Boise 191 Lake 26 26 15 a 84 20 SALMON-CHALLIS Aldous P Big 030 Springs 027 To Jackson, WY Pocatello P 006 Twin Falls NATIONAL FOREST To Salmon a 082 Fritz 280 s Steel Island Park Creek Stoddard Al Taylor Creek Reservoir 126 15 P Creek a 189 Island Park West ! Willow ! End 150 Creek Webber Creek P 196 Kilgore k YELLOWSTONE Bishop PScott Canyon Mountains 190 Meyers Creek Lost Gold Trails 167 NATIONAL PARK P Scenic Byway x Crooked CreekP 168 20 315 efore venturing onto the Caribou-Targhee National Charcoal c 541 Kilns Ft Henry 150 BForest, please pick up a map with the level of detail 22 Riverside a 294 Historic Byway 28 s Warm appropriate for your planned activities: Mesa River 192 Falls Upper ! Scenic Mesa Blue Dubois Falls x 082 ! Byway For motorized travel: Dome 22 Lower Mesa Fallsxa Grandview WINEGAR HOLE Cave Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available at all Forest Bear GulchP Falls WILDERNESS Eightmile Warm a 173 a River Service offices, and may be downloaded from www.fs.usda. P Nez PerceHistoric National Trail 582 gov/ctnf/ Ashton ! 47 s Squirrel 261 Meadows Coyote For hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding: Meadows 28 20 32 P Topographic maps are recommended. Visit the US Geological 265 15 Survey for online purchases: www.usgs.com or download from ! St. Anthony Teton Scenic www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf/ Byway 33 National forest maps may be purchased online at: ! 33 32 Rexburg www.nationalforeststore.com GRAND TETON Tetonia Grand To Acro, ID ! Targhee NATIONAL PARK Forest Supervisor’s , WILDERNESS SMITH JEDEDIAH Other Forests 025 a Office 009 aP Teton inset map Driggs Reunion Canyon Wilderness Areas ! Flat O District Ranger Office To West 20 Yellowstone 20 Kelly Canyon , 33 National Grasslands 059 a Table Rock c Picnic Area 217 k Fullmer Victor Big 26 Pine ! Big Springs Springs Idaho Creeka Campground 80 Interstate Highway Macks Water Trail a ! Mike a Moose a Falls 31 Harris P Inn P Creek 89 H North Rainey P Trail Upper Creek a 26 93 U.S. Highway a Flat Creek , Winter Recreation Coffee Pot | P 22 Rock Rainey a Big Springs Spring P Coal Jackson ! McCrea 082 Creek Creek Creek Bridge Warming Hut 257 11 State Highway 130 k BRIDGER-TETON P Trailhead ka a 26 a Palisades To Pocatello, ID Falls 058 Mill 077 P NATIONAL FOREST 098 Forest Route Creek k District Color Legend 255 Boat Launch 126 k Buffalo Island Big Elk Roads Dubois Ranger District k Buttermilk ak Park a k aP x Point of Interest kH Ponds Lodge Calamity a To Pinedale, WY Scenic/Historic a ! Island Park Ashton-Island Park Bear Palisades k Blowout Ranger District CreekP Reservoir Byway Box a Indian s Guard Station/Cabin Canyon 284 Creek k P South Indian Creek Interstates Teton Basin 89 150 Ranger District 058 k aAlpine 26 National Recreation, k McCoy a ! Alpine Junction Scenic, or Historic Scale 20 Palisades Ranger District 138 Trail Miles Alpine 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 These color codes are also CARIBOU 89 ¯ used in various tables To Afton, WY throughout this guide. NATIONAL BRIDGER-TETON FOREST NATIONAL FOREST

8 TARGHEE aribou-Targhee National Forest

View into Grand Teton National Park from Table Mountain in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness BEAVERHEAD BEAVERHEAD

NATIONAL NATIONAL To Bozeman, MT BEAVERHEAD FOREST To Cameron FOREST

NATIONAL

FOREST Targhee West 87 Creek 20 cHoward To Mammoth, WY P Spring ! Yellowstone Henrys 89 Lake Two Top See inset map below left National To Butte, MT Continental Divide Recreation 20 National Scenic Trail Trail Nez Perce National Aldous Historic Trail 059 Lake 15 SALMON-CHALLIS Aldous P a Big 030 Springs 027 To Jackson, WY P 006 NATIONAL FOREST To Salmon a 082 Fritz 280 s Steel Island Park Creek Stoddard Creek 126 P Creek a Al Taylor Reservoir 189 Island Park West ! Willow ! End 150 Creek Webber Creek P 196 Kilgore k YELLOWSTONE Bishop PScott Canyon Mountains 190 Meyers Creek Lost Gold Trails 167 NATIONAL PARK P Scenic Byway x Crooked CreekP 168 20 315 Charcoal c 541 Ft Henry 150 Kilns 294 22 Historic Byway Riverside a Warm 28 Mesa s River 192 Falls Upper ! Scenic Mesa Blue Dubois Falls x 082 ! Byway Dome 22 Lower Mesa Fallsxa Grandview WINEGAR HOLE Cave Bear GulchP Falls WILDERNESS Eightmile Warm a 173 a River P Nez PerceHistoric National Trail 582 Ashton ! 47 s Squirrel 261 Meadows Coyote Meadows 28 20 32 P 265 15 ! St. Anthony Teton Scenic Byway 33 ! 33 32 Rexburg GRAND TETON Tetonia Grand To Acro, ID ! Targhee NATIONAL PARK , WILDERNESS SMITH JEDEDIAH 025 a 009 aP Teton Driggs Reunion Canyon ! Flat O To West Yellowstone 20 Kelly Canyon , 33 Table Rock a 217 k Fullmer Victor 26 Pine ! Idaho Creeka Mike Falls ! 31 a Moose Harris P Creek 89 North Rainey P Trail a Creek Creek 26 P 22 Spring P Rainey Coal Jackson ! Creek Creek Creek 257 k BRIDGER-TETON a 26 a Palisades To Pocatello, ID Falls 058 077 P NATIONAL FOREST District Color Legend 255

