2.0K Before I Leave Rexburg (and if I ever come back) by camilledupar
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Palisades Creek Trail / Lakes and Waterfall Canyon
Irwin, Idaho
4.4 miles E of Irwin, IdahoThe Palisades Creek Trail is one of the classic hikes and backpacking trips of the Swan Valley region, climbing a gorgeous glacier-carved canyon to a pair of mountain lakes on the edge of the Palisades Wilderness Study Area, about 50 miles southeast of Idaho Falls (and an hour west of Jackson, Wyoming). Following clear, tumbling Palisades Creek nearly the whole way, it's a well-maintained, moderately graded trail that rewards hikers with waterfalls, wildflowers, and some of the finest mountain scenery in eastern Idaho.
The trail begins at the well-signed Palisades Creek trailhead at the end of the county road above the little community of Irwin, where there's a parking area and a Forest Service trailhead. From there the path threads a dramatic canyon of towering rock walls, crossing the creek on sturdy bridges and passing several waterfalls that spill from the heights — scenery that makes even the day hike to the lower lake feel like a true mountain adventure. Because it's so scenic and so accessible, it's deservedly popular; there's no permit or fee to hike, but weekends draw a crowd, and backpackers should plan for company at the more sought-after campsites.
It's about 4.3 miles to Lower Palisades Lake, gaining a gentle thousand feet or so — an ideal day hike or first-time backpacking trip. Strong hikers and overnighters can push on another 2.5 miles to Upper Palisades Lake (around 14 miles round trip), leaving the main trail to turn up Waterfall Canyon, where the namesake cascades tumble down the walls. Both lakes were formed ages ago when massive landslides came down the canyon and dammed the creek. The upper lake generally offers better backcountry camping, since the closer sites at the lower lake fill up first.
The fishing is superb. Palisades Creek is a major spawning tributary for the famous South Fork of the Snake, and it and the lakes teem with native Yellowstone cutthroat trout — a wonderful place to cast a line or simply relax by the water. Wildlife is everywhere: hikers regularly see moose (often standing belly-deep in the lakes), along with elk, deer, waterfowl, and mountain goats on the high walls.
This is genuine bear country — both black bears and grizzlies range here — so carry bear spray, know how to use it, make noise on blind corners, and store all food properly, especially if you camp. Because the trail lies within a Wilderness Study Area, it's open to foot and horse travel only (no bikes or motors), which helps keep it wild and quiet.
Timing matters: early in the season the trail can run with snowmelt and the lakes can be muddy and high, so late summer into fall is often the sweetest window — drier trail, settled lakes, and golden hillsides. Bring bug protection for early summer, plenty of water, sturdy footwear for the creek crossings, and layers for fast-changing mountain weather, and you'll quickly understand why Palisades Creek is such a regional favorite.
Sheep Falls on Henry's Fork
Island Park, Idaho
15.6 miles S of Island Park, IdahoSheep Falls is a beautiful, lesser-known waterfall on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River near Island Park, Idaho, where the river squeezes through a narrow basalt chute and drops about 25 feet in a churn of whitewater. It may be shorter than the famous Upper and Lower Mesa Falls just across the way, but it's every bit as scenic — and far quieter, making it a wonderful reward for a short, easy hike.
The trail to Sheep Falls is a gentle stroll of roughly a mile each way on a relatively well-maintained path, suitable for the whole family and rarely crowded. The route sits on the opposite side of the river from Mesa Falls, off Highway 20: head north past Ashton, turn onto Sheep Falls Road, and follow it to the trailhead — though be warned, the final dirt road is rough and rocky, so a high-clearance vehicle is a good idea.
There are calmer pockets near the falls where people wade and swim on hot summer days, but the water here deserves real respect. The current above and around the chute is powerful and can sweep you off your feet and pull you toward the drop. Stay well back from the lip, keep a close eye on children, and only consider getting in where the water is clearly calm and you know it's safe — when in doubt, enjoy the falls from the bank.
The best season runs roughly May through October, when the road is passable and the river is at its most beautiful. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and a camera, pack out everything you bring in, and you'll discover one of the Island Park area's most underrated natural treasures.
Fall Creek Falls
Swan Valley, Idaho
2.1 miles SW of Swan Valley, IdahoFall Creek Falls is one of eastern Idaho's most beloved and photographed waterfalls — a broad, 60-to-70-foot curtain of water that spills over mossy travertine ledges directly into the Snake River near Swan Valley. It's a genuinely unusual sight: most waterfalls tumble into a creek or pool, but this one pours straight into a major river, framed by the cottonwoods and canyon walls of the beautiful Swan Valley. It's especially glorious in autumn, when the riverside trees blaze gold and the whole scene lights up.
The best part for most visitors is how easy it is to reach. From Highway 26 just west of Swan Valley, turn onto gravel Fall Creek Road (Forest Road 058) and follow it along the Snake River to a small pull-out near the falls. From there it's more of a short walk than a hike — cross a small stream and stroll a couple of minutes to a flat perch right at the top of the falls, with sweeping views over the waterfall and the river beyond.
