Embrace the Beauty of Fall: Nature's Best Activities and Cozy Cabins in Island Park, Idaho

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there's a magical transformation that takes place in the natural world. Fall is a season of unparalleled beauty, and there's no better way to immerse yourself in its splendor than by spending time in the great outdoors. One of the most captivating places to experience the magic of autumn is Island Park, Idaho, and we have the perfect cabins for you to stay in as you explore this wonderland. Join us as we delve into some of the most delightful fall activities and the perfect cabins in Island Park, Idaho, for your autumn getaway.

1. Witness the Fall Foliage

The changing leaves create a breathtaking tapestry of colors in the fall. The golden aspens, fiery red maples, and deep orange oaks are a sight to behold. Explore Island Park's scenic drives, such as the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, to witness this mesmerizing transformation. Don't forget your camera, as you'll want to capture the beauty of the area's vibrant flora.

2. Wildlife Watching

Island Park's wildlife is active year-round, but fall is a particularly captivating time to observe them. Elk are in the midst of their rutting season, with bull elks bugling and competing for mates. Bison and other animals prepare for the colder months ahead, making their presence known as they graze and migrate.

3. Breathtaking Views:

Wake up to stunning views of the fall foliage right outside your cabin. The changing colors of the trees provide an ever-changing landscape that's yours to enjoy.

4. Fishing

Fall is a fantastic season for fishing in Island Park. The trout are active and feeding in preparation for the winter. The area's rivers and lakes offer numerous opportunities for anglers to test their skills.

5. Stargazing

Island Park's clear, crisp autumn nights provide a perfect backdrop for stargazing. The area's natural darkness ensures a breathtaking view of the night sky. Bring your telescope or simply lay out a blanket and soak in the wonder of the stars.

Experience Fall in Cozy Cabins in Island Park, Idaho

To truly savor the essence of autumn in Island Park, you need a comfortable and cozy place to stay. Our cabins in Island Park provide the perfect refuge for your fall adventure. Nestled in the heart of nature, these cabins offer modern amenities while still allowing you to connect with the wild surroundings. Here's why you should consider our cabins for your fall getaway:

1. Location, Location, Location: Our cabins are strategically situated in Island Park, ensuring you're just a short drive away from all the fall activities mentioned above.

2. Warm and Inviting: As the temperatures drop outside, you'll appreciate the warmth and comfort of our cabins. Snuggle up by the fireplace, cook a hearty meal in the fully-equipped kitchen, and relish the cozy atmosphere.

3. Breathtaking Views: Wake up to stunning views of the fall foliage right outside your cabin. The changing colors of the trees provide an ever-changing landscape that's yours to enjoy.

4. Modern Amenities: Our cabins are equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, and all the essentials you need for a comfortable stay.

5. Privacy and Tranquility: Experience the peace and tranquility of the wilderness from the privacy of your cabin. It's the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Book your stay in one of our cabins in Island Park, Idaho, today and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of autumn. Whether you're hiking through vibrant forests, watching wildlife in action, or simply relaxing by the fire, you'll create lasting memories of this enchanting season in Island Park.

Fall is a time of transformation, and there's no better place to witness this change than in Island Park, Idaho. With its stunning fall foliage, active wildlife, and a wide array of outdoor activities, it's a season worth experiencing. And with our cozy cabins in Island Park, Idaho, you can make the most of your autumn getaway, enjoying both the beauty of the area and the comfort of a home away from home. Book your stay now and get ready for an unforgettable fall adventure in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Yellowstone Must See while staying in Island Park

Note about Yellowstone Must See Areas: Yellowstone National Park is so big. It becomes overwhelming just trying to figure out what you should stop and see and what you should pass on. We have been into the park hundreds of times and have a list of our must-sees that we recommend to people who either don’t have a lot of time to spend in the park or want an idea of what they shouldn’t miss. Either way, these places listed below are what we wouldn’t want you to miss while visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Firehole Canyon Drive, just a couple of miles after you turn right toward Old Faithful after you cross the Gibbon River, on the right

This is a one-way drive through a beautiful canyon. Look up on the canyon walls as we have seen elk and other animals there. Stop and take a photo at Firehole Falls. There is a swimming area further down the road from the falls, but it has not been open the last couple of years because of COVID. Because of the warmer water in the geyser-fed Firehole River, the water temperature is great for swimming.