Big Elk Dubois Ranger District k kaP Calamity a To Pinedale, WY a Ashton-Island Park Bear Palisades k Blowout Ranger District CreekP Reservoir Indian Creek k P South Indian Creek Teton Basin 89 Ranger District 058 k aAlpine 26 k McCoy a ! Alpine Junction Palisades Ranger District 138 Alpine These color codes are also CARIBOU 89 used in various tables To Afton, WY throughout this guide. NATIONAL BRIDGER-TETON FOREST NATIONAL FOREST

TARGHEE PORTION 9 aribou-Targhee National Forest

GREATER YELLOWSTONE GALLATIN CUSTER AREA NATIONAL FOREST NATIONAL FOREST GNF MT 95 BEAVERHEAD NATIONAL 90 WYO FOREST YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK SHOSHONE MT

IDAHO NATIONAL 12 TARGHEE GRAND TETON NATIONAL 95 BRIDGER FOREST McCall Salmon NATIONAL PARK TARGHEE

FOREST TETON NATIONAL 93 St. Anthony FOREST 15 NATIONAL Boise 191 CARIBOU 26 26 84 20 NATIONAL FOREST FOREST To Idaho Falls, ID Pocatello Twin Falls To Alpine, WY

077 15 To Idaho Falls, ID 087 087 SNF s 165 Caribou Caribou portion of the x Caribou City Caribou-Targhee National Forest

California National To Swan Valley, WY Historic Trail

To Idaho Falls a Pine Bar 107 a Oregon Trail- Gravel Pocatello ! Creek District Color Legend Bear Lake P Lander Cutoff Scenic Byway Westside Oregon National

Ranger District Historic Trail Pebble Creek Stump Mill Creek 003 Ski Area a Soda Springs 210 , Canyon Lander Ps Cherry To Bancroft Cutoff Ranger District Springs Big Springs a Mink W BRIDGER-TETON Creek 001 s a East Mink Creek 036 102 , Pebble Montpelier West Mink P Johnson Afton a Scout Trail Canyon s ! Ranger District Creek NATIONAL cMountain c Diamond Creek s 110 McCammon 124 ! a Diamond Creek Curlew National 005 Soda Springs Oregon National Boundary P Historic Trail Grasslands Lava Hot ! FOREST 031 Springs 111 These color codes are also ! 425 used in various tables 377 throughout this guide. P

Soda 102 Point To Pauline, ID Summit 15 Eight- a mile s View a Cold 095 s Clear Pioneer Springs Creek Historic aEightmile ! Georgetown

SAWTOOTH National 111 ! Downey NATIONAL Scenic Historic Trail Wright California National Creek Byway FOREST To Rockland, ID Emigration Montpelier P 047 Canyon Malad 041 a Summita Elbow s a a Malad Montpelier Summit a Cherry ! Creek To Kemmerer, WY

To Kemmerer, WY Paris Ice Cavesx 421 407 Paris Malad City ! Third a a Creek Springs Albert Willow Moser Flat Bloomington St. Curlew 080 a a Lake Charles sCub River To Garden Stone Reservoir a ! a a 412 City, UT Preston Big Creek, North a Porcupine 020 Fork, Cloverleaf x 053 Egan s a 406 Minnetonka 406 Cave Dry Canyon IDAHO P High Line Bear Lake IDAHO UTAH To Snowville, UT a Beaver UTAH Creek To Logan, UT UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FOREST To Tremonton, UT

10 CARIBOU PORTION To make reservations for campgrounds or cabins, use the National Reservation Service aribou-Targhee National Forest at 1-877-444-6777 or www.recreation.gov

Diamond Creek Guard Station

Rental Cabins RZ*B.Restrooms Drinking water Fishing Shower ATV trails

Name Capacity Amenities Notes (All available year-round)

R

RZ RANGER DISTRICT ASHTON-ISLAND R*t

R RZ* R MONTPELIER RANGER DISTRICT R R R R SODA SPRINGS SODA RANGER DISTRICT R

RZ* RANGER DISTRICT

WESTSIDE RB.