Adventurous visitors can scramble down for a closer look. A steep, sandy slide and a set of natural rock steps lead down toward the base, where you'll find a mossy grotto tucked behind and beneath the falls — a magical little chamber where you can stand in the cool mist and shade with the water curtaining down in front of you. The ceiling is low, so watch your head, and the rock steps kick up far less dust than the loose slide.
Be careful near the edges. The viewpoints at the top sit right above the falls, with abrupt, unrailed cliff drops of 10 to 15 feet in places, so keep well back from the lip and hold onto children — the rock can be slick near the water. The short scramble to the bottom is steep and can be slippery too.
The falls are a favorite of paddlers, too: because the water spills right into the Snake, kayakers and rafters floating this stretch below Palisades Dam can pull up close to the base for a view you can't get any other way. In winter the falls partially freeze into curtains and columns of ice, drawing photographers to the snowy canyon. However you come at it — on foot from the road above or by boat from the river below — it's a quick, high-reward stop between Idaho Falls and the Wyoming line.
The falls run year-round and reward a stop in any season, though flows are fullest with spring snowmelt and the color is best in fall. For photographers, midday sun is harsh out here; early morning or evening light is far kinder. Keep an eye on the river, too — boaters and rafters drift past below, and the area teems with wildlife, including the American white pelicans that cruise this stretch of the Snake. A Forest Service campground and public boat ramps sit nearby, making it easy to turn a quick stop into a longer stay. Bring water and sturdy shoes, and enjoy one of those “how have I never seen this before?” Idaho gems.
Mr. Bubbles Hot Spring
Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park
24.0 miles SW of Old Faithful, Yellowstone National ParkMr. Bubbles is one of the very few places in Yellowstone National Park where you can legally and safely soak in naturally heated water — a rare treat in a park where hot springs are usually deadly rather than inviting. It sits deep in the Bechler region in Yellowstone's remote southwest corner, an area known as “Cascade Corner” and one of the park's best-kept secrets: far from the paved roads, boardwalks, tour buses, and gift shops, reached only by miles of backcountry trail.
The soak itself is a natural mixing pool. A hot spring wells up into the cold Ferris Fork of the Bechler River, and where the scalding spring water blends with the cold river it reaches a blissfully soakable temperature — while gas bubbling up from below gives the spot its playful name. That mixing is also the key to why soaking here is allowed: getting into Yellowstone's thermal features is strictly forbidden, but the Park Service permits soaking where hot water has already blended with a river or stream. Enjoy the warm water where it mixes, and stay well clear of the undiluted hot source.
You'll find it roughly halfway between the Bechler Ranger Station and Old Faithful along the Bechler River Trail. This is genuine backcountry — most visitors reach it on a multi-day backpacking trip, walking singletrack dirt trails past waterfalls and meadows and seeing wildlife well outside the safety of a car. Be bear-aware and give bears, moose, and bison plenty of space. To camp along the way you'll need a backcountry permit, reserved through the park's backcountry office.
The journey is a huge part of the reward. The Bechler is nicknamed Cascade Corner because it holds more waterfalls than anywhere else in Yellowstone — the trail near Mr. Bubbles strings together beauties like Colonnade, Iris, and Ouzel Falls, and nearby Union Falls is one of the park's most spectacular. For backpackers, a soak at Mr. Bubbles makes the perfect midpoint of a waterfall-studded wilderness traverse.
A few life-or-death cautions. Thermal water temperatures here change without warning and are not always safe — the National Park Service advises checking with a ranger station on current conditions before you plan a trip. And never hike through Yellowstone's thermal areas at night: even experienced hikers have broken through thin crust and been scalded to death in unexpected hot ground. Always review the park's swimming-and-soaking guidance for current closures, regulations, and conditions before you go.
Timing matters in the Bechler. It's the wettest corner of Yellowstone, with numerous river fords that run dangerously high during spring and early-summer snowmelt, so the backcountry here is generally best from late summer into early fall, once the water drops. Come prepared for remoteness, river crossings, mosquitoes, and sudden mountain weather — and you'll be rewarded with a genuinely wild Yellowstone soak that few visitors ever experience.
Ashton to Tetonia Trail
Ashton, Idaho
0.7 miles NE of Ashton, IdahoThe Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation undertook the project to transform the old Teton Valley Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad from Ashton to Tetonia into a trail for bikes, ATVs, and snowmobiles, runners, cross-country skiers, and horses. The trail goes from Ashton to Tetonia and can be accessed via Ashton, Marysville, Bitch Creek, Felt, or Tetonia. Information can be found at kiosks in Marysville and at Bitch Creek.