When you reach the end of the road, there are falls to your right that start the Firehole Canyon. It is worth a quick photo since you are already there.
 

Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin (West entrance, at Madison Junction, turn toward Old Faithful)

This is our number one pick. The beautiful colors of this spring can’t be missed and because of that, crowds are usually terrible unless you leave early and hit the spring before most tourists are out of bed. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sun rise.

You can view the spring from two locations. One is the boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin and the other is further down the road where you access the trail to the overlook. I would recommend both. It is just a little different perspective from above as it is at eye-level with the spring.

 So, you’ll know where to overlook is, you’ll see it halfway up the hill when you are facing the spring from the boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin. Just look directly over the spring and about half-way up the hill and you’ll see it nestled in the trees.

After you leave Midway, turn right which will take you around a curve to the right (on the road). Once around this curve, you’ll see a parking lot by a steel bridge, walking over this bridge takes you to the upper lookout trail. It is well-trafficked, so you can’t miss it. There are several geysers to see near the parking lot and the Firehole River near the bridge is one of my favorite places to fly fish in the park. We have seen grizzly bears here so be mindful and carry your bear spray when taking the trail to the overlook, especially if there aren’t very many people around.

Old Faithful Geyser and Old Faithful Inn

One of Yellowstone’s most iconic landmarks – both the Inn and the geyser. There is a great visitor’s center there as well and a great spot to check out the interior of the Inn and grab an ice cream.

Watching the geyser is best from the front rows so arrive 20-30 minutes early to get the best spots. You can also arrive early enough that you can hike to the upper look-out which is a strenuous hike, but worth the perspective of watching the geyser go off from above surrounded below by many colorful people.

Note: There is an app I recommend for approximate geyser eruptions. The app is NPS Geysers. They have not been updating this in recent months, but hopefully they will during the coming summer. It’s great to plan your outing in this area around eruption times.

Old Faithful Inn was built in 1903 and is one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone. It is the largest log structure in the world and the interior is truly impressive. There are tours of the lodge and run several times a day. You can simply make a reservation upon your arrival. Go inside and look up, it really is amazing.

 I highly recommend spending some time walking around the geyser basin near Old Faithful. There are some cool geysers (details below).

Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory Pool

Upper Geyser Basin is home to Old Faithful and contains 25% of the world’s geysers. There are lots of walking paths passing many geysers and thermal features. Make sure you take some time to explore this area. I suggest you hike until you reach Morning Glory Pool which has amazing colors. Along the way you might be lucky enough to see one of the many geysers erupt. Castle Geyser is one of my favorites and so is Daisy. A twenty-minute walk from Old Faithful and there is hardly anyone around, 40 minutes and you have the place to yourself.



Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is one of our favorite destinations to watch abundant wildlife. It is home to antelope, bison, wolves, moose, bears, etc. It is often overlooked because of its remote location – that is probably why we like it so much. The landscapes are amazing. If you have the time, drive past Soda Butte toward the Northeast Entrance and beyond. You’ll be rewarded with stunning mountain views.

If you are in the mood for a short hike, you can hike up to Trout Lake which is off to your left as you head out of Lamar Valley up Soda Butte Creek.

The Lamar River is one of our favorite fishing spots, but to be successful catching the abundant Yellowstone Cutthroat, you will need to hike. The further off the road you can get, the better the fishing will be. We recommend the trail from where the Lamar and Soda Butte Creek join, then up the Lamar. We go back about four miles toward Cache Creek, and you will catch more Native Yellowstone Cutthroat trout than you ever imagined. Keep in mind the river blows out quickly in storms which shuts down the fishing. Look up the valley and if it looks like rain, don’t bother hiking. Watch for bears and carry your bear spray.



Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Falls

There are several lookouts to see Yellowstone Falls. You can visit both sides of the canyon – the North Rim and the South Rim. Both sides are accessible by car or foot.