6 R RANGER DISTRICT DUBOIS

Coming to the cabin rental program in 2017- The Jensen Cabin! Available year round on the Palisades Ranger District

Bishop Mountain Lookout Squirrel Meadows Guard Station Warm River Guard Station Clear Creek Guard Station

Cub River Guard Station Egan Cabin Eight Mile Guard Station Caribou Guard Station

Al Taylor Cabin Johnson Guard Station Stump Creek Guard Station Malad Summit Guard Station Pebble Guard Station 11 A ctivities Trails National Recreation Trails Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Palisades Creek National Recreation The “Trail that Unites Us” Trail runs 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada. It Located on the Palisades follows the Continental Ranger District, this trail Divide along the Rocky follows the wild and Mountains and traverses scenic Palisades Creek, crossing the creek several times. five states­—Montana, Idaho, Deep within the canyon one can see many species of Wyoming, , and wildlife and experience quality scenery. This is a very New Mexico. On the popular non-motorized 5.9 mile trail with easy access to Caribou-Targhee National Lower and additional 3 miles to Upper Palisades Lakes. Forest there are 82 miles of this trail on the Dubois www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ctnf/recreation/hiking and Ashton-Island Park Ranger Districts. The trail goes through the Beaverhead, Centennial, and Henrys Lake Highline National Recreation Trail Mountain Ranges. Nearby landmarks include Scott Peak, Slide Mountain, Mt. Jefferson, , Targhee Peak, This trail is open to hikers and people that use all terrain and Two Top Mountain. www.fs.fed,us/cdt vehicles, motorcycles, bikes, and ride horses. The Highline National Recreation Trail is the premier trail on Big Springs the Montpelier District and offers many scenic National Recreation vistas points along the . The Water Trail trail is 55 miles long and intersects a number of other trails on the west side of the district. It is Big Springs was currently being considered to use as a segment designated on January of the Great Western Trail, a trail system 19, 1981 as the first intended to span from Canada to Mexico. water trail in the www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ctnf/recreation/hiking National Recreation Trail System. The slow moving current of this portion of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River provides nearly a 5 mile long peaceful and enjoyable floating experience. Moose, bald eagles, and other wildlife are frequently seen as one floats the river. The boat launch site is about 1/2 mile west of the Big Springs bridge. The launch site is hand-carry boats only such as rafts and canoes. No motorized watercraft until Henry’s Lake Outlet enters the river. Parking and a vault rest room are on site. www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ctnf/recreation/hiking

Two Top National Recreation Snowmobile Trail

Located near the Continental Divide just south of Targhee Pass, this trail provides access to the Two Top Mountain area. Another portion of the trail turns east and serves the east side of the Continental Divide, more specifically, the West Yellowstone area. The trail on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is about 20.5 miles long. Several large open snowfields offer excellent off- trail play areas near the top. On clear days, the scenery from the top of Two Top Mountain is majestic. Along with breathtaking views of the valley below and Sawtell Peak to the west, “ Ghosts” (trees covered in heavy coats of ice and snow) dot the area. This is truly a snowmobiler’s paradise. View of Sawtell Peak on www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ctnf/recreation/wintersports the Continental Divide from Chick Creek.

12 Hikers and horsemen meet on Palisades Creek

The following is a sampling of non-motorized trails on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Most are multi-use trails open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Check with a local Forest Service office for more information.

Trail Name Miles Notes

Aldous-Hancock 3.5 Moderately difficult; access at Ching Creek Road; heavy use Lakes Webber Creek to Easy; access from Webber Creek Trailhead; heavy use; 15 Divide Creek excellent trail Packstring traveling Indian Creek DUBOIS Easy, access off Cottonwood Loop Road, moderate use, access Trail Creek 2.6 RANGER DISTRICT to Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Targhee Creek Dry Moderately difficult; access at Targhee Creek Road; moderate 14 Fork Loop use; grizzly bear habitat Moderately difficult; in grizzly bear habitat; access at Warm Moose Creek 6.3 River Springs Cabin, Fish Creek Rd to Moose Creek Butte Rd ASHTON- Moderately difficult; access off of Sawtell Peak Road, scenic ISLAND PARK Sawtell Peak 5 RANGER DISTRICT Lake Marie access, bear habitat South Fork Indian Moderately difficult; access at Indian Creek Road; Light use; to 8 Creek Loop Lake Basin; scenic Easy; access at Bear Creek Trailhead; heavy use; Bear Creek 4 fishing; scenic

PALISADES Easy; access at Big Elk Campground; moderate use; scenic; Big Elk Creek 5 Big Elk Creek Trailhead RANGER DISTRICT non-motorized trail use Accessed from the west side of Teton Pass, the Coal Creek Coal Creek 4.7 Trail; great views and access to the Teton Crest and southern peaks of the Teton Range This beginner trail provides opportunity for an introduction Sheep Bridge 2.2 into mountain biking on single track trails. Access at the Teton Canyon Trailhead a mile away from Ski Hill Road.

TETON BASIN Access from Teton Canyon trailhead; moderate difficulty. RANGER DSITRICT 9.4 Above Devil’s Staircase and South Teton trails junction the trail becomes more steep and challenging Easy to moderate; scenic views; variety of elevation changes; Gibson Jack 9.8 good place to spot wildlife After a steep climb end the trail contours around a bench Sterling Justice 7. 2 RANGER

DISTRICT offering sweeping views of the upper Snake River Canyon WESTSIDE Jedediah Smith Wilderness Kinney Creek 3 Moderate grade for first mile, known for bird watching. Access at Dry Creek Rd. Goes through conifer, aspen, and Dry Creek 6 mountain brush vegetation. Access from Franklin Basin Road #406, trail passes a lake and White Canyon 4 provides views of . Take Little Elk Valley Trail to Clover Knoll Pond Trail to

