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!

2021 Island Park Idaho Summer Events Guide

Photo credit: historyofidaho.com

While Island Park and the Greater Yellowstone area have endless outdoor adventures in summer, from kayaking Big Springs to exploring Yellowstone National Park, fishing, hiking, and so much more...there are also amazing summer events, races, festivals, live music and playhouse theater shows to catch while you’re in town. We recommend carving out a little time during your stay to play with the locals. 

Here’s the line-up of 2021 summer events in and around Island Park and Yellowstone:

May 28  Memorial Day Weekend at Lakeside Lodge

Kick off summer with music by Satin Steel all weekend long at Lakeside Lodge!

Satin Steel band kicks off summer Memorial Day Weekend at Lakeside Lodge.

Satin Steel’s popularity comes from their carefully chosen repertoire of both country rock and classic rock hits including some original compositions! The mix of songs, genres and artists appeals to a wide variety of audience tastes/ages and gets everyone out of their seats and on to the dance floor for an evening of fun and entertainment. Read more here.

May 28-September 4 Yellowstone Playhouse at Island Park 

This playhouse has been entertaining locals and visitors to Yellowstone and Island Park for over 10 years. It’s the perfect night of family friendly fun in a brand new building just 10 minutes south of Yellowstone’s West gate. This year, see three amazing plays: Bo Cletus G.O.A.T. Variety, HOME School Musical, and ROBIN HOOD! They also have Dinner & Theater options and concessions with fresh popcorn, Jackson Hole Huckleberry Sodas, Cinnamon Rolls, candy bars, and ice cream! Read more and get tickets.

May 28-Sept 4 Playmill Theater 

Playmill Theater welcomes you to a “house of laughter, a house of families, and a house of happy children.” This is “professional theatre at its finest” running for over 50 years. This summer season, seeRodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Newsies! See show details and get tickets here.

May 30-Sept 5  Shotgun Bar’s Sunday Live Music   

Music lovers, this is your bar — Shotgun Bar has Live Music Every Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

The rustic beer bar serves beer, wine, mead, margaritas, huckleberry & strawberry mead mules. Eat your fantastic Sunday brunch here and get to know these amazing local musicians from all around Idaho and neighboring states; the summer line-up includes Shawn Barnby & Rooster, Madame Mackintosh, Acoustic Aspens, Pioneer 47, Shawn Barnby & Wyatt Hurts, Tail Hooked Whitey, ‘MURICA w/ Summer Bloom, Acoustic Aspens, Foxy Blues, Close to Midnight Dance Band, Tom Bennett, Seth and Sara, Foxy Blues, and Forgive Your Show w/ Summer Bloom. See event details on their Facebook page.

June 11-12 Yellowstone Half Marathon 

Run the Race, then discover the Yellowstone!

The Yellowstone Half Marathon takes place in the town of West Yellowstone, MT, just outside the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It's a stunning course with breathtaking views of the Gallatin National Forest, and maybe even some wildlife! Read more.

June 27-September 28 Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon Live Music

Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, located in West Yellowstone, Montana, offers some of the best live entertainment around. Relax and dine after a long day in Yellowstone National Park and enjoy live music most nights of the week! Live bands, DJ on Wednesdays, and Karaoke Mondays! See amazing rock bands Fools Gold, Lost Ox, Skyfoot; Americana by Fish Camp Boys, Kent and Mees Duo, Mathias, Silly Brown, and enjoy country tunes with Lauren Morrow, Daniel Kosel, Tylor and the Train Robbers and so many more! See the full live music line-up here.

July 3 Island Park Sawtelle Fun Run  

Sponsored by Connie’s Restaurant & Saloon, the Sawtelle Fun Run is held at the base of Sawtelle Mountain in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The trail run has plenty of shade, streams, and beauty and is perfect for all ages with a half marathon, 5K, 10K, and Kid’s 1K. Read more.