Elevation Gain (Southbound): 787 ft
Length: 29.6 mi
Table Rock / Table Mountain
Driggs, Idaho
10.0 miles E of Driggs, IdahoAt roughly 11,100 feet, the flat-topped summit of Table Mountain serves up what many consider the single finest view of the Grand Teton anywhere — and one of the great day hikes on the quiet, western (Idaho) side of the range. From the broad mesa top you stand just far enough back to take in all three Teton peaks at once, yet close enough to pick out the detail on the Grand's sheer east face across the deep gulf of the canyon. It's a jaw-dropping payoff, and a hard-earned one.
The mountain holds a remarkable place in history. In 1872, pioneering survey photographer William Henry Jackson hauled his heavy glass-plate camera gear by mule to the top of Table Mountain and made the first photographs ever taken of the Grand Teton — images that helped introduce the range to the wider world and build support for protecting it. Jackson chose this peak precisely because its gentle western slopes could be reached without technical climbing, and that's still what makes the summit attainable for strong day hikers today.
The trailhead sits at the end of Teton Canyon Road outside Driggs and Alta, and nearly the entire route lies within the Jedediah Smith Wilderness of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. There are two main ways up, and both climb over 4,000 feet. The Face Trail is the steeper, shorter option (about 3.5 miles one way), skipping the switchbacks to head more or less straight up. The Huckleberry (North Fork) Trail is longer but far more gradual (about 6.5 miles one way), following and crossing the North Fork of Teton Creek — handy spots to filter water — through meadows and, in mid-to-late summer, ripe huckleberries for those who beat the crowds to the bushes. Many hikers link the two into a big loop of roughly 11–13 miles, and tough-but-knee-conscious hikers generally prefer to climb up the steep Face and come down the gentler Huckleberry, sparing their knees the pounding of a steep descent. The lower trail is a delight in its own right, tracing rushing Teton Creek past a string of waterfalls.
The wildflowers here are spectacular. As the snow recedes, Table Mountain's meadows erupt in color — sweeping displays of lupine, arrowleaf balsamroot, and Indian paintbrush, with columbine in the shadier pockets and delicate alpine blooms up high. In the Tetons the canyon meadows tend to peak from early-to-mid July, while the highest ground saves its show for late July into August; even when snow still blocks the upper trail, the lower meadows near the trailhead put on an easy, photogenic display. It's one of the finest wildflower hikes in the region.
This is high, exposed country, so plan accordingly. At over 11,000 feet the air is thin and the weather changes fast: afternoon thunderstorms build quickly over the peaks in summer, so start early and aim to be off the open summit by early afternoon. Table Mountain is enjoyed year-round — it's a popular snowshoe and backcountry-ski destination in the snowy months. If you're after dry summer hiking, though, know that you're likely to encounter snow on the upper mountain before mid-July: early-season snowfields often begin around 9,500 feet with larger patches up high, and the Huckleberry side can hold avalanche debris and downed trees until it melts out. It's frequently still passable with the right footwear — just come expecting it. Conditions are typically most reliably snow-free from about mid-July through September. It's also easy to lose the trail, especially on the descent, so pay attention to your route and carry a map or GPS. Keep an eye out for wildlife, too — moose are a common sight in the canyon, and the area is home to the occasional mountain lion.
Bring layers, sun protection, plenty of water (and a filter), and sturdy footwear for the long, steep grade. You can check current conditions on the webcams at tetoncam.com before you drive up. Backpackers sometimes camp in the meadows below the summit to catch the Grand at sunrise — an unforgettable sight — while following Leave No Trace and wilderness regulations. However you do it, Table Mountain earns its reputation: a leg-burning climb to a mesa in the sky, carpeted in wildflowers, with the Grand Teton filling the horizon just as it did for Jackson a century and a half ago.
Horseshoe Lake
Ashton, Idaho
18.3 miles E of Ashton, IdahoHorseshoe Lake is a tranquil, tucked-away gem hidden in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Ashton, in the Island Park country of eastern Idaho. Ringed by pines and dotted with lily pads, this peaceful little lake is a favorite for those who like their water quiet, clear, and free of the roar of motorboats — in fact, motorized boats aren't allowed, which keeps the whole place serene.
Getting there is easy: a well-maintained forest road leads to the lake, with plenty of pull-outs and parking once you arrive. The shoreline slopes in gradually, making it great for wading and easy for kids to splash around, while the middle deepens into water plenty deep enough for swimming, paddling, and a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. A youth camp maintains a floating dock out toward the center that's often open for anyone to use — a perfect launch pad for jumping into the cool water.
It's an ideal spot for paddling. Bring a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and you can glide across the glassy surface, weave among the lily pads, and explore the quiet coves at your own pace. Anglers do well here too, casting for trout in the calm water, and the surrounding forest offers dispersed camping for those who want to linger overnight under the stars.
Summer is the sweet spot, when the water warms up and the lily pads are in bloom. Pack a picnic, your paddle, and your swimsuit, and remember to pack out everything you bring in to keep this little lake as pristine as you found it.
Peaceful, scenic, and refreshingly uncrowded, Horseshoe Lake is the kind of hidden Idaho water that makes the search worthwhile.