MONTPELIER 3 Trail Loop 7 Giraffe Creek Trail and loop back to Little Elk Valley Trail. RANGER DSITRICT Elk commonly spotted in June and July Historic Oregon Trail shortcut in 1858; non-motorized Lander Cutoff 8 section; access from Stump Cr Rd in Idaho or Auburn, WY; original wagon ruts, aspen carvings, elk country RANGER Access Highway 34 near Freedom, WYO or from Deer Creek South Fork 11 Rd from Trail #021. Forest, meadows, beaver ponds, and Tincup Creek

DISTRICT solitude., in elk country Broad Hollow Access at Jackknife Rd or McCoy Creek Rd. Route goes 12 through scenic backcountry and portions follow along the top TRAIL COURTESY SODA SPRINGS SODA of Bald Mt

YIELD TO

Boone Creek, Jedediah Smith Wilderness Jackknife Basin, Caribou Mountain Outfitters and Guides - You may wish to take advantage of the numerous outfitters and guides who have the skills and equipment to help help make the most of your adventure. Check these websites: Idaho: http://oglb.idaho.gov/ Wyoming: http://www.wyoga.org/ 13 ctivities

A Box Canyon boat launch below Island Park Dam Water Activities Floating Island Park Reservoir Float trips through Box Canyon or down the South Fork of the Snake Adult kokanee salmon River offer tranquility and the spawn in streams above opportunity to view wildlife and bird species this reservoir. The juvenile from a unique perspective. fish migrate to this reservoir where they live Boating and water skiing occur mainly on the Island for three to four years and Park and Palisades Reservoirs. Rafting, kayaking, and become adults, then start canoeing are popular sports on short stretches of the the lifecycle over, returning Snake River near Swan Valley and Heise and on the Henrys Fork River. Snowmelt causes flood conditions to their original stream in and irrigation canals and waterfalls present hazards September to spawn. At along stretches of some streams and rivers. this time they turn bright red and the males become Fishing humpbacked with hooked jaws. The dam, built in The forest offers several 1937, is earth-filled, and is world-class Blue-Ribbon 91 feet high and 1,250 feet fisheries, including the long. Kokanee Salmon Kokanee Ann Jody by Photo Henrys Fork, Warm and Falls Rivers, South Fork of the Snake River, Fish art © J. Tomelleri and Blackfoot River. The Island Park and Palisades Reservoirs offer a variety of fishing and other water-oriented activities.

Game species include rainbow, eastern brook, brown, and native cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon. State licenses are required for fishing and the nearby National Parks require special park permits.

The South Fork of the Snake River is one of the last big Palisades Reservoir rivers occupied by native cutthroat trout. Native This area offers a beautiful drive, boating, cutthroats are prized by fly fishing, and an observation point from which fishermen as they readily take Brook Trout © Jeff Feverston to view the lake, dam, spillway, to a dry fly! and powerhouse. Palisades’ fish species include cutthroat and brown trout, kokanee and mackinaw. The fishing season is year-round.

The dam is a large, earth- filled structure 270 feet high, with a crest length of 2,100 feet. Construction took place from 1951- 1 9 5 7.

© Pavol Kmeto

14 Boat Ramps Restrooms Water Camping Picnic RV Dumpsite

Vehicle Name Amenities Capacity Comments Mill Creek RP 20 On Island Park Reservoir; concrete ramp McCrea Bridge RZc 20 On Island Park Reservoir; concrete ramp Buttermilk RZc 30 On Island Park Reservoir; concrete ramp Island Park R 20 On Island Park Reservoir; concrete ramp Beginning of Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail; hand-carry and place rafts, canoes, light boats only; Big Springs 10 Rt stationary dock; no ramp; adjacent to old railroad bridge. Non-motorized access on Fullmer boat ramp, Snake River this stretch of the Snake River.

RANGER DISTRICT West End R 30 On Island Park Reservoir; concrete ramp

ASHTON-ISLAND PARK ASHTON-ISLAND PARK Below Island Park Dam; gravel ramp; non- Box Canyon 5 R motorized boats in canyon Riverside RZc 5 On Henrys Fork; gravel ramp East Hatchery On Henrys Fork but is TAKE-OUT ONLY; 10 Ford R concrete ramp On Palisades Reservoir near the dam; Calamity 40 RZc concrete ramp Blowout RZc 60 On Palisades Reservoir; concrete ramp On Palisades Reservoir; old highway is the Indian Creek 20 R ramp On arm of Palisades Reservoir near Big Big Elk Creek 10 R Elk CG; concrete ramp Little Elk On Palisades Reservoir; ramp is on old 20 Creek gravel road McCrea Bridge boat ramp, Island Park Reservoir On Palisades Reservoir where the South Alpine R 30 Fork of Snake River enters the reservoir at Alpine, WY PALISADES PALISADES

RANGER DISTRICT On Palisades Reservoir; gravel/native McCoy Creek 5 RZc surface ramp On South Fork of Snake; concrete ramp; Fullmer 15 R fee site On South Fork of Snake; concrete ramp; Spring Creek 15 R fee site Below Palisades Dam on South Fork of Palisades Dam 15 RZc_ Snake; concrete ramp; fee site

On Stone Reservoir; in Curlew CG; Stone 5 RZc concrete ramp WESTSIDE RANGER DISTRICT ATTENTION ALL WATER RECREATIONISTS! Invasive species threaten water activities! Prevent the transport of nuisance species. Clean all recreational equipment. www.ProtectYourWaters.net