Uncle Tom’s Trail has you climbing down 328 steps to get a view of the Lower Falls. The Lower Falls can also be seen from Artist Point which is the most photographed. You can easily access the viewpoint by parking and walking on the paved path.

Brink of the Lower Falls is not for those who have a fear of heights! It is also a strenuous climb down a switch-backed trail. You will descend 600 feet in 3/8 of a mile. Once down the path, you have a view of the falls crashing into thin air right below your feet! It’s an incredible view.

Any of these locations is a great place to take a family photo and there are enough people around that someone is always happy to snap a quick photo of your group. Don’t be shy about asking for help.

Hayden Valley

Probably the most popular place to see wildlife in Yellowstone. This is where bison really love showing tourists who is in charge. Buffalo jams are common in this area. Remember, bison are dangerous, and you should never approach them, touch them, or otherwise antagonize them. It always surprises me how many visitors to the park are injured by getting too close to bison. Please don’t be one of those people. We like our guests.




Mammoth Hot Springs (Upper and Lower Terraces)

Another truly unique area of Yellowstone. It is completely different than any other place in the park. You’ll find a large variety of thermal features, very different from the Upper or Midway Geyser Basins.

There are two main areas of Mammoth the Upper and Lower Terrace, both are worth a walk around. I especially like the Upper Terrace as the thermal features are unusual.

The Visitor’s Center and Store are fun places to stop and browse. The artwork in the Visitor’s Center Museum is alone worth the stop.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high elevation late in North America. The water temperature is too low for swimming without risking hypothermia. The lake is best explored by boat and Lady of the Lake makes twice daily excursions.

The historic Lake Hotel has a nice upscale restaurant if you have the time. Make sure you visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin (see below) for more information.

You can hire a fishing guide and fish for Lake Trout which are an invasive species and are being eradicated to protect the native cutthroat population.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

One of the smallest geothermal areas of Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin is not to be missed. Located on the western side of Yellowstone Lake, it offers a good view of the lake and has some interesting thermal features including some that are in the lake itself. Abyss Pool is here, and it is the deepest hydrothermal pool in the park.

Norris Geyser Basin

Norris is not one of the best places in Yellowstone, but it shouldn’t be missed. Ideally, you should see this before you go to Upper and Midway Geyser Basins. If you see it first, it will impress you more.

The hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone. There are two basins, and they couldn’t be more different than each other. The star of this area is Steamboat Geyser which regularly spits water up to 40 feet. It is an area of the park that is constantly changing, and you never know what you’ll find.

Mount Washburn

Hiking up to the top of Mt. Washburn is considered one of the best things to do in Yellowstone. The views from 10,243 feet are incredible and if you are lucky, you might see some Big Horn Sheep.

There are two trails leading to the top. The main trail starts at Dunraven Pass and is about 3.2 miles. The second option is Chittenden Road Trail that follows a nice wide service road to the top. This trail is 2.5 miles one way and is easier to hike, but the views along this route aren’t as impressive.

Check the road closures when you enter the park or ask the ranger when you go through the booth. They are good sources of information like, latest bear sightings, closures, etc.

Carry lots of water and snacks on the hike.

Tower Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yellowstone. It is worth a short stop. You can’t see the waterfall in all its glory anymore because they do not let you hike to the bottom of the falls like they used to, nevertheless, it is still beautiful.

They have had this section of the road closed for a couple of years now, so check road closures to get the latest information.


Boiling River

Boiling River’s parking lot is where the Gardiner River crosses the road when you go down the grade from Mammoth to Gardiner and cross the 45th Parallel (there is a sign). Park on either side of the road, but the trail is on the upstream side of the bridge (or the right side of the road) if you are heading toward Gardiner.

This is one of the few areas of the park you can soak in hot water. This is because it mixes with the Gardiner River. The last two years it has been closed because of COVID and it is usually not opened until after the 4th of July because of high water. Frankly, the park uses every possible reason they can to keep Boiling River closed.

The trail is easy and flat. Boiling River is best accessed with river shoes (or tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet). There is a changing room at the parking lot.
 