Kelly Mountain Trail
Ririe, Idaho
8.2 miles E of Ririe, IdahoThe Kelly Mountain Trail climbs the slopes of Kelly Mountain in the Kelly Canyon area near Ririe, Idaho — a popular local recreation spot in the foothills east of Idaho Falls, best known for its small ski resort and its web of trails. This route switchbacks up the mountain to a summit that rewards the effort with sweeping views in every direction across the surrounding hills, forests, and the South Fork Snake River country below.
It's a moderate, mostly uphill trail of roughly 3 miles, gaining somewhere around 900 feet as it climbs through a diverse and pretty landscape — lush forest, wildflower meadows, and creekside stretches that make for good birdwatching and the occasional wildlife sighting. A couple of short, steeper “red-line” pitches get the heart pumping before the grade eases near the top. It's used by hikers, mountain bikers, and others depending on the season, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
An important note on trail status. Much of the Kelly Canyon trail network sits on U.S. Forest Service land, and not all of these routes are officially designated or sanctioned for every use. In particular, the status of mountain biking on some of this ground has been contested — riders have reported enforcement and the risk of steep fines — so if you plan to bike, check the current official trail designations and any posted signage before you ride rather than assuming access. For hikers on foot the situation is generally more straightforward, but it's always wise to confirm current conditions.
The area shines in summer and early fall, roughly June through September, when the wildflowers are out and the high country is dry; the same slopes turn into ski runs once the snow flies. Mornings are cooler and quieter, and the light on the surrounding hills is especially pretty early and late in the day.
The broader Kelly Canyon area is a genuine four-season playground. In winter the little Kelly Canyon Resort runs its lifts for skiing and tubing, and in the warmer months the surrounding hills draw hikers, riders, and ATV users onto a sprawling network of routes. That popularity is part of why the land-use questions matter here — a lot of people share this ground — so a little courtesy and a little homework go a long way toward keeping everyone welcome.
Come prepared for a foothills climb: bring plenty of water (there's little shade on the exposed upper switchbacks), sun protection, and sturdy footwear, and watch for afternoon heat in midsummer. Keep dogs leashed and under control, yield appropriately on shared sections, and pack out everything you bring. For a quick, rewarding leg-burner with big views close to Idaho Falls, Kelly Mountain is a longtime local favorite — just do your homework on current trail rules before you go.
Webster's Dam
Ririe, Idaho
9.8 miles NE of Ririe, IdahoAlso known as Manmade Falls or the Woodmansee Dam, Webster Dam is an abandoned dam located deep in Moody Creek canyon, the dam was abandoned when sediment built up behind the dam which then caused the stream to split and flow around both sides of the dam, creating two beautiful waterfalls each about 15 feet in height. This makes a fun evening trip and is good for almost any time of the year as well. It's beautiful in the spring with powerful falls from the spring runoff and in the fall, there are plenty of fall colors along the pole line trail and around the waterfalls. At the falls, you'll find two waterfalls coming over each end of the dam. On the south end of the dam there is a bridge that spans the creek on that side. There is a little island in the middle where you can sit on the rock wall and take in the whole scene.
There are two trails which weave back and forth a couple of times so you can really choose your route a little bit. The main parking area is at the top of the hill by pole line and that's also the most common trailhead. The pole line trail follows the ATV road with several ups and downs. For the most part its a fairly rounded out and bermed double track awesome for mountain bikes and ATVs. For much of it, there's a hiking trail that follows along the side of it. However you travel this trail, be very aware of other riders and hikers which can seem to appear out of nowhere. The trail continues along the power pole lines for just over 3/4 miles, then turns left just as the balls on the power lines come into view. After a couple hundred feet, you'll see the other trail merge into this one from the left and then take off again to the right about 150 yards later. Keep left on the "pole line trail" for a more gradual decent or go right on the "wooded trail" for a more adventurous and much steeper route. The pole line trail go out and hook back taking you straight to the falls.
The wooded trail trailhead is Northwest of the pole line trail. It's a less used ATV track that goes back and forth between the woods and the pole line until it merges with the pole line trail about 3/4 miles in, only to split to the right 150 yards later. In another 100 yards, you'll come across another junction; keep left. In another 150 yards it will come back together with the pole line trail and continue all the way to the falls. On the upper portions, this trail is has a lot fewer ups and downs making it a more gradual hike. After merging with the pole line trail though, this trail becomes the much steeper option.
Whichever of these 2 paths you choose, the last 1/3 mile descent is more like a chunky forest road than the double track above. It has some pretty steep parts, some chunky rock sections, and some rollers that make great mountain bike jumps. While it's a little steep and chunky, most intermediate riders should be able to handle it just fine. At the bottom just before the falls are some very large dirt jumps off to the side. The last 30 yards to the falls after the dirt jumps is much more janky, probably more like a black diamond on a bike but not too tricky to get down on foot.
The third option is much longer, starting at the warming cabin on Brown's Road. It's an intermediate trail to the creek and then a green (easy) trail along the creek to the dam.