Snake River, Palisades Dam boat ramp

For more information: Visit the Idaho Division of Water Resources: http://100thmeridan.org/ 15 A ctivities

Dispersed Camping Campfires Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience * Check current restrictions and fire of camping away from developed campgrounds. information year-round at www. fs.usda.gov/ctnf/ or by calling the Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, tables, Interagency Fire or drinking water and is available within 300 feet of Center at 208-524-7600. Remember, they can © Gorilla designated Forest Service Roads. Follow these guidelines change on a daily basis. to ensure that these areas can be * Use existing fire rings and don’t burn metal, glass, enjoyed by future generations. plastic, or food scraps. * Choose sites that are already established. If * Keep your fires small and collect only dead and you’re in an undisturbed area, protect water downed firewood around your campsite. quality and aquatic habitat by camping at least 200 feet away from water sources * To put out a campfire, slowly pour water onto the fire and stir with a shovel. Continue adding and stirring * Don’t dig ditches around tents or trailers until all material is cool to touch. * Pack out all garbage * Do not bury your fire— the coals can smolder and * Do not carve or chop into tree trunks—this re-ignite. can eventually kill the tree * NEVER leave a fire unattended, even if there are no * Bury human waste 200 feet from water flames present—many wildfires have been caused by sources in a hole 6-8” deep; pack out used abandoned campfires. toilet paper * Soap degrades water quality and harms aquatic life; wash at least 200’ feet from water sources and use Hunting biodegradable soap You can purchase licenses to hunt a number of game animals FOOD STORAGE: including: moose, elk, antelope, mule and white-tail deer, mountain The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has implemented goat, bighorn sheep, black bear, small animals, and game birds. a food storage order in many areas of the forest Hunters should obtain a free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to in order to reduce human-grizzly and black bear interactions. Information and maps about the food identify roads and trails open to vehicles during hunting season. storage order can be downloaded from the internet at: www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf/ For more information and requirements visit: Contact the local ranger district office for more details. Idaho Department of Fish and Game www.fishandgame.idaho.gov Wyoming Game and Fish Department https://wgfd.wyo.gov Greater Yellowstone Watchable Wildlife Big Springs (5 miles east of Mack’s Inn, ID) - Watch for big trout Help keep wildlife “wild” by following these tips: at the bridge. Osprey and bald * Do not feed wildlife—give them their eagles are often seen just below space. Use those binoculars! the bridge. Other site visitors * Keep your dog leashed to protect include moose, elk, deer, and both him and wildlife. occasionally bears - both black * Avoid approaching big game during and grizzly. winter—their food supplies are low and Alpine Wildlife Viewing exertion takes a toll. Area (3 miles south of Alpine, * If you find an “orphaned” or sick animal, WY) - Overlooking the ponds leave it alone. Often the parents are close and marshes on the south end by and are waiting for you to leave. of Palisades Reservoir, one can * Leave the area if an animal shows see waterfowl such as ducks signs of alarm. Watch and listen for and geese along with nesting raised ears, skittish movements, or alarm calls. osprey. A variety of song birds inhabit the marshy areas and other wildlife such as deer, fox, and muskrat can sometimes be spotted.

Curlew National Grassland (20-30 miles southeast of Malad) - The checkerboard land parcels that make up the Curlew National Grassland were acquired under the Bankhead-Jones Tenant Act of 1973 to control soil and protect wildlife. In the 1920s, much of the Curlew Valley was dry-land farmed. Abandoned schoolhouses and ramshackled barns tell the story of the early homesteaders. Birdwatchers visit the grassland in March and April to watch the male courtship dance of the sharptail and greater sage grouse. 16 Off Highway Vehicle Use (OHV) Mountain Biking

OHV use is a popular activity on the national forest. While For mountain bike enthusiasts, many opportunities exist on the roads and trails, cross-country the forest offers a diversity of motorized travel is prohibited in most areas. Check at the local trail experiences. Use caution— District office for more information. all trails are open to horseback riders and hikers as well and some are open to motorized ATVs and Motorcycles use. Mountain bikes are not reds of miles of trails open to motorized and non-motorized uses. allowed in Wilderness areas.

ATTENTION - Pick up a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) from Here are just a few trails any District office to find out which trails are open to ATVs and to explore: motorcycles. Trails outside of Wilderness areas are open to all non-motorized uses. Trails within Wilderness areas are only open to horse and foot travel. Trail Name Miles Notes

Moderately difficult; north of Trail or Area Name Van Noy-Stoddard 4.2 Spencer Pass Lake - in the Lemhi Mountains west of Birch Creek Middle Fork of Pass Moderately difficult; in Lemhi 4.9 Valley Creek Mountain Range RANGER DUBOIS Italian Peaks - east of Birch Creek valley; difficult trails but DISTRICT Alex Draw-McGarry Moderately difficult; just east 9.8 beautiful scenery RANGER DUBOIS Canyon of Kilgore DISTRICT Big Table Mountain - near the Continental Divide; Popular ATV route northwest Big Bend Ridge 18 backcountry for all levels; scenic views of Ashton Railroad ROW - gentle slopes; easy terrain; follows Warm

PARK PARK Railroad Right-of- River at lower end; goes through Island Park ISLAND RANGER ASHTON DISTRICT 22 Gentle grades; old railroad bed Way (ROW) Big Bend Ridge - motorized trail but is easy to moderate for Access from the Moody mountain bikes Thousand Springs 3

