Note about Island Park Hiking: There are many trails in and around Island Park and I have just listed our most favorite. Please take a can of bear spray for every adult in your group. I have some in the entry to the cabin on the top shelves. We live in bear country, and it is necessary when hiking. If you are unfamiliar with how to use bear spray, please watch an internet video before setting out. I have also included some trails a little farther out because they are spectacular. Also, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Aldous Lake and Hancock Lake

This is one of my favorite hikes. 5 miles round trip, so not too long. You drive toward Dubois on the unpaved Yale-Kilgore Rd, for about an hour. Google the directions for the exact turn off location. It is a beautiful hike to two lakes. Take your fishing gear as there are trout in the first lake. It can sometimes be hard to find a place to cast, but it is fun, nonetheless. If you have a pack raft, it will work perfectly here. The trail is well-marked, and the parking area is good with a vault toilet for your convenience. The second lake, Hancock, is better for swimming than the first, but the fishing is better at Aldous Lake.

Coffee Pot Rapids Trail

Hiker and fisherman parking is available at the Upper Coffee Pot campground entrance which is just off US-20 before Mack’s Inn. This is a 2.2-mile trail that follows the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Hikers can see the river change from a placid stream to raging rapids. Along the trail is a variety of shrubs and flowers with great views of the Henry’s Fork. This is a good trail in the summer because there is a lot of shade.

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Approximately 36.4 miles of the Continental Divide Trail runs through the Island Park District. Access points are Black Canyon Road, Targhee Creek Road, Keg Springs Road, and East Dry Creek Road. The trails are in moderate to difficult terrain, often in the higher elevations. Some of the trail is in Grizzly habitat so visitors are encouraged to carry bear spray.

Darby Wind Caves

One of my very favorite hikes in late June through July. The wildflowers are spectacular. This is a 6-mile trail out and back – take plenty of water or a water filter so you can restock at the cave. It is unlike any hike you have taken. The wind cave is amazing. Plan on it taking you about 1.5 hours driving to get to the parking lot and most of the day to complete the hike. If you are hungry, the Knotty Pine restaurant in Victor for steaks and home cooking is a local favorite. If you like Thai food, Teton Thai in Driggs is awesome, too.

Lake Marie

This is probably one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever been on, but it is only good in early spring if we have a lower-than-normal snowpack. Otherwise, this hike isn’t passable due to snow until mid-July. You drive almost to the top of Sawtelle Peak Road, and you will see the trailhead on your left. Park and start your hike. The hike takes you through amazing sub-alpine forests and across beautiful scenery. This is home to bears, so make lots of noise and carry bear spray.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is in the Teton Range. The trailhead is on the Idaho side of the Tetons near the town of Wilson. Google exact directions as it has been a while since I have been there. This is a loop hike if you want it to be but be aware the Huckleberry trail is the easier of the two routes. The Face Trail is step and not for the faint of heart or those with bad knees. It is 10+ mile loop. This is about 1.5 hours from the cabin. The views of the Tetons at the top are incredible. Note, the flat rock to the right of the Grand Teton is Table Mountain.

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