A very popular route to do this on a mountain bike is to loop it starting either at the warming cabin or the top of the pole line and riding down the pole line to the waterfall and then out Mad Cow and up Cabin Climb to complete the loop.
This can be a great family hike. Plan on 2-4 hours to hike it with little ones, depending on how fast and tough they are.
Warm Slough Campground
Rexburg, Idaho
5.0 miles NW of Rexburg, IdahoThis is a pretty popular campsite that fills up pretty quick on busy weekends. Campsites are fairly spread out and there is no official donation box (as of July 2015). A couple of the campsites have picnic tables and there are several rock fire rings. There's also a restroom next to each boat ramp.
It's a popular put in and takeout spot on the river with two boat ramps, one on the creek and one on the river. There's also a pretty good spot to take out innertubes just under a mile downstream from the boatramp that's on the river, yet the boat ramp and takeout are only about 1000 feet away from each other which makes it really easy to do over and over again. There's another put-in further upstream that will almost double your float but also significantly increase your walk back. It's a pretty slow easy float and the water isn't super cold.
This used to be a popular spot for paintball which is now prohibited. Please take better care of the paintball fields we are permitted to use.
Cress Creek Nature Trail
Rexburg, Idaho
11.9 miles S of Rexburg, IdahoMeandering along the scenic South Fork of the Snake River, the beautiful 1¼ mile Cress Creek Nature Trail will lead you on a journey through sagebrush-grass communities, over juniper covered slopes, and along a lush perennial creek. Cress Creek derives its name from the watercress plant, a favorite food of the moose that live in this area. With clear skies, prepare for an expansive view of the Snake River, volcanoes and farmland. The site offers ample parking, restrooms and trail accessibility, which attract a wide spectrum of trail users to the area. You will become familiar with life in the Cress Creek area as it is now and as it was long ago. If you hike quietly you may see deer, rabbits, small lizards, or possibly an eagle or a moose. The nature trail is self-guided with many beautiful interpretive signs posted along the way to assist you. The first half-mile of the trail is accessible by wheelchair.
On the northeastern corner of the trail, there's an overlook trail. Parts of it are pretty nice like the rest of the loop but some is barely recognizable as a trail. Parts of the trail are steep and parts of it go over some pretty loose rock. It goes for about a ½ mile all the way to the top of the hill. Just below the rim, there are several really cool caves. From the top, you can see from Rexburg to Idaho Falls.
Palisades Hot springs
Swan Valley, Idaho
18.3 miles SE of Swan Valley, IdahoPalisades Hot Springs is one of eastern Idaho's more elusive soaks — a set of natural hot springs on the shore of the vast Palisades Reservoir, near Swan Valley on the Idaho–Wyoming border. Here's the catch that surprises many visitors: for most of the year, the springs are underwater, submerged beneath the reservoir that flooded this stretch of the Snake River when Palisades Dam was completed in 1957.
That's why so many people go looking and come away empty-handed. The hot water is real, but whether you can actually soak in it depends entirely on the reservoir's level. In seasons when the lake is drawn down low enough — typically late summer and fall, as irrigation demand shrinks it — the warm springs can re-emerge along the exposed shoreline, and lucky visitors find steamy water bubbling up where the lake bed meets the bank. When the reservoir is full, there's simply nothing to find.
Because of that, Palisades Hot Springs is best thought of as a conditional, hit-or-miss destination rather than a reliable soak. The springs are generally reached by boat across the reservoir to the right stretch of shore, so it's an outing that rewards local knowledge, low water, and a bit of luck. Check current reservoir levels before you build a trip around it — if the lake is high, save the hot-spring hunt for another year and simply enjoy Palisades Reservoir itself.
And there's plenty to enjoy. Palisades is a stunning 16,000-acre mountain reservoir with some 70 miles of shoreline, ringed by the peaks of the Snake River and Caribou ranges — a magnet for boating, paddling, camping, and fishing (it's known for cutthroat, lake trout, and kokanee). The scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile whether or not the springs are showing.
It's worth setting expectations about what “hot springs” means here. Even when the water is low enough to expose them, these are undeveloped natural seeps along a muddy, rocky reservoir shoreline — not tidy soaking pools. You may find pockets of pleasantly warm water mingling with the cold lake, but conditions vary wildly from year to year, and in high-water years the springs stay hidden entirely. Locals who've found them treasure the experience precisely because it's so unpredictable, and if a guaranteed soak is what you're after, eastern Idaho has far more reliable options — which makes this a fun bonus rather than the main event.
If you do go hunting for the hot water, come prepared for a full day on the lake: bring plenty of drinking water, sun protection, and a reliable way to navigate to the spot, watch the weather and boat traffic on the open reservoir, and temper your expectations. Palisades Hot Springs is less a sure thing than a fun local legend — a warm-water treasure the lake gives up only when conditions are just right.