Swamp Trailhead ASHTON Fall River Ridge - east of Ashton near forest boundary; easy Echo Canyon- Indian South of the Snake River in ISLAND PARK 6.2 RANGER DISTRICT trails in wooded area Creek Swan Valley RANGER

DISTRICT Bear Creek-Fall Creek-South Fork Fall Creek - also a

PALISADES Bear Creek/South 10.1 Popular motorcycle area motorized trail; all skill levels Fork Fall Creek Loop Palisades Creek - popular non-motorized trail with access to Hilton Creek 17.1 Beginner level ATV route Lower and Upper Palisades Lakes RANGER DISTRICT Intermediate/expert motorcycle PALISADES Kelly Canyon-Wolverine Canyon-South Fork Snake River - Carlton Cutoff 9.5 route on north side of South Fork of Snake River RANGER DISTRICT Grand Targhee Ski and Summer Resort - routes for all skill

TETON BASIN Crest 8.9 Expert motorcycle route levels Left Fork Cherry Access to other trails and 3.5 Packsaddle-Horseshoe Canyon System - east of Teton Valley Creek loops; various skill levels for all levels of users RANGER High elevation trail with good DISTRICT Oxford Ridge 7 Big Hole Mountains Trail System - east of Teton Valley; views and scenery TETON BASIN backcountry riding for all levels; scenic Loops - easy to moderate, Scout Mtn Area - high elevation backcountry with WESTSIDE several access points, scenic Boundary Trail 35 outstanding views; all user skill level trails

RANGER DISTRICT views, variety of elevation changes Mink Creek Area - more gentle terrain not far from Pocatello; scenic area but receives heavy use RANGER

Highline National DISTRICT

55 Runs crest of Bear River Range WESTSIDE Recreation Trail Cherry Creek-Deep Creek areas - east of Malad and west of Preston; backcountry riding for all skill levels This loop trail(s) can be accessed north of Bennington Midland Trail - east of St. Charles; backcountry with all Maple/Pine Loop 6 or NE or Montpelier. skill levels connecting trails; views of Bear Lake Panoramic views. Montpelier Creek - just east of Montpelier; various skill

MONTPELIER levels trails; scenic with chances to see wildlife

RANGER DISTRICT North Canyon to Northeast of Montpelier; RANGER 15 DISTRICT Skinner Creek various loops Horse Basin - east of Mink Creek; loop trails; all user skill MONTPELIER levels and access to Highline Trail Webster Ridge 8.4 Scenic ride in the high country Trail Canyon area - east of Soda Springs; backcountry riding Connected road/trails; visit for all user skill levels Caribou Mountain 15-25 historic Caribou City area and Diamond Creek area - backcountry trails for all user skill the Mountain levels; scenic with chances to see wildlife RANGER DISTRICT RANGER Summit View-Trail Stay at Summit View DISTRICT Caribou Mountain area - backcountry trails for all user skill SODA SPRINGS SODA Many Canyon Trails Campground SPRINGS SODA levels; very scenic in historical area

It is critical that you obtain a FREE Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) from any Forest Service office to determine where you can ride. The QR code takes you to where maps are available online at www.fs.usda. gov/ctnf/. Also, please keep in mind that all equipment and riders must meet federal and state standards NOTE and regulations (noise levels, spark arrestors, rider’s age, helmet requirements, and other restrictions). 17 Winter Recreation As heavy snow falls, a new world opens up for Snowmobiling the winter enthusiast. If you enjoy downhill skiing, visit Pebble Creek, Kelly Canyon, or If your thing is snowmobiling, then you can experience Grand Targhee Ski Areas. If you prefer cross- an endless supply of groomed and ungroomed trails and country skiing or just a casual snowshoe trip, the play areas. There are well over 1200 miles of groomed Caribou-Targhee has nearly unlimited resources. and marked snowmobile trails ranging from easy to more difficult. Likewise, a large number of special areas can be Cross-Country Skiing experienced along the trails. If you prefer the powder, head for the backcountry and snow-play areas. A wide variety of groomed trails are available throughout the forest with over 200 miles ranging from easy to difficult. Check out the table below. Some areas require a Notes Park”n”Ski permit. Unlimited backcountry skiing is available in wilderness and non-wilderness areas. The Dubois Ranger District, a landscape with a wide variety of snow conditions and outstanding scenery, has no groomed snowmobile trails but provides a multitude of opportunities for all riding skills ranging Trail or Area Miles Notes from the beginner running the existing road system to the expert RANGER DUBOIS DISTRICT exploring the backcountry.

Just off I-15 to Stoddard Creek Stoddard Creek 3.2 Campground Island Park has nearly 500 miles of trail systems - not to mention all RANGER DUBOIS DISTRICT the fresh powder off trail! Escape the crowds, and ride some of the best snow in the west. The more popular areas include Two Top Mountain, 3 loops for beginners and Fall River Ridge 7.7 Big Springs, Upper Mesa Falls, Big Bend Ridge, RANGER intermediates DISTRICT

ASHTON IP on the Continental Divide, and the Ashton-Flagg Ranch road.