Firehole Lake Loop

Firehole Lake Road is a three-mile, one-way road off the Grand Loop between Old Faithful and Madison. Geysers and hot springs are visible from the road and boardwalk.

Great Fountain Geyser is one of my favorites and it is especially beautiful at sunset – photo at right.

There is a boardwalk that you can use to walk around Firehole Lake itself which is fun to walk through the plumes of steam on a windy day.

White Dome Geyser is another fun one, especially if there is a storm brewing behind it. The contrast makes for great photos.

The drive is not open to buses or RVs, so you pretty much have it to yourself with a car.

Fairy Falls
One of Yellowstone’s highest waterfalls. There are two ways to get there. One is to use the same parking lot as Grand Prismatic Spring and hike the 5.4-mile easy round-trip hike or park at the end of Fountain Flat Drive for a 10-mile roundtrip hike.

Most of the hike is through lodge pole pines and it is possible to encounter a bear or other wildlife on the trail, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. There is some bear spray for your use on the back porch of the cabin in the higher shelves.

IF you continue on and cross the field to the adjacent trail you will come to the Imperial Geyser.  No one knows about this geyser and it is cooler than OF even!  You can even have your picnic here.

Blacktail Plateau Drive
This drive is one of my favorites, because it is seldom used, but it is often closed. This is a 7-mile one way dirt road that parallels the road between Mammoth and Tower. If you are lucky, you can see bison, elk, and bear. It is a fun enjoyable ride with beautiful scenery. We have spotted a lot of black bears in this area over the years.

Are you the planner in the group? Start Planning now...

Spring may feel like an eternity away but now is the perfect time to start planning your excursions and adventures for 2023!⁣

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Want some local tips and ideas? Search our blog at https://visitislandparkidaho.com/blog!

Book your cabins close to Yellowstone here at www.VisitIslandParkIdaho.com and pick the perfect cabin for you and your friends and family.

Gear, Clothing, Essentials … oh my!

With its pristine lakes, forests, and abundant wildlife, Island Park is THE place to explore and fall in love with the outdoors. If this is your first trip to the area, you may be wondering what to pack for your stay. ⁣

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Here are some of our picks for items you don't want to forget!

Hiking around Island Park Idaho Close to Yellowstone

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.

A day at Johnny Sack’s cabin.

We love the views here at the beginning of the snake river.

It is a little magical piece of the area. Sometimes you can even tour the cabin for free (we always leave a donation in the box inside though) between 10am-4pm if the rangers are there. You can get more details here.

Johnny saCk’s cabin image by this aUthur

Some Of the trolls under the bridge

5 Favorite Hikes in Island Park Idaho Greater Area

Hiking in Island Park is one of the most magical experiences you will have on foot — being the  highest city in Idaho, with beautiful wild lands to explore just outside West Yellowstone, Island Park area trails are one of the most popular summer adventures for both locals and visitors.

Whether you’re a guest or resident of Island Park, it can be overwhelming to find a trail when hiking is on the docket. To make it simple, we talked to area locals and singled out these top 5 hikes in Island Park, from easy to difficult, so all you have to do is pick your desired skill level and go!

Easy Hikes

Looking towards BSN trail from johnny sack cabin. 2021 June

Big Springs Nature Trail

This one is perfect for all ages and all abilities; all you have to do is be a nature lover. It’s a peaceful 2.4 mile walk along a beautiful river where majestic shore birds and trees abound. Look for cranes, ducks, moose, and more. The wildflowers are beautiful in summer. 

Read more details and where to find it here.

Look for the Sandhill Cranes on Henry’s Fork River along the Big Springs Nature Trail.

Lone Star Geyser (YNP)

Don’t want to get stuck with all the other tourists looking at the same geysers you can get to by car? Take a little geyser hike! According to this Outdoor Project blog: “It is an easy, flat hike up the old park road (now a bike path) along the Firehole River to the geyser. And not just any geyser--many people consider Lone Star almost as good as Old Faithful, but without the crowds or fences. Whether or not that is true, Lone Star is a spectacular geyser, with a large and dramatic base formation, that is well-worth the hike to see it.” The geyser only erupts every three hours, so you’ve got to get lucky to catch it on this 5 mile jaunt in Yellowstone National Park.