Big Springs
Island Park, Idaho
7.6 miles NE of Island Park, IdahoThere's also a great little walking trail along the river with placards that tell about the ecosystem and history of the area. There's about a 1/2 mile that's paved and then a 1/2 mile of dirt trail. The trail is NOT a loop. The trailhead is on the South West side of the bridge. There's a great spot to feed the fish under the West side of the bridge so bring some quarters to buy fish food. The trail to Johnny Sack's Cabin is on the North Side of the Cabin.
Campground (Fee Required)
This campground Is located on the Ashton·lsland Park Ranger District, comprising nearly 650,000 acres of National Forest System lands. Numerous amenities are offered such as single and double sites which Includes fire rings. utlllty tables. picnic tables, and reslrooms. This campground is situated nen to the beautiful Henry's Fork shaded by Lodgepole Pines. Come In and relax with friends and family. Head on out and explore the Big Springs Interpretative Trail which starts at the bridge Just Outside the campground. Be sure to visit the historical Johnny Sack Cabin, offering a unique Insight Into the history of the Big Springs Area. Just follow the asphalt walkway which will take you to the cabin Just north of the campground. Explore the historical, cultural, geological, and recreational resources this area has to offer.
Take a scenic drive south along the Mesa Falls Scenic By·Way. Stop by the Mesa Falls Visitor Center for an interpretative tour and captivating view of Upper Falls. A two mile Interpretative hiking uall will offer you a view of Canyon Rim.
Length of Stay: Forest Order
Camping or occupying a Single site for a period longer than 16 consecutive days Is prohibited. After leaving a site, a minimum of 7 days Is required before any group or person(s) from that group may reoccupy their original location.
This limit of stay restriction Is necessary to reduce displacment of other Forest desiring to occupy a particular campsite, and reducing the opportunity for visitor or group of visitors from monopolizing a campsite for long periods time (in excess of 16 days).
Fire Safety: Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires
Make sure your fire is DEAD OUT
- NEVER leave a fire unattended.
- Keep your fires small. Firewood Is available for sale. See campground host.
- Check with campground host for current fire restrictions.
- Use existing fire rings. Scrape away litter end any other burnable material within a l0 foot-diameter circle surrounding the fire ring.
- Make sure all wood fits inside the fire ring.
- To put out a campfire, slowly pour water onto the fire and stir with a shovel until all material is cool to the touch.
- Do not bury your fire. The coals can smolder and re-ignite.
- Make sure the fire is dead out. Many wildfires have been caused by abandoned campfires.
Bear Country: Required Food Storage Order
Your Safety Is Important to Us
All food and other items that might attract bears must be stored where bears cannot access them at night and during the daytime when unattended. Attended means that a person is physically present within 100 feet and in direct sight of the food.
What are bear attractants?
- All food and anything that contacted food. This includes full or empty coolers, packaging, boxes, cans, bottles, dirty dishes and silverware, etc.
- All beverages and beverage containers, full or empty (including water)
- All garbage, food scraps, and cooking grease. Never dump grease, beverages, or scraps on the ground.
- Never leave garbage in your fire pit or outside.
- Pet food and pet food bowls.
- Gas cans.
- Grills. Burn grill for at least 5 minutes after use to get rid of any residues. Clorox the grease trap.
Anything with a strong odor is an attractant for bears. Attractants must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. If you are away from your campsite or asleep at night in your test/trailer/RV, these attractants MUST BE STORED. You may be fined if you do not properly store your attractants. If you cannot properly store your attractants, inform the campground host and a bear resistant container may be provided for you.
What is bear resistant storage?
Acceptable places to store and dispose of your attractants are inside a hard-sided trailer, an enclosed vehicle, inside a bear dumpster or trash can (this campground has bear-resistant dumpster). Coolers, tents, underneath your RV/trailer the back of pick-up trucks, boxes, beverage bottles, canned goods, soft-sided trailers, and other containers are not bear resistant. All garbage must go to bear-resistant dumpsters. Garbage must never be left outside unattended. If the dumpster is full, you must take your trash back with you and inform the campground host of the situation.
NOTICE: ATV and Motorcycle use is prohibited
ATVs and motorcycles are prohibited from use in this campground. The following are exempt:
- Licensed street legal motorcycles.
- Vehicles used by handicapped individuals.
- Vehicles used by campground hosts for their official duties.
ATVs and motorcycles may be trailered into the campground, kept in the campsite on a trailer, or parked at a location designated by the campground host.
Educate Yourself
Contact the Island Park or Ashton Ranger Station for information on which areas are open to ATVs.
If you have a Dog: Keep your pet secure at all times
In the national forest, you and your dog could meet people, horses, mountain bikes, ATVs, other dogs, and wild animals. Help make the outdoor experience enjoyable for you, your dog and all the forest's users by following these safety tips:
- Please remove all feces before vacating your site.
- Give your dog plenty of water and rest, and watch for signs of stress and fatigue.
- Keep your dog leashed and under control in campgrounds. Secure your pet in a shady spot and give it lots of attention to minimize barking.