Brimstone & Buffalo 20+ 7 loops for all levels of skiers There is something for all skill levels. Experienced riders can go to the Snake River Mountain Range for powder and unmarked slopes. ASHTON IP Canyon Rim, Bear From Bear Gulch Trailhead to Upper 9.1 Moderate riders can go the Big Hole Mountains for challenging slopes

RANGER DISTRICT Gulch, Mesa Falls Mesa Falls; 3 loops and groomed trails. For those wanting a more mild experience, visit RANGER Buckskin Morgan Ungroomed, more difficult; wooded DISTRICT the Caribou Mountains for the miles of groomed trails and unlimited 3.2-5.0 PALISADES Loop trail number of play areas. Hawley Gulch 0.7 Groomed; easiest With multiple access points to the Big Hole Mountain Range and the Overlook Loop Tetons, the District provides a variety of outstanding opportunities for snowmobiling. Contact us at 208-354-2312 for information concerning Morgan Summit 1.6 Groomed; more difficult groomed routes, weather conditions, or anything else that will help you RANGER DISTRICT

PALISADES plan your trip. TETON BASIN RANGER DISTRICT Hawley Gulch Loop 4.5 Most difficult; mostly ungroomed With over 200 miles of groomed trails, there is plenty of access to a Easy; groomed for classic and skate number of backcountry warming huts and yurts. Enjoy the fantastic Teton Canyon 8.0 skiing opportunities of the Mink Creek, Corral Creek, Summit Creek, Wright Creek, and Pebble areas. Try an overnight excursion to Elk Grand Targhee Ski Groomed for all levels of skiers; Meadows and South Toponce warming huts or any of the two Guard

9.3 RANGER Area groomed for classic and skate skiing DISTRICT WESTSIDE Stations open for year-round rental through the National Recreation All skill levels; not groomed. Reservation System. Forest Roads not

TETON BASIN many Snowmobiles are not allowed inside plowed and Trails RANGER DISTRICT designated Wilderness There are about 260 miles of groomed trails served by 17 trailheads Fee area run by City of Pocatello Mink Creek Cross- between Montpelier and Soda Springs Districts with warming shelters 20+ Parks and Rec; country Ski Area in Horseshoe Basin, Trail Canyon, Diamond Creek and Caribou Basin. many loop trails. Sno-West magazine rates the cache portion of the districts as one of the RANGER Rated more difficult, but very DISTRICT five best rides in the west.

Porcelain Pot 10+ MONTPELIER popular and highly developed

WESTSIDE More difficult; connects Crystal There are endless opportunities over forest roads and the backcountry. The Parity Trail 7-11 RANGER DISTRICT Summit with Corral Creek Trails often are not groomed and free warming huts are in some areas. Cabins can be reserved for overnight use for a fee through Yurt along side of groomed www.rec.gov. Popular areas include Diamond Creek, Trail Canyon, Bloomington Canyon 5-10 snowmobile trail Harrington Peak near Soda Springs, Caribou Basin, and Caribou RANGER DISTRICT Opportunities along Hwy 36; easy Mountain near Greys Lake Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a wild and beautiful

Emigration Canyon 3-10 SPRINGS SODA ungroomed routes; parking backcountry adventure!

There is a warming hut at the base of

MONTPELIER Sherman Peak 6 Sherman Peak

RANGER DISTRICT Call the Center for updated weather and avalanche information. The daily advisories cover the Teton and 5 loops; easy; currently not groomed; Trail Canyon 8 Southwest Trails/Greys River areas. Advisories can be heard by calling has warming hut 307-733-2664 or accessed at: www.jhavalanche.org. Near Soda Springs; small telemark Bailey Creek 6 loops hills; not groomed Call the Gallatin National Forest Avalance Center (GNFAC) at 406--587- 6981 or visit their website at: www.mtavalanche.com. The GNFAC covers Caribou Mountain area; backcountry; the Bridger, Gallatin, Madison, and Washburn Ranges, and the Lionhead Caribou Basin Many SODA SPRINGS SODA open skiing; warming hut area near West Yellowstone. RANGER DISTRICT Call the Utah Avalanche Center at 801-254-5304 or visit www. utahavalanchecenter.org. This center covers the Bear River, Pocatello, and Malad areas ( and northern Utah).

Weasel in its 18 winter-white coat Spotted knapweed Know Before You Go (© John Cardina) Be Bear Aware! Noxious Weeds

Seeing a bear is a memorable experience. If you want Noxious weeds can rapidly displace native that experience to be positive rather than negative, plant species that provide habitat for wildlife follow these tips: and food for people and livestock. Here’s how you can help reduce their spread: • Keep a clean campsite. Store food and garbage in closed * Learn to recognize common weed species. vehicles and out of sight. Do not leave garbage around your campsites - especially overnight. * Don’t camp or drive in weed infested areas. • Never put food scraps in the campfire—it attracts bears * Don’t pick the flowers of noxious weeds and take and skunks. them home—you’ll spread seeds. • Don’t keep food, shampoo—or anything that smells—in tents or sleeping areas. * When using pack animals, carry only feed that is • Store stoves and Dutch ovens in a vehicle or secure certified weed-free. Within 96 hours before entering backcountry areas, feed them only weed-free food. place when not using. • When camping in the backcountry, hang food and * Wash your vehicle, including the undercarriage, to garbage from a tree limb at least 10 feet from the remove any weed seed before driving to the forest. ground and 5 feet from the tree trunk. This tree should Dalmation toadflax be at least 100 yards from your sleeping area. For more information, visit: (© Bob Nowierski) • Some bears also target motor oil, insect repellent, www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf/ liquor, and other things that look like food. Put these items away.