Read more details and where to find it here.

Moderate Hikes

Targhee Creek

Head through pine trees, quaky aspen, and sagebrush...over small bridges, splashing in creeks lined with wildflowers and willows where the deer and elk roam. Keep going farther and find the beautiful Clark Lake. This idyllic scene, just past Henry’s Lake, is everything Island Park is. In Jeff Fulmer’s words, on Hiking Project: “Traveling from the Idaho side and just passing Henry's Lake in the world famous Island Park, you'll not believe this trail exists in this particular area until you have had the utter pleasure of taking it for a hike. This is a perfect singletrack trail in numerous ways as you meander up the canyon through the pine trees and across small bridges.” 

Read more details and where to find it here.

Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek

This stunning trail leads to a beautiful 70-foot cascade, past an active spring known as Black Opal Pool, and a deep, dark blue spring called Sapphire Pool, and up to an incredible view over the Upper Geyser Basin. Grab your binoculars and step into the beautiful Biscuit Basin for this unforgettable journey.

Read more details and where to find it here and here.

Difficult Hikes

Mount Jefferson / Rock Creek Basin / Lake Marie

A challenging climb with big rewards — meadows, wildflowers, and panoramic views —   this Mount Jefferson summit is worth it, offering gorgeous views of both Montana and Idaho.

Read more details and where to find it here and here.

All our Cabins have Bear sPay but it is wise to have it on the trails.

HIKE SAFELY

Image of bear in forest provided by Tiffany mcMillin

Remember you’re in Moose and Bear Country when roaming through the beautiful wild forests of Island Park. Check out our article, The Best Places to See Moose In Island Park, for safety tips (many apply to bears too). Be aware, hike in groups whenever possible, and remember your bear spray! 

Happy Hiking!

Ready to hit the trails? Book your cabin in Island Park, CloseToYellowstone today!

Road Trip With Grandpa in Yellowstone An Adventure of Memories including Old Faithful

This is a mini series of days with grandpa Randy in Yellowstone. Day 1 and Day 2 are both great days grandpa planned as well, check it out here and here.

Yellowstone, Day 3 with grandpa       

1.     Same directions as Day 1; from West Yellowstone to Madison Junction, then on to Norris Junction.

2.     At Norris turn right (4 way stop) towards Canyon Village.  Take the Virginia Cascades loop road – one way, and then back on highway towards Canyon. At Canyon, stop at information center and get guidance on viewing Upper and Lower Yellowstone River Falls.  There are walks to the overlooks for both falls and worth doing (my opinion) and then also seeing Artist’s Point

3.     From here go into Hayden Valley and towards Yellowstone Lake.  I have NEVER not seen a lot of bison in this beautiful valley.  I have also seen wolves here on a couple occasions.

4.     Proceed to Yellowstone Lake and maybe stop at restaurant at the Yellowstone Lake Hotel.  You should have great view of the lake from the back side of the hotel.

5.     Loop back here and see the same sights, heading back to maybe swimming at Firehole River.

6.     From Madison Junction, this may also be a great time to continue towards Old Faithful and stop at Biscuit Basin.  This is really neat stuff and at the backside of Biscuit Basin (from the Highway) is the hike to Mystic Falls.  This is an easy hike.  It is 1 mile from the back side of Biscuit Basin.

7.     Time permitting, after hike or even prior, go to Old Faithful and see the eruption (about every 90 minutes) and also see the Old Faithful Lodge.

8.     By doing this, it frees up your travels from West Yellowstone on another day to go to Grand Teton National Park less than two hours away from the cabin in Island Park. There are also some great things to do around Island Park too and you can look at them at the blog post here.

Close to Yellowstone Trail lovers... this one is for you!