- If you encounter wild animals, respect them by restraining your dog.
Fireworks are prohibited
Fireworks or other explosives are prohibited within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
Fishing Rules: A fishing license is required to fish in this forest
- A state fishing license is required to fish in this national forest.
- A fishing license can be purchased over-the-counter at various stores in the local area. For more information, contact Idaho Fish and Game.
Rexburg Nature Park
Rexburg, Idaho
0.8 miles NW of Rexburg, IdahoRexburg Nature Park:
Life can be stressful, annoying, or just not good. Sometimes, it takes a moment to simply get away from the non-sense of this world; to gather yourself and seek peace and tranquility. That option is around the corner; you drive and see a trail, so you park and walk on the trail. As you walk, there's trees and sunlight shining on the leaves. You walk further and see a pond with ducks (both green and brown) and families sitting on the green grass with their kids; they watch, feed the ducks and take pictures with a smile on their face.
You go back to your vehicle and reminisce what you saw. Close to the south fork of the Teton River, is a nature park that isn't crowded with college students or infested with incoming traffic but a 15 acre park that was made so you can take your family or acquaintances for a picnic or a social gathering and enjoy; you also have the option to ride your bike or to jog on the trails.
The park is next to the Claire Boyle skate park, a beautiful golf course next to the fairgrounds and a 9 hole Frisbee golf course.
Features:
-Playground for the kids
-Fishing ponds ( A valid fishing license is required); fishing ponds for children as well.
-Wildlife and wildflowers
For more information and questions:
| Phone | 208-359-3020 Ext. 0 |
|
customerservices@rexburg.org |
Twin Bridges
St. Anthony, Idaho
6.6 miles NE of St. Anthony, IdahoTwin Bridges is a beloved bridge-jumping and swimming spot on the river near St. Anthony, Idaho — a summer institution for families, teens, and college students across the upper Snake River Valley. The name comes from the setup: an old abandoned bridge stands right beside the one still in use, and the deep, slow water beneath the old span makes for about the best bridge jumping around, with no traffic to dodge and easy parking nearby.
The jumping is the main event, and it's well suited to a range of nerve. There are two distinct levels to leap from — a lower point around 11 feet and a higher one around 17 feet — so you can start small and work your way up, and the water below is plenty deep for cannonballs, flips, and gainers. Locals consider it about as good and as “reasonably safe” as bridge jumping gets, with one firm caveat: keep clear of the rocks along the sides, which can be exposed depending on the water level.
There's more to it than jumping. A little rope swing often hangs under the bridge — a favorite of the little kids — and a path up the river makes a good put-in for a short, mellow float back down. For families with young children, there's a sandbar on the north side just upstream of the action, perfect for wading and splashing away from the jumpers. The slow current is ideal for simply hanging out in the water while you watch your friends show off.
A fun local curiosity: downstream of the little rock dam on the north side lie the sunken remains of an old car, washed here after an accident years ago. When the water is low and clear you can spot its chrome bumper from the rocks and swim down for a look — a quirky bit of underwater sightseeing that regulars love.
Part of the appeal is how welcoming and community-minded the spot is. Generations of upper-valley families and Rexburg-area college students have made Twin Bridges their go-to summer swimming hole, and there's a friendly, everybody-shares-the-water vibe on a busy afternoon. It's the kind of simple, free, small-town summer pleasure that keeps people coming back week after week.
A few practical notes: it's a popular place, so expect a crowd on hot, sunny days and holidays — though it handles a lot of people well, and you rarely wait long to jump. Bring water shoes for the rocky spots, sun protection, and drinking water, always check the water depth and clear your landing before jumping (levels change through the season), keep an eye on kids near the current, and pack out all your trash. For a classic, easygoing eastern-Idaho swimming hole, Twin Bridges is hard to beat.
Goldbug (Elk Bend) Hot Springs
Salmon, Idaho
19.4 miles S of Salmon, IdahoGoldbug Hot Springs — also known as Elk Bend Hot Springs — is one of Idaho's most beloved backcountry soaks, a series of natural terraced pools tucked into a rugged canyon in the Salmon-Challis National Forest south of Salmon. Fed by hot water that spills down the hillside in steaming little waterfalls and mingles with a cold mountain creek, the pools offer a range of temperatures and a postcard-perfect setting that makes the uphill hike more than worth it.
Reaching the springs is a rewarding adventure: a roughly 2-mile climb each way (about 4 miles round trip) up the Warm Springs Trail, gaining a good chunk of elevation as it follows the creek into the canyon. The payoff is a cluster of rock-rimmed pools perched on the hillside, where you can soak in the warm water and gaze out over the wild Idaho mountains.
An important access note: the first quarter-mile of trail crosses private property, with public access provided by an easement — and the limited parking at the trailhead is on private land too. Please respect the privilege: keep dogs leashed across the private stretch, don't block driveways, follow posted signs, and pack out absolutely everything so this access stays open for everyone.