July 3-4 Perfect Chaos Shakes the Lake  

Perfect Chaos will be at Lakeside Lodge to celebrate Independence Day weekend! This is the place to be on the 4th of July if you’re in Island Park. Live music starts at 8pm. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. See Facebook page for details.

July 4 Pie on the Porch

Stop by the Museum of the Yellowstone during your day adventures on the 4th from 1-2:30 by savoring “the tastiest of Summer” before your evening festivities of BBQ and fireworks! More details here.

July 17 20th Annual Heritage Celebration

Come get the local insider’s scoop of the unique cultural heritage of West Yellowstone and the neighboring Yellowstone National Park at the Museum of the Yellowstone. The 20th Annual Heritage Celebration takes place in the beautiful and historic Union Pacific Dining Lodge in West Yellowstone, MT. 5-8 p.m. Learn more.

July 23 Henry’s Lake Foundation Summer Gathering 

A social gathering, fundraiser, dinner and raffle at Meadow Vue Ranch. Henry’s Lake Foundation Summer Gathering is the perfect place for a summer dinner if you’re into amazing prizes and learning a little about the local culture in Island Park, Idaho. Learn more.

July 24 West Yellowstone 50K Trail Race

A spectacular trail run just outside of Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone, Montana, the West Yellowstone Trail Race is the ultimate event for runners and outdoor enthusiasts.  Plus, registration includes a Dos Equis beer, a “World Famous” Bloody Mary or a soda! The West entrance and gateway to Yellowstone National Park is surrounded by three national forests, blue-ribbon trout streams, and beautiful mountain lakes, where you can run a 50K or 25k trail run with breathtaking scenery right outside the world's first National Park on the trails of Custer Gallatin National Forest. Register for the Yellowstone 50 or 25K and you get a $10 registration for the Great Divide 50 & 25K Trail Summer Celebration on August 21. Read more.

August 14 Harriman Trail Run

“The Harriman Trail Races have been expertly curated with the discerning trail runner in mind. Every attempt has been made to provide the ultimate in artisanal trail racing for both the wise and sage runner as well as the newcomer to the trail racing scene.” Read more!

August 28 Mesa Falls Marathon

Mesa Falls Marathon

The award-winning Mesa Falls Marathon and Half Marathon races are point to point courses that begin in the Targhee National Forest near the headwaters of the Warm River and end in the city of Ashton, Idaho. The 10k, 5k and 1 mile races start and end in Ashton City Park.

See more photos by Kelly Richey Photography here. 

September 13-18 3rd Annual Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival

This one is for the bird lovers. Learn all about sandhill cranes that populate the Greater Yellowstone at this year’s virtual festival, then go see the Cranes in-person this Fall! 

Read more about this incredible festival and where to see the cranes here.

Is there a Greater Yellowstone event you’d LOVE to be in town for? 

Hidden Montana—The Road Bound

Island Park, with activities for every pursuit, is especially famous for its myriad of unique waterbodies.  Whether you’re a fly fisherman carefully drifting dries to a native cutthroat on the Henry’s Fork, a family enjoying a day spin fishing at one of the reservoirs, a group floating the lazy Mack’s Inn portion of the Snake, or someone who enjoys the faster pace of powered water sports at Island Park Reservoir, the ways to utilize the water features in the area are endless.  With all the ways to recreate on the water here in Island Park, the only limiting factor is your imagination and willingness to explore new places.  Just a short drive north across the Montana border is another chain of lakes that allow for the same level of recreation with an added sense of exploration and isolation.  

There is a lesser-known remote chain of lakes on an isolated watershed that allows for both vehicle access and hike-in access, depending on the adventurer’s level of comfort and desire for solitude.  Accessible from two different directions, this chain of lakes runs approximately 13 miles from the southern tip of the chain at Elk Lake to the northern tip at Wade Lake and facilitates hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.  This watershed resides deep within a geological fault line that exposed a portion of the aquifer beneath, allowing for an entirely isolated aquatic ecosystem.  Within the canyon, there are numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing, landscape viewing, and fishing in an area that is little-known outside of local knowledge. Out of the six lakes in the valley, three are road-bound and three are hike-in access only.  