Hidden Montana—The Trail System

Despite the fact that Island Park has many recreational opportunities surrounding aquatic activities, those that are immediately accessible by road tend to receive much higher traffic—often forcing an outdoorsman to choose between convenience of access and quality of the experience.  In the chain of lakes slightly to the north of Island Park, sometimes referred to as the Jewels of Montana, there are six lakes that sit deep within a geological fault line in a uniquely isolated aquatic ecosystem.  

Three of the six lakes are accessible by road with varying degrees of road quality, while the other three require a bit more effort to access.  There is a trail that runs from the North end of the Elk Lake road, along Hidden Lake, then up the canyon past both Goose and Otter Lakes, to its terminus at the south edge of Cliff Lake.  Additionally, the trail picks up again at the north end of Cliff Lake and terminates again at Wade Lake.  

Hidden Lake

Proceed past Elk Lake until you reach the end of the two-track road.  This road is somewhat rough and four-wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle are highly recommended.  At the end of the road, prepare for a short hike (roughly 700 yards) through a slot canyon to the very tip of Hidden Lake.  Here, you can launch a canoe or float tube if you packed one in, otherwise, the trail traces the west edge of the lake, providing for ample fishing opportunity.  At the northern end of the lake, there is an excellent site for a shore lunch, as well as an excellent point to prepare for the next portion of the journey.  This lake is an excellent fishery, with phenomenal fly fishing for wild cutthroat.  Primarily a streamer fishery, dark brown and purple bugger and leech patterns are excellent, especially when fished with a red or yellow Simi-seal micro leech or other bead-head nymph as a dropper.  Although the south end of the lake is relatively shallow.  This lake provides for excellent wildlife viewing for both mammals and waterfowl and, when paired with the spectacular geological views, makes for some of the best nature photography and exploring in the area.  Utilize caution, however, as there is a healthy grizzly population in the area and this is one of the more remote lakes in the region.

Goose Lake

            From the northwest end of Hidden Lake, follow the trail up the face to the crest of the ridgeline.  It’s a fairly easy trail to follow, dropping through several draws before finally settling into the floor of the valley about three-quarters of a mile from the start of the hike.  This is a relatively scenic hike, taking you through some very interesting geology with the potential to see various species of wildlife.  Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll find it’s relatively small—only a few acres in size—and sheltered beneath sheer walls of stone.  Also relatively shallow, this lake is a spectacular sight fishery, allowing anglers to target individual fish with a well-placed fly or spinner.  Due to the clear water and shallow nature of the lake, small streamer patterns, dry flies, and terrestrial patterns work well all season long—however, the fish are somewhat spooky and benefit from a stealthy approach.  This is a wonderful place to sit and picnic with the added bonus of being able to view large amounts of native wildlife with little-to-no traffic, while still being relatively easy to access. 

Otter Lake

            Another half-mile up the trail from Goose Lake, you’ll approach the least known and least utilized lake on the chain.  Otter lake is a very small and shallow lake that hosts some very entertaining dry fly fishing as well as some of the best views in the area.  This is the most remote lake on the chain and odds are good that your visit will be undisturbed by others.  An excellent turn around point for those looking to see he bottom portion of the chain in one day, this also facilitates excellent photography, wildlife viewing, and—in the early summer—some excellent wildflower viewing.  Furthermore, this is about one-third of the way between Hidden Lake and the south end of Cliff Lake.  Because this lake receives so little pressure, it is an excellent location to plan a hike and family picnic in the backcountry—just don’t forget to pack the fly rod.

The Trail

            The aforementioned trail runs from Hidden Lake through Goose and Otter, before ending up at Cliff Lake.  Just a couple miles long, this trail facilitates excellent wildlife experiences and panoramic views, while taking you through multiple terrain and environ types.  If you can arrange a pick-up or drop-off at one of the two trailheads, this is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and variety that Island Park has to offer, while getting you away from the other crowds and providing a unique day trip that many are simply unaware of.  As with any backcountry travel, exercise caution with regards to wildlife and weather conditions, back bear spray, and have a solid plan for your journey.  Be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring a camera and a fishing rod or two to capture the memories you’re sure to make along the way.

Big Thank you to Mike Jennings for contributing this information.

Grand Prismatic Springs from the Overlook

Image by Teara Galbraith