The trailhead is about 23 miles south of Salmon on Highway 93, just south of Elk Bend (turn east onto Warm Springs Road near milepost 282 and follow the dirt road to its end). The springs can be enjoyed year-round, though the trail is hot and exposed in summer and can be icy in winter, so bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and a headlamp if you'll be out past dark. Soak in, tread lightly, and savor one of Idaho's finest wild hot springs.
Monkey Rock
Saint Anthony, Idaho
4.1 miles SE of Saint Anthony, IdahoMonkey Rock features a beautiful waterfall you can wade right up to during the summer. Just under the waterfall is a great spot to wade around in or even some shallow swimming pretty good for small children. Maybe you just want to take advantage of the great bank to bask in the summer sun. The water temperature is fairly cool, which by no means is unwelcomed during the hot summer months. You'll get used to the water fairly quickly once you're in. The waterfall is a fun feature at Monkey Rock, not to mention a popular engagement photo backdrop. The name "Monkey Rock" is derived from the "monkeys" who jump off the rocks at the top of the falls to the pool below. Though not a great height, it's important to be careful and only jump into areas clear of rocks and other hazards and where the water is deep enough that you won't hit bottom when you jump. There really isn't a safe spot to jump from the falls as it doesn't usually get more than 5 feet deep.
The real jumping location is off the Hog Hollow Bridge up the road from the waterfall.
PLEASE NOTE: On the roads leading to Monkey Rock, the speed limit is 35 mph for the last mile. There are kids, cows, horses, and dogs along that road and many people tend to speed going to and from Monkey Rock. Please slow down and stay safe.
Teton Springs Trail
Victor, Idaho
2.1 miles S of Victor, IdahoTeton Springs Loop is a loop for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The loop is connected to the Teton Springs Resort, but is open to the public for free access. The trail starts on the South side of the Teton Springs Resort East Parking Lot.
The loop is 5.5 miles long with very little elevation change. It is a great place for beginners to practice snow shoeing and cross-country skiing. Teton Springs Loop loops around what during summer months is Teton Springs Golf Course.
The loop is frequented by many types of wildlife. Elk, moose and water fowls are frequently seen near the trail.
Teton Springs Loop is a wonderful trail for those in search of a wintertime adventure. It is easily accessible from the Rexburg and Idaho Falls Areas. This easy access makes this a wonderful way to connect with nature in the cold.
Trail Map: Teton_Springs_Map_2015.pdf
Grooming Report: http://tvtap.org/nordic-grooming
Driggs Nordic Trail
Driggs, Idaho
0.9 miles NE of Driggs, IdahoThe Driggs Nordic Trail is a friendly, in-town cross-country ski network right in Driggs, Idaho, in the heart of the Teton Valley — a perfect place to click into skis for an easy glide with the jagged backside of the Tetons rising on the horizon. Groomed and beginner-friendly, it's a local favorite for a quick ski before work, a family outing, or a first taste of Nordic skiing without heading into the backcountry.
The trail system offers three loops totaling about 6 kilometers, most of it pleasantly flat and forgiving, with just a few small hills along the North Plateau loop for a bit of variety. That gentle terrain makes it ideal for newcomers, kids, and anyone looking for a relaxed workout on classic or skate skis. Dogs are welcome, too, as long as they're kept under control and within voice command — a rare and appreciated perk on groomed Nordic trails.
You'll find the trailhead parking area on the east side of Booshway Avenue, between LeGrand Pierre Avenue and Ross Avenue — an easy, central location just minutes from downtown Driggs. Because it's right in town, it's simple to pair a ski with a stop for coffee or a bite afterward.
The trails are lovingly maintained by Teton Valley Trails and Pathways (TVTAP), a local nonprofit that grooms the community's winter trails — typically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays as conditions allow. Because that grooming runs on donations and volunteer effort, it's worth checking TVTAP's current grooming report before you head out, and chipping in a few dollars to support the work that keeps these trails skiable.
The Driggs Nordic Trail is just one thread in Teton Valley's rich winter-trail network. TVTAP grooms a whole system of community pathways around Driggs, Victor, and Alta, and the world-class terrain of Grand Targhee Resort and the groomed roads of Teton Canyon are a short drive away for those wanting bigger days and bigger views. That makes the in-town trail a great warm-up or an easy default when time is short — and a welcoming place for visitors staying in Driggs to find their ski legs before venturing farther afield. On a bluebird winter day, with the Tetons glowing to the east, it's hard to beat.
Come prepared for winter in the high valley: dress in layers you can shed as you warm up, bring water and sun protection (the mountain sun is strong off the snow), and check conditions, since freshly groomed corduroy versus icy or wind-scoured snow makes a big difference. The season generally runs from about December into March, depending on snowpack. Whether you're learning to ski, keeping the kids busy, or just soaking in those Teton views on a crisp winter morning, the Driggs Nordic Trail is one of Teton Valley's easiest and most welcoming winter escapes.