Wade Lake

From the northern-most end of the system, Wade lake is the most developed and highly utilized lake in the chain.  From Highway 287, turn onto the Three Dollar Bridge access point, approximately one mile west of the Highway 287/87 junction.  Follow this road through the high sage country, keeping an eye out for antelope and the occasional elk herd, until you reach a fork down in a canyon with a sign that identifies Wade and Cliff Lakes.  Veer right at the fork and continue up out of the canyon and cross over the mountain into the fault canyon on the other side.  After going down a series of switch backs, you’ll encounter another fork.  Here, you may veer right to Wade Lake or left for Cliff Lake.  Once you drop into Wade lake, there is a day use area and a campground that has a boat launch.  With deep and clear waters, you can boat and fish to your hearts content.  Although the most heavily fished lake in the chain, Wade Lake produced the 29-pound Montana state-record brown trout in 1966 and is still a very productive fishery for trophy browns and rainbow trout.  

Cliff Lake

A left turn at the final fork brings you to Wade’s southern neighbor, Cliff Lake.  Here, the crystal-clear water pairs with the light stone floor and the steep drop-offs to the lake floor to produce a    beach-esque vibe that is unique within the region.  The large beach area and the multiple launch points on the north end of the lake make this a perennial favorite for human powered watersports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and simply lounging.  This lake is the longest lake in the chain and provides miles of hiking around the perimeter and excellent fishing, in addition to the other recreational activities in the lake.  Here, there are both rainbow and cutthroat trout and, depending on the time of year, they can be sight fished in the shallow ends or trolled in the deeper portions against the cliff walls.  Spin fishing can be productive with spoons, small crank baits, and trolling equipment, while fly fisherman can enjoy a productive day by throwing leech imitations and light brown streamers, as well as some entertaining dry fly fishing at times. There is an additional access point on the east edge that is slightly better access for fishing but is somewhat less conducive to other watersports.  Both Cliff and Wade Lakes are wake-free.

Elk Lake

Moving around to the south end of the chain, we can access the last road-bound portion of the chain.  Elk Lake is accessible via the Red Rock preserve access road, starting just north of Henry’s Lake.  From Highway 87, turn left onto Red Rock road at the north end of the 45-mph speed zone.  Follow this road until you reach the junction at Duck Creek, where you continue straight.  Follow this until you reach the Elk Lake turn and, again, veer right.  Follow this until you approach the foothills of the mountain and crest the ridge.  As you begin to pull into the fault canyon, you’ll be able to see the end of Elk lake.  There are several access points to launch boats and float tubes and the lake boasts spectacular fishing, wildlife viewing, and swimming.  There is a small restaurant and bar on site that is open sporadically throughout the year.  Anglers here do well trolling spoons and flasher gear. Additionally, fly anglers do well with dark purple, brown, and black streamers and, at certain times, terrestrial dries.  Furthermore, those in the know will chance throwing a mouse pattern along the bank in the early evening.  The road leading to this lake can vary in quality and there is little in the way of resources on the route.  With that in mind, this trip takes you through some spectacular country with ample wildlife viewing opportunities.

Although slightly off the beaten path, this chain of lakes has some of the most rewarding views and experiences in the area for those willing to put in the effort to get there.Due to the more remote nature of the region, even a trip to the road-bound lakes is often an entire day in the making.

And when you need a place to rest after such an amazing day of adventure, check out our cabins here close to Yellowstone.

A big thank you to Mike Jennings for contributing

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.