Since bears may frequent campgrounds, bear-proof dumpsters are placed in many campgrounds. Dispose of all garbage in these dumpsters.

If bears become accustomed to human food, they Unpaved and primitive roads present special may become aggressive towards humans or cause challenges, even in good weather. Before you head out, property damage. To protect people, these bears may think about another challenge—your responsibility to have to be destroyed. “Tread Lightly.” Here’s how:

T ravel only where motorized vehicles are permitted. espect the rights of others to enjoy their activities R undisturbed. ducate yourself by obtaining travel information and E regulations from public agencies, comply with signs, and ask owners’ permission to cross private property.

void streams, lakeshores, meadows, muddy roads, steep A hillsides, wildlife, and livestock.

rive responsibly to protect the environment and preserve D opportunities to enjoy your vehicle on wild lands. For more information, visit www.BeBearAware.org

Safety Plan Ahead Storms Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return, and Storms form quickly in the mountains. Lightning storms are common in what they need to do if you don’t return. For safety don’t hike alone. the summer. Snow can occur year-round at higher elevations.

Cellular phones often have sporadic or no reception in some Check the weather before heading out at www.weather.gov. areas of the forest. Bring clothing for all weather conditions — raincoats, fleece, or wool. If you get lost or become disoriented, stay calm and stay put! Wait for help to arrive. Avoid afternoon summer storms by heading out early and getting off mountain peaks and high points before storms arrive. If you see a Keeping warm is more important than finding food storm approaching, get off of high points or away from lone trees or and water. large rocks.

As a last resort, follow a drainage or stream If you are caught in a lightning storm, remove your pack and downhill. This will often lead to a trail or road. crouch with your hands on your knees until the worst has passed.

Use caution crossing or parking in dry streambeds and low areas; sudden storms may cause flash floods.

19 aribou-Targhee NATIONAL FOREST

Other forest visitor guides available at: C www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r4/rec_publications Your Fees at Work Recreation fees have made a meaningful difference in America The Beautiful - National our ability to serve our national forest visitors because Parks and Federal Recreational Lands these dollars are reinvested into visitor services and facilities. For example, on the Caribou-Targhee National Interagency Pass Program Forest fees have been used for: Many federal lands and activities can be enjoyed for free. * New wood stove installed at Warm However, for those who recreate on multiple federal lands River Cabin that require a fee, the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass Program is the most convenient way to pay. * Campground maintenance and operations Purchase your pass in any Caribou-Targhee National Forest * New stain and paint on Mesa Falls office and 80% of the proceeds stays on the forest! Visitor Center Or purchase online at : http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html Cub River Pavilion Cub River * Bear food storage lockers installed NOTE: Passes are honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park in campgrounds within grizzly bear Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US habitat Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees. * New pavilion at Cub River Guard Station These fees are not charged to persons 15 and under. Passes do not cover * Forest trail maintenance, bridge expanded amenity fees such as cabin and river fees. replacement, and other improvements on Access Pass - Free forest trails Available to US citizens that have been medically determined to have a permanent * Eightmile Guard Station rental disability. Good for a 50% discount on camping fees. renovations Military Pass - Free * Addition of Al Taylor Cabin to rental system Spring Creek For active military personnel and their dependents. Graffiti * Removal of graffiti from Spring Creek Boat Ramp facility Volunteer Pass - Free * This Visitor Guide For volunteers with over 250 volunteer hours. 4th Grade Pass- Free Volunteering on the Available to 4th graders who bring a paper pass from Every Caribou-Targhee National Forest Kid in a Park website. https://www.everykidinapark.gov Senior Pass - $10.00 The Forest Service Volunteer Program on the Caribou- Available to US citizens 62 years and older. Good for a 50% Targhee National Forest is very active. The jobs are discount on camping fees. exciting and diverse, scenery is exceptional and coworkers are friendly. For more information, contact Annual Pass - $80.00 any Forest Service Office, or visit www.volunteer.gov/gov. Annual Passes cover entrance fees for federal lands such as National Parks and special areas but does not cover camping discounts, river use fees, or cabin rental fees. Visit us on the web at: Contact Information www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf/ Forest Supervisor’s Office District Ranger 1405 Hollipark Drive Ashton-Island Park Ranger District Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401 46 Hwy 20 (208) 524-7500 Ashton, Idaho 83420 (208) 652-7442 District Ranger Westside Ranger District District Ranger Pocatello Office Soda Springs Ranger District 4350 Cliffs Drive 410 East Hooper Avenue Pocatello, Idaho 83204 Soda Springs, Idaho 83276 9208) 236-7500 (208) 547-4356 District Ranger District Ranger Dubois Ranger District Palisades Ranger District PO Box 46 3659 E. Ririe Hwy Dubois, Idaho 83423 Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401

(208) 374-5422 (208) 523-1412 River of Snake South Fork District Ranger District Ranger Eastern Idaho Visitor Center Montpelier Ranger District Teton Basin Ranger District 425 N. Capitol Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402 322 North 4th Street 515 S. Main St. BLM: (208) 523-1012 Montpelier, Idaho 83254 Driggs, Idaho 83422 Chamber of Commerce: (208) 523-1010 (208) 847-0375 (208) 354-2312

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (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). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., 20 Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Printed on recycled paper 23.338.400-10.10/2010 (Revised/Reprint 2016)