Locals' Guide: Airports Close to Yellowstone

Island Park is a beautiful road trip for its many visitors from neighboring states, as well as within the state of Idaho. But for many, flying is the best option. Some of the most common questions travelers have is about airports. What is the best airport in the area? Which one is closest to Yellowstone National Park? We want to make your trip to Island Park and West Yellowstone as enjoyable and effortless as possible. Here’s a guide to all of your airport questions in the Greater Yellowstone area.

Airports Close to West Yellowstone and Island Park, Idaho (in order of proximity from nearest to farthest to Island Park):

Yellowstone Airport (WYS), approx. 30 minutes  

Idaho Falls Regional Airport 75 minutes

Pocatello Regional Airport  120 minutes

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, just 120 minutes

Jackson Hole Airport, just over 120 minutes

Bert Mooney Airport, 150 minutes

Salt Lake City International Airport, 5 hours

Boise Airport, 5 hours

Best Overall Airports Near Yellowstone

If you want to get to Island Park and the Greater Yellowstone area in the quickest time possible, the best choice is Yellowstone (WYS) airport. But if you want to experience a bit of a scenic road trip or want some better options (cheaper, non-stop flights), the winner is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. A beautiful scenic drive through the Gallatin Range, just over two hours from Island Park.

What do the locals say?

Yellowstone Airport (WYS)
A favorite for many locals. Closest to Yellowstone and Island Park, getting more flights, and flights to connectors in SLC may be cheaper. Is often pricier than Idaho Falls or Bozeman. Not ideal if you’re wanting a direct flight.

Yellowstone Airport (WYS) is located at West Yellowstone, Montana just two miles from Yellowstone National Park and close to Big Sky, Island Park, Gallatin and Madison Rivers, Ennis, and Virginia City. From the site: “Numerous airlines transfer in Salt Lake City to Delta Airlines flights. This means you can leave home in the morning and be catching fish or watching Old Faithful Geyser by early afternoon!” 

Idaho Falls Regional Airport
Close to Island Park and Yellowstone, great deals through United. 

Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho this airport is the second closest to Island Park just an hour and a half away from the gateway to Yellowstone.

Pocatello Regional Airport
Flights are usually cheaper than Idaho Falls and it’s only 45 minutes farther. Free parking is a plus.

According to the site, the Pocatello airport is “fast, friendly, and convenient” and locals tend to agree. It’s only an extra half hour from Idaho Falls airport, and close to Lava Hot Springs (approx. 40 min.) if you have time for a fun and relaxing day trip.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
Cheaper fares, nonstop flights, and a beautiful two hour drive to Island Park and Yellowstone through the Gallatin Valley.

This beautiful Montana airport is a local favorite, providing the only year-round service for two Yellowstone National Park entrances. According to the site: “Located in the heart of beautiful Gallatin Valley, we provide non-stop flights to 30 markets in the United States with connections all over the world.”

Jackson Hole
Some say the cheapest fares are here. And love that it’s only two hours from Island Park.

And if you have time to stop in the Grand Teton national park- we recommend it. maybe even add on a couple of nights to your stay so you can enjoy it a couple of days. image COURTESY of Teara Galbraith

The site says it best: “The Jackson Hole Airport is located at the base of the spectacular Teton mountain range. Located entirely within Grand Teton National Park, flying into the Jackson Hole Airport is an amazing way to begin your journey to Jackson Hole.” And being only two hours from Island Park (2 and ½ to West Yellowstone), it’s a great way to begin your journey into the Greater Yellowstone. And you get a bonus visit to Grand Teton National Park!

Bert Mooney Airport
Free parking, but not typically recommended.

“Located in the heart of Southwest Montana, Bert Mooney Airport is your gateway to adventure. Whether you are departing on that trip of a lifetime or arriving for that much needed retreat, departing to the trip of a lifetime, Bert Mooney Airport can help you reach your travel destination with ease,” according to the site. Possibly because it’s smaller, and farther than Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Yellowstone, and Bozeman, this airport is not heavily used by visitors to Island Park and Yellowstone.

Salt Lake International Airport
Cheap fares and nonstop flights, and a five hours drive. But, it could be a fun day trip on the road through Salt Lake to Ogden and southern Idaho if you have the time.

The Salt Lake City airport just completed phase one of a $4 billion redevelopment project, making it one of the most beautiful and enjoyable airports for travel.

Boise Airport
Most locals use Salt Lake City airport over Boise airport, but out-of-state visitors will enjoy the city of Boise and the five hour road trip with a little extra time to spare.

Nonstop flights and in one of Idaho’s most bustling and beautiful cities, this may be worth the five hour drive to Island Park.

Further reading about Yellowstone-area airports:

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/airports-near-clarksville-tennessee-55462.html
https://www.yellowstonepark.com/road-trips/airports/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60999-i481-k2303100-Closest_airport_to_Yellowstone-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html

Now that you’re on flight to Island Park, the gateway to West Yellowstone, be sure to book your stay with Visit Island Park Idaho Cabin Rentals!
Our luxury short-term accommodations in Island Park, Idaho.

Welcome to your home away from home.

Idaho Cabins: The New Caldera Cottage in Island Park

Island Park, Idaho is home to one of the largest calderas in the world, attracting more visitors every year to its beautiful forests, springs, waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, clear streams, fishing and more. Naturally, a cabin right in the heart of it all should be named Caldera Cottage.

Island Park, Idaho is home to one of the largest calderas in the world that is now covered in forest, waterfalls, streams, wildflowers, ponds, rivers, springs, and wildlife.

Cabin owners, who have become stewards of Island Park, started to purchase cabins in Mack’s Inn to bring their daughters to enjoy the sites of their father’s family history, and to share their love for the area with visitors from out-of-state and all over the globe. One of their daughters came up with the name Caldera Cottage for the family’s newest cabin that has recently become available for rentals to travelers seeking to experience the astounding beauty of the Greater Yellowstone area.

“We wanted to find a cabin that we can use ourselves and be able to share the magic of the area with others,” she said. According to Galbraith, the Caldera Cottage is close to both the Snake River and the Island Park Reservoir, and the biggest difference is that the Caldera Cottage is pet-friendly. There is even a beach within walking distance of the cabin, perfect for families or couples that love water play.

The Snake River is just short walk from the Caldera Cabin, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or just watching the friendly wildlife.

“The Caldera Cottage was well-built and just the perfect little place for us,” Galbraith said. “It’s located in the Rancho McCrea area just one block from the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.”

Teara Galbraith has been traveling to Island Park, which she refers to as “magical”, for sixteen years. Her husband Andy grew up visiting the area, as well as his father, and grandfather who worked for the forest service. “So everyone always used his Mack’s Inn cabin,” she said. “By the time I stayed there I was like, oh... I love it so much I need a place to stay more often!” And that’s how Visit Island Park Idaho started. They bought land to build but when the cabin next door to the grandfather’s was listed for sale they bought it—those became The Chalets. Next was The Gathering Place, and now Caldera Cottage.

The Caldera Cottage at Island Park, Idaho

The Island Park Caldera

The Yellowstone Park site states: Two million years ago, an enormous volcano erupted in the area, emitting 2,500 times more ash than Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980. The remains of that ancient volcano formed a large caldera called the Island Park Caldera that actually stretches into Yellowstone National Park. The Island Park Caldera stretches 58 miles in one direction and 40 miles in the other, making it one of the world’s largest calderas. A smaller, relatively newer caldera, which formed 1.3 million years ago, is 23 miles in diameter. It is nested inside of the Island Park Caldera and is referred to as the Henry's Fork Caldera. Today, it is covered in pine trees and wildflowers. It’s a popular site for hiking and fishing in the summer and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Read more about Island Park, Idaho here.

The magic of Island Park is waiting.

But don’t wait…cabins are filling up fast!